<p>For off-campus housing, would you say there are more houses or more apartments available? Which of the two are more popular among students? </p>
<p>I don’t know which is more popular but USC has an Off Campus Student Services that offers a wealth of information: <a href=“Off-Campus Living & Neighborhood Relations - Off-Campus Living & Neighborhood Relations | University of South Carolina”>Off-Campus Living & Neighborhood Relations - Off-Campus Living & Neighborhood Relations | University of South Carolina;
<p>For what it’s worth, my son signed a lease at Garnet River Walk with 3 of his friends, and beforehand we talked about the idea of renting a house instead but they all liked the amenities and social aspect of an apartment vs. a house. There are quite a bit of apartments in the area … we went down before he signed the lease and toured 5 or 6 of them and thankfully our favorite was the same as theirs (son & friends). </p>
<p>There’s another related thread I started earlier that has a lot more information on off campus housing- check that out too:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-south-carolina-columbia/1571988-off-campus-housing-recommendations.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-south-carolina-columbia/1571988-off-campus-housing-recommendations.html#latest</a></p>
<p>We were told by the off campus housing department that it is against the law for more than 3 unrelated people to live together in the state of South Carolina in a single dwelling (a house). But they said your student will tell ypu “everyone does it”. Which is exactly what my dd said to me. She is living in her sorority house next year so we will have to really look into it next year. </p>
<p>Yeah, I seem to recall hearing that as well. In fact, that might have been another reason the boys opt for an apartment b/c they didn’t want to leave anyone out of their group. </p>
<p>One benefit of apartment is that lots of the complexes geared to students do individual leases and include some/all utilities. That saves hassle of what to do if someone moves out and sticks you with total cost and simplifies bill paying. But it also means if you and friends don’t fill up apartment or if one of people moves, the complex can put some random person in there. Coleman, my niece has liked Garnet River Walk - hasn’t been perfect since she’s been given roommates but SIL has found management pretty responsive and she has pretty high standards.</p>
<p>Be sure and find out up front if management of apartment or house allows subletting for summer or study abroad term. Many do, but some only if the complex is full. We have D is off campus housing at another school and she can’t sublet - we’ve paid for lots of months when she wasn’t even there.</p>
<p>Both are quite common, though I’d say most tend to live in apartments. There are really nice neighborhoods near campus though where living in a house is really a viable option.</p>
<p>I do know a lot of people who live in houses with more than three people and I personally, have never heard of any problems.</p>
<p>Fortunately, housing in Columbia is pretty reasonable and there is a huge variety of options that fits for everyone. Some people want to live within walking distance while others want a lot of space. Some want to be in a quieter more family neighborhood, while others prefer being surrounded by other students and always being near the social scene. There’s pretty much something for everyone and the prices are really good if you can get two or three people together.</p>
<p>My friends and I decided that we didn’t want to live in student housing, so we’re living in an apartment complex near USC, but it is not specifically geared towards students. There are families, young couples, older people, and students living there.</p>
<p>Ok, I have a question on this- My S and 3 of his friends signed leases for a 4 BR at Garnet Riverwalk… but one of the friends is not coming back now due to grades (didn’t make the required 3.0 to keep the OoS scholarship). Based on the contract he / his parents are on the hook for that rent unless he can find someone else to take it on, which he hasn’t as of yet. I realize they are individual leases thus does not affect the others but still curious, how difficult - or easy is it to get out of that lease if needed? My H seems to think they can just get a lawyer and get out of it but if it were that easy, everyone would be doing that and I would imagine this is a common occurrence when you sign these leases well before the move-in time to ensure your spot. </p>
<p>I’ll jump in on this one, coleman4. Just hiring a lawyer probably won’t get the family off of the hook for rent. I would imagine the lease is pretty airtight. The landlord does have an obligation to “mitigate damages,” which means it needs to use reasonable efforts to find another tenant for the room. Of course, that might mean that your S and his 2 friends end up with a stranger as a roommate. It would behoove the guys to look hard to find somebody of their liking to fill the space. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks doubledad… that’s what I figured. They had to secure these leases so early (by end of 1st semester to ensure they got a 4 BR) that I REALLY stressed the importance of keeping grades up to my S, who has to keep his grades up anyway b/c of the competitive program he’s in. I certainly did not want to be on the hook for a 12 month lease if he wouldn’t be returning… thankfully, my S actually has great grades, but I feel for the friend and his parents. </p>
<p>As of today, still no replacement. I told my S they should be shopping for a replacement so they’d have someone they know but I don’t think they’re thinking of it that way. As he said, a stranger is no different than meeting your dorm mate for the first time. Should be interesting for sure. Been there, done that! </p>