The University of South Carolina itself is in downtown Columbia. Downtown Columbia runs from the Congaree River to Devine Street and includes neighborhoods such as Five Points, Olympia, Shandon, and Congaree Vista, with Rosewood located just outside the downtown city limits. Many U of SC students live in these neighborhoods, which are all within walking distance of campus.

The Five Points neighborhood is located just east of the Columbia campus and includes many restaurants and wall murals and is nestled right between Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Maxcy Gregg Park. The Station at Five Points is an apartment complex located in Five Points and is within walking distance of campus.

Olympia-Granby is another neighborhood near the U of SC Columbia campus and there are many apartment buildings located in this neighborhood including Olympia Mills and Granby Mills. Students can walk, bike, or bus to campus easily from Olympia. The Williams-Brice Stadium is also right next to Olympia which is great for U of SC football fans.

On the western side of downtown Columbia is Congaree Vista, a cultural district located along Gervais Street. There are several apartments available in “The Vista” area including the Vista Lofts, The Rapids Apartments, and the Waverly Place apartments. Additionally, there are many nightlife activities in The Vista area -- U of SC students love hanging out here!

Many U of SC students also live in apartments located on the east side of the University of South Carolina campus itself. Apartment complexes in this area include the Greene Crossing Apartments, 650 Lincoln, The Lofts at USC, and more. These apartments are near Greek Village and are also within close distance to the Vista.

In addition to these neighborhoods, there are several other neighborhoods within Columbia that are within walking distance of campus. Other neighborhoods include Rosewood, Shandon, Arsenal Hill, and Waverly and they also offer a wide variety of housing options for students. Additional apartment complexes that may work for U of SC students include The Retreat at Columbia, The Orchard Columbia, Stadium Suites and more.

Dining

There are many restaurants and dining options to choose from in Columbia. On the University of South Carolina campus itself, students frequently purchase food from Russell House. Some popular options there include Panera, Pei Wei, and Chick-fil-A.

Cantina 76 is a Mexican-inspired restaurant with multiple locations in the Columbia area. U of SC students enjoy their quality food and affordable prices! Tios Mexican Cafe & Cantina is another popular choice for students craving something spicy. This restaurant is located on Sumter Street right near The Horseshoe. Hibachi House, which offers Japanese cuisine, is also located nearby on Main Street.

Restaurants and bars located in The Vista are good options for U of SC students as well. Sakitumi Grill and Sushi Bar serves sushi and cocktails in a high-energy atmosphere. Blue Marlin Grill Marks emphasizes cuisine of Southern Low Country. Grill Marks offers gourmet burgers, milkshakes, and a full-service bar. Wild Wing Cafe and World of Beer are other popular choices. Whether students are looking for a deli/cafe, seafood, steak, dessert, or coffee, they are sure to find at least a few different options for each in The Vista.

Transportation

The University of South Carolina has partnered with the COMET to offer students an excellent shuttle service with 30 locations across the Columbia campus. There are 10 daytime routes and two evening routes for students' convenience. All services are free with a Carolina Card.

U of SC also offers safety shuttles and late-night rides. Students can call Rides On-Demand (803-777-1080) for rides 6 pm-12:30 am. Alternatively, students can request a Late-Night Shuttle (803-777-3351) for rides 12:30 am-6:30 am or Evening Van Rides (803-777-3825) for rides 8 pm-12 am. These services are complimentary and available Monday through Friday when classes are in session.

Students can use the Columbia to Charlotte Shuttle as well. This shuttle service takes students to/from anywhere on the Columbia campus to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport for $55 each way. CarShare with Enterprise is another option for students (though currently suspended due to COVID-19). Students can sign up for this service for a $32 application fee that is then turned into a $32 driving credit. Students must be 18 or older to sign up for this service. In general, the University of South Carolina recommends students register for The COMET's DART (Dial A Ride Transit) program.

Parking

Anyone parking in the garages or lots on the U of SC campus must have a permit clearly displayed on the driver's side of the rear window of the vehicle. Students should contact the university to inquire about obtaining a parking permit. General Parking permits typically cost $110 per year while Garage Parking permits typically cost $400 per semester. There are also metered and hourly parking options available; these do not require a permit.

The campus itself has five parking garages and two parking lots accessible to students. Students with a valid parking permit may also park in Faculty/Staff-designated areas after hours between 5 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday and between 5 p.m. Friday through 7:30 a.m. Monday with one area exception.

Safety

The University of South Carolina is deeply committed to student safety. In addition to Safe Transportation services, there are several hundred Emergency Call Boxes located across campus to connect students directly with USCPD dispatchers. Law enforcement professionals are on duty around the clock to ensure a safe and secure campus environment. Students, faculty, and staff should also register for Carolina Alerts. This system provides up-to-date campus safety news to all.

Shopping

There are many grocery stores, convenience stores, local shops, and shopping centers located near the Columbia campus. Soda City Market is a popular choice. Open on Saturdays between 9 am-1 pm, Soda City brings 150 vendors together each week with a database of over 400 vendors' total.

Clothing stores like Urban Outfitters, Imagine This Boutique, and Granger Owings can all be found in The Vista area along Gervais Street. Publix Super Market is also located nearby as well as Food Lion. The Market Place Shopping Center and Main Street shopping malls are good options too.

Other larger stores are located a bit further away from campus. These include the Rosewood Shopping Center, Kroger, Whole Foods Market, and more. Whatever students need, they are likely to find it at the University of South Carolina.