As a USC senior and out-of-state student, I know how tough it can be to find the perfect home away from home. I’ve lived in three different apartments and visited countless others through friends, so I’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t—when searching for housing in Columbia.

To help make the process easier, here are two essential resources for finding the right place:

1. Zillow/Apartments.com

If your student is looking for off-campus housing, Zillow and Apartments.com are great places to start. Both sites have tons of listings from local landlords and realtors who cater to USC students. Whether they’re looking for an apartment, townhouse, or rental home near campus, these platforms make it easy to compare options, prices, and amenities. Checking regularly can help your student find the perfect spot before it’s gone!

2. Dean’s List Pro Concierge Service – Our Concierge Team Finds Your Student’s Home

Wish you were in Columbia to help your student find the right place?

Finding off-campus housing in Columbia can feel like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be. With our Concierge team, we take the stress out of the search by helping students find the best places to live- whether it’s an apartment, townhouse, or rental home.

Our team will meet with you and your family to find out what they want, and then find you 2-3 homes to choose from. We do this because we have relationships with trusted landlords and also know where all of the bodies are buried with apartment complexes and some iffy landlords. 

Plus, we get access to off-market listings because of our community, so we can often help you find a diamond in the rough. 

So if your student is struggling to find housing, we’re here to help! Sign up below to join our Dean’s List Pro Community and get VIP access to concierge-level support so your student isn't calling you in the fall with tears in their eyes. 😂