I have lived in Columbia much of my life and never go the large apartment complex route. I find that they are mostly geared toward undergrads and I have never been impressed with them (except for a few pricey complexes further from campus), just personal preference. I have found a few rental companies that rent townhomes and apartments for decent prices. Many of these rentals are close to campus but still on quiet, residential streets. Check out Cantey Company (cantey.com) or Hubbard Bowers (hubbardbowers.com), you might find something there...also check out craigslist. The Rosewood area is decent and close to campus (but gets a bit sketchy the closer you get to Shop Rd, Shandon is definitely the nicer neighborhood downtown but can be more expensive. Main St, Earlewood neighborhoods vary from street to street but definitely have rough spots. Hope this helps.

Late to the game but I toured the school last week. I didn't have a chance to go to the ASD but I was impressed on my tour. My question is I'm out of state (from east TN) so I would like the option of relocating if I happen to not like the state. Does anyone have any information on where graduates go who don't stay in SC go usually. Also, when you say USC is insular do you mean its difficult to come into the state from a different law school or its difficult to leave the state from USC? Thanks ahead of time I really was impressed with the everything about the school but I'm very unfamiliar with SC the state.

Does anyone know of a facebook group for admitted students who plan to attend USC in the fall? I'm trying to find a roommate for next year to try and save some money. I really don't want to take a lot out in loans. If there isn't a group, I will definitely look into creating one.

I don't know of a facebook group. I would be interested in joining if created.

Okay everyone,

For those of you who have decided that USC is where you will attend next fall, I have made a Facebook group for everyone to interact with one another, share information, and find roommates. As of right now, no one is in the group, so feel free to repost the link where ever you think admitted students will see it.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/264748926948582/

CHHILMAN and anyone else who has visited- what was campus like? i am planning to visit, but won't be able to for a couple of weeks. I am from NC, but don't know anything about Columbia...any insight? thanks!

Hey man,

I am also from NC. I went to undergrad at NC State. Columbia, in my opinion, was a pretty cool place. It has its good and bad areas, as any city does. The streets are lined with palm trees and the city has a very old south feel to it. It is a very historical city and campus, built in 1803. The law school itself is nothing to be extremely impressed with, in fact it is somewhat old. The library is nice (3-story and lots of reference). After visiting, I was definitely sold. I didn't have enough time to get enough information on apartment complexes in the area. I would like to try and find a roommate to cut down on expenses. I would definitely recommend visiting first. The Old South appeal isn't for everyone, but the campus--in my opinion--is amazing. As a law student, we do get all access to everything the undergraduates do (even sporting events). There aren't really any good parallels between Columbia and any NC cities. If I had to say something, I would say it has the feel of Wilmington with the job market somewhere between Raleigh and Charlotte.

Of course, these are just my opinions.

I agree that Columbia definitely has an Old South feel to it. Everyone I've met at the law school, on campus, and else where in Columbia was very friendly and welcoming. I also agree that the building is nothing special, but the programs the school offers seem to make up for it. I've looked around a little bit at apartments (the ones I've toured were pretty nice). I'm also looking for a roommate, but so far it seems like there are options no matter what type of living situation you're looking for. I am pretty certain I will be happy with my decision to spend the next three years there.

When is the expected start date for the new building?

You'd probably have to ask the legislature that. I'd bet on it being sometime between now and never. I doubt you're going to get more specific than that.

Agreed. During my tour, several people asked that question. Apparently, they have only met half of their campaign goal to raise enough money for it. The legislature has been pretty slow to respond. Not to mention, the business school just broke ground on a brand new facility. It most certainly will not be during our stay at USC. So if you are counting on that in making your decision, I would suggest otherwise.

I was there today. I was told they hope to have it done by 2017.

It appears my doubts were unfounded then.

So is there any kind of accepted students website? I haven't found anything on the schools website. I'm also trying to figure out my housing situation for next year, looking to room with some other Law folks. All the apartments look like undergrad playpens though and I've had my fill of that. Are houses definitely the way to go?

I'm also looking for a roommate and there are some better apartments that are near the USC Medical School, about 5 miles from the law school. The rent out that way is much cheaper than the places immediately near campus if you are looking to cut down on expenses.

I've made this facebook group as well (http://www.facebook.com/groups/264748926948582/). So far I think it has two people in it. I don't really know how else to reach out to people, but I also would like to find a roommate and a decently priced apartment/house somewhere in nicer part of Columbia.

Ive contacted a couple of places around the law center. The closest is the Wilshire House (2 blocks), followed by The Lofts (4 blocks), and a soon to be built complex called Palms on Main. Also, I know Cornell Arms is rather close and runs about 650-700$ for a 1br/1ba.

You guys know of any others?

You do not want to live near the med school. My boyfriend did that his 1L year and said that was not a good choice. It took him about 30 minutes to get to the law school. Plus most people live near 5 Points/Vista so when you go out, you won't have anyone to share a cab with. I would not live in an apartment complex. The ones that are targeted towards students are filled with undergrads. Cornell Arms is a shitty apartment complex in a great location but it is still shitty. I think Vista Commons has a lot of law school students. Not really sure if they have vacancies/how much it is. I really would suggest getting a house in Shandon or Rosewood with roommates. That is what most people end up doing.

Has anyone received a financial aid packet yet? I received a scholarship 'waitlist' notice a few weeks ago but haven't heard anything since...

I have received and completed my financial aid stuff. It's through their VIP website, if you've filled out the FAFSA for them.

vip.sc.edu

Scholarships, I couldn't tell you. I got mine in the first round of selection.

For those of you that are looking for apartments- The Wilshire House is one pretty good recommendation. The condos at the Wilshire House are individually owned so some are much nicer than others. Many of them have been renovated in recent years by their owners to include granite countertops and hardwoods if you get lucky. They also have a lower level covered parking garage and an upper level that is gated (with a sway bar at least). My in-laws owned one while my wife was in pharmacy school in Cola and it was a nice place to live. Another option is to definitely check into some of large houses in the downtown area that have been renovated and converted into apartments.

Will most likely be attending...unless by some miracle I get off the UNC waitlist.

I will be looking for a roommate(s). I am 25 f and from NC. If anyone is interested, PM me!

Withdrew today, good luck everyone

I'll be there in the fall, unless UT pulls me from the waitlist. I've read over the housing options listed so far but if anyone has any others I'm all ears.

So has anyone gotten any financial aid emails?