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The Rowan at USC: Student Housing Near Campus

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What The Rowan offers and where it sits

The Rowan by Campus Advantage is a student housing community located at 1400 Sumter Street in Columbia, about a ten-minute walk from the University of South Carolina's campus. The building opened in 2019 and is managed by Campus Advantage, a company that operates student housing across the United States. The Rowan houses undergraduate and graduate students in a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans, with furnished units and common areas designed for student life.

The location puts residents within walking distance of the Horseshoe, USC's historic central campus, and close to the Five Points neighborhood where students gather for restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The building itself sits on a block that has become increasingly developed for student housing and mixed-use development in recent years.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rowan is a managed student housing building on Sumter Street, about a ten-minute walk from USC's main campus.
  • Units range from one to four bedrooms and come furnished, with lease terms typically aligned to the academic year.
  • The building includes common spaces like a fitness center, study areas, and a ground-floor lounge for resident events.
  • Rent varies by unit type and lease length; you can contact Campus Advantage directly or visit the leasing office on-site to see current pricing and floor plans.
  • Parking is available but may be an additional cost depending on your lease agreement.

Unit types and what's included

The Rowan offers floor plans ranging from one-bedroom studios to four-bedroom apartments. Most units come furnished, meaning beds, desks, and living room furniture are already in place when you move in. This setup is common in student housing because it reduces the logistics of moving and allows residents to leave furnished pieces behind at the end of the lease.

Each unit includes a kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom, and climate control. Larger units have multiple bathrooms corresponding to the number of bedrooms. Appliances, internet, and trash removal are typically included in rent, though you should confirm what's covered in your specific lease. Some units may have balconies or patios, depending on floor and layout.

Common spaces and amenities

The building includes a fitness center with cardio and weight equipment, a study lounge with high-speed internet and quiet areas for coursework, and a ground-floor community room used for resident events and social gatherings. There is also outdoor space on the property, including a courtyard area where residents can gather.

Campus Advantage typically staffs a leasing office on-site during business hours, and maintenance staff are available for repairs and maintenance requests. The building has a package room for mail and deliveries, which is useful given the volume of packages students receive during the semester.

Lease terms and move-in timing

Leases at The Rowan are usually structured around the academic calendar, with terms beginning in August and ending in July or May, depending on whether you sign for a full year or just the academic year. Some residents sign shorter leases or summer-only agreements if they don't plan to stay year-round. Lease length affects monthly rent, so a twelve-month lease typically costs less per month than a nine-month lease for the same unit.

Move-in dates are coordinated with the academic calendar. Fall move-in typically occurs in mid-August, before classes begin. If you're a graduate student or returning resident, you may have flexibility to move in at other times, but availability depends on the leasing calendar and current occupancy.

Parking and transportation

Parking is available at The Rowan, though it may be an additional monthly cost beyond base rent. Some leases include one parking spot; additional spots or premium spots (like covered parking) may cost extra. Given the building's proximity to campus and the Five Points area, many residents find they don't need a car, and the cost of parking plus insurance and gas can add up quickly.

The location is also served by COMET, Columbia's public transit system, with bus stops nearby. Biking is another option for getting to campus and around the neighborhood. If you do have a car, confirm parking availability and cost before signing your lease, as this can be a significant part of your monthly housing budget.

How to contact The Rowan and tour the building

The leasing office is located on-site at 1400 Sumter Street. You can visit in person during business hours to see floor plans, ask questions about lease terms, and tour a model unit. Campus Advantage also maintains a website for The Rowan where you can view photos, floor plans, and current availability.

If you're interested in leasing, the leasing team can walk you through the process, explain what's included in rent, and answer questions about move-in costs, parking, and lease terms. It's worth visiting in person or calling ahead to confirm office hours, especially during busy leasing seasons in spring and early summer when many students are signing leases for the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Rowan pet-friendly?

Pet policies vary and depend on your specific lease. Contact the leasing office directly to learn about current pet rules, any breed or size restrictions, and whether pet fees apply. Some student housing communities allow pets with additional deposits or monthly fees; others do not allow them at all.

What utilities are included in rent?

Internet, trash removal, and water are typically included in rent at The Rowan. Electricity and gas may or may not be included depending on your lease agreement. Ask the leasing office for a breakdown of what's covered in your specific unit before you sign, so you know what additional costs to expect each month.

Can I break my lease early?

Early lease termination policies vary. Some leases allow you to break early with a penalty; others do not. Campus Advantage can explain the specific terms in your lease and what happens if you need to leave before the lease end date. It's important to understand this before signing, especially if your circumstances might change.

How far is The Rowan from USC's main campus?

The Rowan is about a ten-minute walk from the Horseshoe and USC's central campus. The exact distance depends on which building you need to reach, but most classes and facilities are within a fifteen-minute walk. This makes it one of the closer off-campus housing options to the university.

When does leasing for next year typically open?

Student housing leasing for the following academic year usually opens in late fall or early winter — often November or December. Leasing fills quickly, especially for popular buildings and floor plans. If you know you want to live at The Rowan, contacting the leasing office in fall gives you the best selection of available units.