Singley Apartments: What to Know About This On-Campus Housing at USC

Singley Apartments is USC's graduate and family housing on the Horseshoe

Singley Apartments sits on the University of South Carolina's historic Horseshoe campus and houses graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and families affiliated with the university. The complex consists of one- and two-bedroom units designed for residents who need on-campus living but are beyond the traditional undergraduate residence hall stage. It is one of several housing options USC maintains for students and scholars beyond first-year housing.

The apartments occupy a central location within walking distance of the university's main academic buildings, libraries, and student services. This proximity matters for graduate students managing research schedules and teaching assistantships, and for families who want to be embedded in campus life without the commute from off-campus rentals.

Key Takeaways

• Singley Apartments house graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and families, with one- and two-bedroom floor plans available.
• The complex is located on USC's Horseshoe, the historic heart of campus, within walking distance of academic and research facilities.
• Housing through Singley is managed by USC's Department of Housing and Residential Life, which handles all leasing and resident services.
• Residents must maintain current affiliation with the university—graduate enrollment, postdoctoral status, or family membership tied to a USC employee or student.

Who can live at Singley Apartments

Singley Apartments prioritize graduate students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees at USC. Postdoctoral researchers working within university departments also have access to the housing. Families of graduate students and university employees may occupy units when space permits, though priority typically goes to individual graduate students and postdocs.

To live at Singley, you must maintain active affiliation with the university. This means being enrolled as a graduate student, holding a postdoctoral appointment, or being a dependent of someone with that status. USC's Department of Housing and Residential Life verifies this affiliation annually, so your housing depends on continued enrollment or employment status.

Floor plans and unit types

Singley offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. One-bedroom units typically accommodate a single graduate student or a couple. Two-bedroom units serve families, roommate pairs, or graduate students who need a separate workspace for research or teaching preparation. Each unit includes a kitchen, bathroom, and living area; some units have additional features like patios or balconies depending on building location.

The apartments are unfurnished, so residents bring or rent their own furniture. Utilities—water, sewer, and trash—are typically included in rent, though you should confirm the current lease terms with Housing and Residential Life. Heating and cooling costs may be billed separately or included depending on the lease year.

How to request housing at Singley

Housing requests go through USC's Department of Housing and Residential Life, which manages all on-campus residential options. Graduate students and postdocs submit housing requests during designated periods each academic year, usually in the spring for the following fall. The department prioritizes requests based on enrollment status, seniority, and housing need.

Because Singley is limited in size and serves multiple populations, not every request results in placement there. The department may offer alternative graduate housing if Singley is full. You can contact Housing and Residential Life directly to learn about current availability and the timeline for the next housing request period.

Lease terms and costs

Singley leases typically run for one academic year, though some residents negotiate summer extensions. Rent varies by unit size and building; two-bedroom units cost more than one-bedroom units. The university adjusts rent annually, so costs change from year to year. You should request a current rent schedule from Housing and Residential Life to budget accurately.

Leases include standard terms about maintenance responsibilities, quiet hours, and guest policies. Residents are responsible for keeping units in good condition and reporting maintenance issues promptly. Damage beyond normal wear and tear may result in charges deducted from your security deposit.

Amenities and services for residents

Singley residents have access to on-campus facilities including the library system, recreation centers, and dining options. The Horseshoe location puts you near the Russell House, USC's student center, which hosts events and services. Graduate students can use departmental facilities and research spaces as part of their enrollment.

Housing and Residential Life provides maintenance and emergency services for all residents. If your apartment needs repairs, you submit a work order through the housing portal or by phone. For emergencies—burst pipes, electrical hazards, or safety concerns—call the residential life emergency line, which operates 24/7.

Living on the Horseshoe as a graduate student

The Horseshoe is the original campus of the University of South Carolina, dating to 1801. Living there as a graduate student or researcher places you in the geographic and historical center of the university. You are steps from the South Caroliniana Library, the historic Horseshoe Lawn, and many academic departments. This setting appeals to students who want immersion in campus culture and scholars who benefit from proximity to their research facilities.

The Horseshoe also hosts university events, outdoor concerts, and gatherings throughout the year. Residents have front-row access to these activities and to the daily rhythm of campus life. For some graduate students, especially those from out of state or international scholars, this integration into campus community matters as much as the housing itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live at Singley if I'm an undergraduate?

Singley is reserved for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and families. Undergraduate students live in other residence halls on campus. If you are a graduate student, you are welcome to request Singley housing through the standard process.

What happens to my housing if I graduate or leave the university?

Your lease ends when your affiliation with the university ends. If you graduate mid-year, your housing typically terminates at the end of that lease period. You should notify Housing and Residential Life of your departure date as soon as you know it so they can plan for the unit's next occupant.

Are pets allowed at Singley Apartments?

Pet policies vary by lease year and building. Some units allow service animals without restriction, while others may permit pets with a fee or deposit. Contact Housing and Residential Life to learn the current pet policy for Singley before you sign a lease.

Can I request a specific roommate or unit location?

Housing and Residential Life accepts roommate requests and will try to honor them if both parties submit matching requests. Specific unit location requests are noted but not may provide, especially if space is limited. Submit your preferences when you request housing, and the department will do its best to accommodate them.

Is there a waiting list if Singley is full?

Yes. If Singley reaches capacity, Housing and Residential Life maintains a waiting list and may offer you alternative graduate housing on or near campus. You can ask to be placed on the waiting list and will be contacted if a unit becomes available during the year.