As USC’s campus slowly expands towards the Congaree River, private companies have been quick to capitalize on the growing need for student living space close to campus.
10 separate student housing projects are currently in the planning stage, many of which are clustered near Blossom and Assembly streets, within walking distance of campus.
The sheer number of these projects — and their close proximity to each other — reflects a general confidence that the growing number of USC students (particularly upperclassmen) will be drawn to close-to-campus housing.
There are a number of potential benefits for students here. Living within walking distance means forgoing parking fees and makes having a car an option rather than a necessity.
Also, it would limit the number of upperclassmen dependent on commuting to campus. In the past, increased traffic during USC football games, the state fair and stopped trains have prevented off-campus commuters from getting to class.
The biggest and most obvious advantage of the new buildings is sheer number of beds it would add. Having more options as to where to live should significantly cut down general “where am I going to live next year” anxiety that many students go through.
Finally, these new housing developments would help to create an on-campus environment of both upper and underclassmen. It would help cut down on the idea that moving off-campus means becoming more and more disconnected from the opportunities college life has to offer.
All in all, the student-housing situation seems to be looking up. And, with first-year class sizes on the rise, we’re going to need all the space we can get.