STEP 1: Get Ready To Apply
- You’ve been accepted to the USC Columbia campus.
- You’ve paid your enrollment deposit.
- You’ve waited 48 to 72 hours after paying your deposit.
- You’ve set up your USC username, password and multifactor authentication.
- You’re ready to pay the $100 housing application fee (or request a fee deferral).
- You’ve registered any disability or health-related accommodations with the Student Disability Resource Center.
- You’ve considered your housing options and whether to apply for a Living and Learning Community.
- You've reviewed the application deadlines and important dates
Housing priority is based on your date of application to University Housing.
Step 2: Accessing Housing Portal
The housing application opens Jan. 15 in the My Housing Portal at my.sc.edu.
- Log in with your network username and password.
- Select “Student / Authorized Users.”
- Go to “Personal,” then click “My Housing Portal.”
- Choose “Columbia” from the dropdown.
Step 3: Complete Your Housing Application
Top Things To Consider While Completeing The Housing Application
- Request Accommodations - You can request special accommodations in the Housing Portal.
Health- or disability-related requests must also be registered with the Student Disability Resource Center. Deadline for accommodation requests is May 1. - Join A Community - Live with people who share your passions.
- Select Your Style - Traditional. Suite. Pod. Each hall has its own character. Choose the space that feels like home.
- Submit Your application - There’s a $100 nonrefundable application fee. Cancel by May 1 to avoid penalties.
Step 4: Find Your Roommate
Roommate matching and community assignments will begin on March 13 and continue on a rolling basis until the housing system freeze date of May 18.
- Find Your Roommate - After you apply, you’ll get an email when you’re eligible for roommate matching. Matching happens in the Housing Portal.
- You Have Two Options - Option 1: Search by screen name and choose a student who has already applied. Option 2: Explore your top 25 profile matches, then message potential roommates in the portal.
- Send a roommate request - Once accepted, both of you receive confirmation emails.
- Not matching? - You’ll see profiles of students who picked the same room during selection.
You can always return to the portal to review, cancel or update your roommate group.
Step 5: Apply By May 5
- Students must apply for housing prior to May 5 to have housing selection opportunities.
- Priority is based on when you submitted your housing application.
- Students can continue to roommate match until the housing system freeze date of May 18.
- Rooming assignment processes start early June.
Step 6: Room Assignment Processes Start Early June
- Additional steps and details will be released in early 2026