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 requested 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 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 By May 5
Cocky Tips:
- 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. - Explore a Community - Live with people who share your passions.
- Explore Your Room Style & Residence Hall - Traditional. Suite. Pod. Each hall has its own character. Explore your housing options and choose the space that feels like home.
- Submit Your application - There’s a $100 nonrefundable application fee. Cancel by May 1 to avoid penalties.
- Priority is based on when you submit your housing application.
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.
- Students can continue to roommate match until the housing system freeze date of May 18.
You can always return to the portal to review, cancel or update your roommate group.
Step 5: Room Assignment Processes Start Early June
- Additional steps and details will be released in early 2026