When to look near USC (Columbia, Furman: for sale, apartments, homes)

[5409809]

Hi all,
I will be relocating to Columbia in August to attend law school at USC. I'd like to live near campus, preferably within walking distance, and am wondering when I need to start looking for one bedroom apartments. I'd like to avoid large complexes, if possible, and prefer smaller, older apartment buildings or homes. I know housing near universities tends to fill up quickly, and I am out of state, so any advice on when to begin the hunt, specific areas to look, and the best way to do this from here would be appreciated.
Thank you!

[waccamatt]

I would start looking when school gets out in May. There are a lot of duplexes, quadraplexes and small complexes close to campus along with a number of highrises. You can get good prices in a couple of the older highrises and in the duplexes and quads near campus. The Wolfe Company, Furman Fulmer Co and some others always have a lot of listings in The State newspaper.

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