The Village at Columbia

At The Village at Columbia, wake up in your private bedroom, search your dresser for something to wear, then head through to the kitchen for breakfast. It’s a 10-minute ride to the University of South Carolina on the free shuttle, while nearby bus stops make it easy to explore even if you’re not planning on keeping a car in the property’s free parking. In October, don’t miss the South Carolina State Fair, which is an extravaganza of fairground rides, live music and eccentric food stalls that takes place just down the road.

After your lectures, come home to your fully furnished apartment for a chat with your flatmates on the living room sofas. Head to the clubhouse to check emails at the Wi-Fi café, or to challenge your friends to a quick game of pool. If you feel like a workout, tackle the climbing wall in the 24-hour fitness center, practice your dunking skills on the basketball court, or get everyone together for a volleyball match. Later, throw your clothes in the laundry and rinse off with a shower in your private ensuite.

Emerge feeling ready to work on a paper at your bedroom desk. Use the high-speed internet to help with research, or brainstorm with friends in the study areas instead. When you’re done, cool off in the pool, then spend the rest of the afternoon swinging in one of the garden hammocks. In the evening, fire up the outdoor grills for dinner, before heading out for a concert at the Colonial Life Arena, or curling up for a marathon in the on-site movie theater.