The Rive Columbia uses a by-the-bed leasing model, which is standard in student housing. Here is what that means for your family in practical terms.
What Is an Individual Lease?
With an individual lease, your student signs their own agreement for their specific bedroom and a share of the common spaces in the apartment. They are responsible for their own monthly installment only. If a roommate transfers, graduates early, or stops paying, your student’s financial obligation does not change.
Learn MoreHow the Guarantor Process Works
Most students do not yet have the independent income or credit history required to qualify for a lease on their own. The Rive Columbia allows a guarantor, typically a parent or guardian, to co-sign the lease. As a guarantor, you are agreeing to cover the financial responsibilities of the lease if your student cannot. Because The Rive Columbia uses individual leases, that responsibility is limited to your student’s space only.
What Guarantors Are Responsible For
- Monthly installment payments if the student cannot pay
- Any damages or fees associated with the student’s lease
- Not the financial obligations of any roommates
How the Guarantor Process Works
Most students do not yet have the independent income or credit history required to qualify for a lease on their own. The Rive Columbia allows a guarantor, typically a parent or guardian, to co-sign the lease. As a guarantor, you are agreeing to cover the financial responsibilities of the lease if your student cannot. Because The Rive Columbia uses individual leases, that responsibility is limited to your student’s space only.
What Guarantors Are Responsible For
- Monthly installment payments if the student cannot pay
- Any damages or fees associated with the student’s lease
- Not the financial obligations of any roommates
Lease Structure
Leases at The Rive Columbia are structured around the academic calendar, which makes planning move-in, move-out, and payment timelines more predictable for families. Contact the leasing office for current lease details, as terms are subject to change.
One of the most common questions from parents is exactly what comes with the apartment. Here is a clear breakdown.
Standard Apartment Features
- Fully furnished unit with designer furniture
- Bedroom: full XL bed and frame with headboard, stackable dresser, desk and chair
- Living room: flat screen smart TV, TV stand, couch, coffee table, and chair
- Fully equipped kitchen: refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, range and oven
- Stainless steel appliances and granite countertops
- Modern custom cabinetry and wood-style flooring
- In-unit washer and dryer
- Private balcony in all apartments
Floor Plan Options
The Rive Columbia offers 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom floor plans, including townhome-style units. All bedrooms are private and include a private bathroom. Contact the leasing office for current availability.
What Families Should Plan For
- Monthly Installments: Rates vary depending on floor plan and lease terms. Contact the leasing office for current pricing.
- Electricity: Residents are responsible for electricity usage, billed monthly through SimpleBills based on unit consumption.
- Included in Rent: Internet, water, sewer, trash and recycling, and washer and dryer access.
- Parking (Optional): On-site parking is available in multiple formats. Contact the leasing office for current rates and availability.
- Building Protection Fee: Required for all residents. This covers damage to the landlord’s property but does not cover personal belongings.
- Personal Expenses: Groceries, household supplies, and personal items will vary by individual.
Where a student lives has a real impact on how they perform academically and how they feel day to day. The Rive Columbia is designed to support both.
Academic and Study Spaces
- Individual and group study rooms with TVs
- 24/7 study center
- Free printing available on-site
- Internet included in rent, available throughout the community
Community Programming and Support
- Resident events throughout the year, from casual get-togethers to themed nights
- 24-hour coffee bar
- Amazon package lockers and Smart market on-site
- On-site professional management team
- On-site maintenance team during business hours, with emergency maintenance available after hours
Fitness and Recreation
- Smart fitness center with a yoga-focused area
- Sauna
- Resort-style pool with sun shelf and spa
- Outdoor fire pit with cornhole area
- Spacious lounge with hammocks on turf
- Pool table and gaming consoles in the TV lounge
- Outdoor kitchen with BBQ grills and Jumbotron
- Dog park for pet owners
Move-in weekend is a big moment. A little preparation goes a long way toward making a smooth transition.
Before Move-In Day
- Review the lease together so both you and your student understand the financial responsibilities, policies, key dates, and what happens at move-out
- Coordinate with roommates in advance to avoid duplicating shared items like kitchen supplies
- Approximately two to four weeks before move-in, residents receive check-in instructions by email, including how to select a date and time slot, complete required documentation, and settle any outstanding balances before arriving
- Since the apartment comes fully furnished, the packing list can stay focused on bedding for a full XL bed, toiletries, dishes and cookware, and decor to make the space feel like home
On Move-In Day
- Walk through the apartment carefully on arrival and document the condition of everything, including furniture, appliances, and common areas
- Report any issues or pre-existing damage to the management team right away
- The on-site team will be available to assist with questions and walk residents through the check-in process
Move-Out
Move-out timelines align with the academic calendar. Review the lease for specific checkout dates, key return procedures, and final account steps. The on-site team can walk students through the process.
The Rive Columbia is located at 1400 Huger St. in Columbia, within a short drive of UofSC and in the Congaree Vista neighborhood.
Campus Proximity
- University of South Carolina: a 5-minute drive from the property
- Greek Village: a 6-minute drive
- Five Points: a 9-minute drive
- Publix: a 6-minute walk
Getting Around
- On-site parking is available in multiple formats (reserved, garage, and overflow lot); contact the leasing office for current rates and availability
- Bus stops on Hampton/Huger East and Williams/Hampton South are within walking distance of the property
- Columbia, SC train station is a 4-minute drive away
It helps to know how communication works at The Nine before the lease is signed.
The on-site team at The Rive Columbia is happy to answer general questions about the community. For anything specific to a resident’s account, the student needs to be part of that conversation.
How the Process Works
- Students are the primary point of contact for all account, maintenance, and lease matters
- Federal privacy laws limit what information the management team can share with parents or guardians without the student’s consent
- If you need to be involved in a specific conversation about your student’s account, they will need to be part of that exchange
How Families Can Stay Involved
- Read through the lease with your student before signing so everyone understands the financial responsibilities, policies, and key dates
- Encourage your student to stay current on notices, payment deadlines, and renewal timelines throughout the lease term
- Talk through move-out expectations and the fee schedule early so there are no surprises at the end of the year
What is a guarantor and why is one often required at The Rive Columbia?
A guarantor is a person, typically a parent or guardian, who co-signs the lease and agrees to cover the resident’s financial obligations if the student cannot meet them. Guarantors are often required because most students do not yet have the independent income or credit history needed to qualify for a lease on their own. Because The Rive Columbia uses individual leases, a guarantor is only responsible for their student’s space, not any roommate’s portion.
Is building protection insurance required at The Rive Columbia?
Yes. All residents are required to carry building protection insurance covering damage to the landlord’s property. The Rive Columbia automatically enrolls residents in this coverage, and the monthly premium is billed alongside rent. This policy does not cover personal belongings, additional living expenses, or liability for bodily injury or property damage to third parties. Students who want coverage for personal items should purchase a separate renter’s insurance policy.
How does roommate matching work at The Rive Columbia?
The Rive Columbia offers a roommate matching service for residents who do not already have roommates in mind. Students fill out a Roommate Matching Sheet with their application covering sleep habits, study habits, interests, and lifestyle preferences. The team uses that information to find compatible matches. Students who already have a group can list each other on the form, and all requests are processed in the order leases are signed, based on availability.
How are maintenance requests handled at The Rive Columbia?
Residents can submit maintenance requests through the online resident portal, by calling the leasing office, or by visiting the front desk. On-site maintenance staff handle requests during business hours. After-hours maintenance is available for emergency issues only.
How does move-in work at The Rive Columbia?
Approximately two to four weeks before move-in, residents receive instructions by email on how to select an arrival date and time slot, complete required paperwork, and settle any outstanding account balances. On move-in day, the on-site team is present to assist residents and walk them through the check-in process.
Is parking available at The Rive Columbia?
Yes. The Rive Columbia offers on-site parking in several formats, including reserved, garage, and overflow lot options. Parking is charged monthly and availability is limited. Contact the leasing office for current rates and to check availability.
What payment options are available for monthly installments at The Rive Columbia?
Monthly installments can be paid online through the resident portal or in the leasing office with certified funds, including personal check, cashier’s check, or money order. Cash is not accepted. Residents can choose to pay in one installment, two semester installments, or twelve monthly installments, with the first payment due August 1. Contact the leasing office for more details on payment timelines.
Are pets allowed at The Rive Columbia?
Yes, The Rive Columbia is pet friendly. Breed restrictions, weight limits, and additional fees may apply. Contact the leasing office for the current pet policy and any associated costs.
How does mail and package delivery work at The Rive Columbia?
Mail is delivered to individual apartment mailboxes on the property. Packages can be picked up through the Amazon package lockers in the mail room or at the front office.
If you have questions that aren’t covered here, the leasing team at The Rive Columbia is the best place to start. They can walk you and your student through the details and help make sure everyone feels ready before anything is signed.