Hundreds of Winthrop University juniors and seniors are searching for off-campus accommodations after the school demolished two aging residence halls, significantly reducing available on-campus housing for the fall 2026 semester.
The university removed the “outdated and potentially unsafe” buildings in January, a move that eliminated hundreds of beds just as enrollment numbers are climbing. Consequently, Winthrop has exhausted its on-campus capacity and shifted priority to freshmen and sophomores. This policy change has left upperclassmen, including international and exchange students, largely responsible for navigating the local rental market.
The housing crunch has resulted in a waitlist of approximately 450 students. While roughly 270 have secured spots so far, nearly 180 students remain in limbo. For many, the transition to off-campus living is a financial hurdle, as Rock Hill’s rental market is increasingly competitive and expensive.
The university has announced plans for a new residence hall to be built on the site of the demolished structures. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with a potential opening date as early as 2027. Until then, upperclassmen must continue to seek local housing alternatives.
The administration has indicated that while they understand the frustration, the removal of the older facilities was a necessary step for long-term campus safety and modernization.
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