| full-time undergraduate program |
The housing at USC was less than fantastic, although I think they are
fixing this very big problem. The food is passable, you can't expect
much more. There are a lot of dining options on campus that are
somewhat reasonably priced. Housing is really hard to get, so applying
early for it is vital. The costs for housing are a bit expensive, but
totally worth it. Living on campus for the first year is a must. The
student gets to know campus life intimately and this is very important.
There are also plenty of opportunities to see things on campus that one
normally wouldn't see if one lived off-campus or decided to commute.
There is a large commuter-student population at USC which makes
attending there a little disappointing. It seems like these students
are never fully engaged in the life of the University and it also takes
away from some of the perceived prestige of the school. The off-campus
apartments are fairly standard and all students share their room with
one other student. There is very little single-occupant type housing
available at USC and it's typically offered to those with disabilities
or special majors like vocal performance, or BAMD students. Students
with exceptional demands and exceptional talents will get these rooms,
and so will the children of cranky trustees. Also, sharing a room is
something that the student will have to get used to. If you can't study
in your room, try the beautiful libraries (which are always full, so try
to study between classes!).
The campus is a lot of red brick, so be prepared for that. It's a very
traditional looking campus that's not very adventurous architecturally,
but it's still pretty. The whole place reeks "conservative". The
science facilities are in sore need of upgrading, but the other
buildings are pretty nice. They are very well kept and are serviceable
for most lecture-oriented classes. The campus is pretty easy to
navigate, though.
Not a lot of good places to eat in the neighborhood. Too many fast food
joints clog the nearby Figueroa Street, but it's a good place to eat if
it's late and you're hungry. There is only one really good grocery
store nearby. The other is a place that is falling apart, and I stopped
shopping there immediately after the local Ralph's opened.
The neighborhood around USC is safe because of campus police, but the
scenery and amenities are disappointing. There is no nearby dry cleaner
or decent salon to get your hair cut. If you want to go to a decent
restaurant, be prepared to travel 30 minutes by car and make some
friends with transportation. The shopping nearby is not very good, and
downtown has very few restaurants, clubs, and bars. A student from out-
of-town should be prepared for a huge shock when they see the
surrounding neighborhood. If you are from another part of the country
and don't have a car, chances are your weekends will be deathly boring.
Applying to USC means that you need a car, even if it's a clunker, to
get away from campus. Buses are an option, but who wants to go to
Sunset to go clubbing in a short skirt and high heels?
Crime is perpetuated against students by other students. A lot of it is
stealing stuff that other people have left out, ie. students who have
left their skis outside their dorm room door while they go to visit a
friend for a half hour should not expect their skis to be there when
they get back. All the buildings have a key card entry system that
keeps people who aren't supposed to be there out. I've never had a
problem with theft or being harassed by anyone except frat boys.
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