Never have I ever seen so many skateboarders zooming across a campus! My tour guide described USC as the ultimate “work-hard, play-hard” culture, and it totally made sense—everyone had places to be, and apparently, skateboards were the way to get there!

I visited USC while I was in Los Angeles for a professional conference. While there, I got to learn from admissions professionals about the latest college admissions trends and explore the iconic USC campus.

In the Heart of Los Angeles
USC’s main campus, Park Campus, is located just a short drive from downtown LA. Despite being in one of the busiest cities in the world, the campus is surprisingly compact—just one square mile. Most students live within a 2-mile radius of Park Campus. But in addition, there’s a smaller satellite campus downtown for the pre-health professional programs.

Academics
USC has 21 colleges! That’s a lot more than other schools its size. Some of the most selective programs include business and engineering, and you must declare these as your first choice on your application to be considered. But don’t worry—if you aren’t accepted into these programs, USC’s open course policy lets you easily take classes and declare minors in any college.

For example, you could major in economics in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and minor in business in the Viterbi School of Engineering. However, double majoring across two different colleges is a bit trickier, and transferring to major in the Viterbi School of Engineering is nearly impossible.

Also, because it is LA, many students are into the creative arts. The most popular minors at USC? Dance, theater, and music! In fact, USC was the first school to offer a comedy minor.

Unique Academic Programs
USC has some super unique programs, including Dr. Dre’s Innovation Academy, which is all about creativity and entrepreneurship. There’s also a satellite campus where students study environmental science and sustainability on Catalina Island. And because it’s LA, there are classes like surfing (yes, you can surf for credit) and a natural history course that meets in different museums around the city.

For those dreaming of Hollywood, the Cinematic Arts Complex (SCA) offers incredible networking opportunities right in the heart of the entertainment industry.

USC’s journalism, communication, and media studies programs are also some of the best in the country.

Study Abroad
Sixty percent of USC students study abroad. There are programs that last from one week to a whole year, wit the most popular time to go being Maymester (after spring classes end). USC’s tuition covers up to 18 units, so if you take 14 units during the spring, your study abroad trip will be paid for through tuition – and your spring credit load is lightened!

Class Sizes & Academic Support
Like most big schools, USC has large lecture classes, especially in your first year. However, any class with more than 50 students has a lab or discussion section. Plus, freshmen are guaranteed to have two small classes (capped at 15 students): a writing class and a freshman seminar.

Housing
All first- and second-year students are guaranteed housing at USC. There are three types: classic dorms, suite-style, and apartments. The dorm buildings are smaller than you might see at other schools, which helps create tight-knit communities.

One of the coolest places to live on campus is the USC Village. Built in 2016, it has apartments on top and shops like Target and Trader Joe’s on the ground floor. If you’re a merit scholar, you get priority housing at the Village.

The Social Scene
Even though USC is in the middle of one of the most exciting cities in the world, there’s always something happening on campus. From student-run events to festivals, there’s no shortage of things to do. About 20% of students are in Greek life, but it doesn’t dominate the social scene. And if you’re itching to explore LA, USC students get free public transit to check out the city’s beaches, hiking trails, food scene, and Hollywood.

The student body is made up of approximately 40% of students from out-of-state, 20% international students and the rest from California.

Athletics
Ever wanted to touch a Heisman Trophy? USC is the only place in the world where you can! While their football program brings students together, USC also shines in other sports, like its champion beach volleyball team.

Safety First
USC takes safety seriously. To get on campus, students scan their IDs, and as visitors, we had to scan a day pass emailed to us.

In addition to security checks at campus entrances, students get free Lyft rides within a 2-mile radius at night. Every 50 yards on campus, you’ll also find a yellow-jacketed security guard (unarmed, but there to help). Our tour guide, a senior, said she feels very safe on campus and in the surrounding neighborhood.

Who’s a Good Fit for USC?
USC students are a perfect blend of highly motivated, academically serious, and fiercely engaged in student life. Whether you’re filming your latest project, perfecting your entrepreneurial pitch, or performing stand-up comedy, there’s room for every kind of passion. Plus, living in the middle of LA means embracing the arts, especially if you’re a creator yourself.

Fight On!