<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'll be transferring to USC as a junior and would like to know how the social scene is for non-traditional students?</p>
<p>What’s cool is that you’re drinking age, and if you like sports then you should hang out at the 901. You’ll meet all kinds of more mature students. Even if you don’t drink a lot you’ll have fun there. Do not allow yourself to think for one moment you are too old to hang with younger students. They’ll appreciate your maturity. BUT you will be teased so grow a thick skin. Take it with stride and don’t get defensive. Consider joining a fraternity unless finances are tight. If you aren’t into the party scene, consider joining a church group, which will treat you as family. By all means use your professors as resources. I used to hang with my history prof and was invited to at least a few parties. He was very cool. You have the benefit of experience so use it wisely. Good luck.</p>
<p>@SeattleTW Like the OP i’m 25 year old transfer student to SC, going back to school after serving in the Military. I would like to know more about the 901 bar and similar places for older students. Also, can you shed some light on the fraternity system. I have a high interest in rushing. Thanks</p>
<p>The “Nine O” is a chill bar on Figueroa across The Row on 28th St. It caters to the older USC crowd because of the drinking age. It’s a sports bar that I’m happy is still operating after so many decades. Darn I miss that place!</p>
<p>Yup, during my four years I had two roomies who were older transfers and yes, I used to razz one who ironically became my best friend (he was also a Thematic Option student who left the program). Anywho I learned a lot from him and we used to hang out on Thursday night at the Whisky A Go-Go on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood after I hit 21, as well as the Troubadour and Yesterday’s and Moustache Cafe in Westwood. The Troubadour and Whiskey had live bands back in the day and it was very fun. He was almost 25 and thought he was an old man, lol. But I looked up to him so it was all good. We both went through rush and ended up bagging our quest because we couldn’t decide on a house. The problem is you need to find a house and stick with it, otherwise they won’t get to know you and vice versa. Don’t do what I did (go with a friend), go alone and you’ll be able to find a group you feel comfortable with. Despite the hazing, the houses I rushed were all laid back, including, Beta Theta Pi, SAE, Sigma Nu, and Phi Delt. I had a Sigma Chi roomie too and I could not bring myself to rushing his house because I knew too many of his brothers and much about his hazing experience and even I was scared, lol.</p>
<p>I know they have ROTC and you should meet some of the groups associated with them as well.</p>
<p>Given your age, be prepared also to buy booze for some of your new friends…;)</p>
<p>P.S.: Thank you for your service. I’m a former Army CPT (JAG) Reservist myself.</p>
<p>Thanks brother. I appreciate the info.</p>
<p>Yes, you’re gonna have a blast, and we shall definitely discuss Sark during football. He did a great job at UW, a school I love almost as much as I do USCeeeee.</p>
<p>I was 29-years-old when I transferred in last year. There’s such a big graduate population and a variety of 21-and-over venues that you will have a ton of fun.</p>
<p>Yes, most of my friends are grad students, but it’s still fun.</p>