<p>I'm currently deciding between schools. I love San Francisco as a place to live, but USF's programs seem a bit lackluster. If you're an Alumni or current student, how is the English Department (with a writing focus rather then literature)?</p>
<p>Also, how is the film scene in SF? I'm from LA, so i've been spoiled with an abundance of Independent Theatres.</p>
<p>the writing program's ok only... and isnce it's an english major with a writing emphasis, you still have to take a bunch of classes that are required for the enlish major like survey of british literature... (others that i can't remember are foudn in the general catalog) you basically only get to take like specific writing classes when u've done ur required stuff... and i think they're changing it a bit.. are u leaning towards journalism or creative writing?</p>
<p>i haven't the faintest idea about the film scene in sf... but there are theatres that show like indie flicks and then there are those that show the typical blockbusters... so i guess it's pretty ok.. but i'm not much of a film person...</p>
<p>hope that helps u even though it's like been ages since u posted... LOL.</p>
<p>I'm still here! Thanks for the reply, it has been awhile. Do you go to USF?</p>
<p>Oh, and I'm focusing on creative writing.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I'm a parent living just outside SF. </p>
<p>Tons of indie and foreign film sites and some interesting film festivals in the city and environs. </p>
<p>As for creative writing beyond the U. world -- when I lived in SoCal, every other person I knew was working on a screenplay, and expensive homes always had a 'media room.' Here, my dry cleaner and everyone else is working on a novel, and expensive homes have a library. </p>
<p>Maybe a fit for you, maybe not?</p>
<p>Funny, seeing how I'm a rich los angeles kid with a "media" room and a library. A mix of both I guess. To be honest, I don't know what I want to do, but I know I love to write. I have an intense passion for film as well, more theory then production though, simply because I've been exposed to it all my life. </p>
<p>Like you said, San Francisco and LA are very different, but I've had enough of Socal. Your post gave me some confidence regarding the film festivals and such. Thanks!</p>
<p>yeah, i go to USF... majoring in psych and minoring in criminal justice.. but i have a friend in the english with a writing emphasis program.. she just switched.. so anything else i can help u with? :)</p>
<p>well seeing how you've taken the time to post already, I guess that means you don't mind answering some more questions...</p>
<p>What res. hall should I try to get in freshman year? Some other students suggested Hayes.</p>
<p>If you know anything about the Italian, French and Japanese language courses, which is considered the "best." Best for me, means the most enjoyable experience. Factor in how well taught each one is along with work load as you see accordingly, but still, how much I enjoy the class is most important to me. I'm trying to decide which language to take, but I love all three. In highschool I took Spanish and a little japanese. I speak a little Italian at home. As for French, I'm just curious about the culture as a whole. I'm going there this summer for film school.</p>
<p>And I guess, I'd like to ask you how USF has been as a whole for you. Good, bad? What did you hate the most, love the most. That whole bit..</p>
<p>Thanks, again.</p>
<p>haha.. i don't mind at all...</p>
<p>i didn't stay in the halls freshman year so i've been asking around... and they say hayes too... hahah... so i guess that's ur best bet.. something about it being cleaner and having two lounges... but in my opinion the room mate u have matters... the ORL assigned both my roommates for me and i got along fine with them.. in fact i got along great with both of them... but i'm one of the luckier ones i guess... i have friends who hate their roommates or just can't stand them... there's always room change week but some ppl think it's too troublesome... so yeah.. </p>
<p>i haven't the faintest clue about those classes because i don't have to take them... so let's see what i remember from my friend taking spanish... you have it four times a week... and for the first level classes i think they do speak some english but as it progresses they tend to only speak the language u're learning... of course u'll have to test into them first... i suggest you take french because u mentioned that you're going to france and knowing some french would probably be a great help.... </p>
<p>so far i've loved how USF is... how the professors know you, how you can walk around campus and pretty much bump into at least one person you know.. how the classes are small and people are generally pretty friendly.. transport to downtown is good and it's like a short walk to haight ashbury... u can pretty much do without a car here... i don't have one.. </p>
<p>the cafeteria food is pretty ok.. but it's not something you can eat all the time.. it's gets sooooooo boring... my friends usually mix it up with delivery... yup.. don't bother to get any flexi plan other than the smallest amount possible... </p>
<p>if i had to pick something i hate i'd say the lone mountain stairs and 7.45am classes... haha... and the loyola village stairs leave much to be desired too.. but you don't have to deal with that.. heh...</p>
<p>i should mention that even though this school is small... it would do good to get involved in some club or organization becuase it's the fastest way to make friends... but then again since you'll be in the dorms with all the other freshmen, you should be fine.. </p>
<p>ok.. i've run out of things to say.. haha... hope that's enough for u for now..</p>
<p>more then enough. nice tips.</p>
<p>I'll leave you be now. :)</p>
<p>I'm studying right now at U$F, i can honestly say it was the worst decision of my life....I am trying to do what ever possible to get out of this hell hole...but as far as res. halls for freshman I would pick hayes for sure....</p>
<p>I just thought i would ad this bit of small info.....out of the 24 guys on my wing of my hall........10 are transferring....just makes you think....huh?</p>
<p>I'm already thinking of going somewhere else, but could you tell me exactly what you don't like about USF?? Or what the majority feelings of angst are..thanks for any replies.</p>
<p>The academics are a joke...and it would be a reach to call the student body "students".....U$F is nothing better than a 4 year community college....or a disco with books....they take anyone with a pulse...but the professors are GREAT and very helpful, plus San Fran is an awsome city...but i would honestly rather be going to the University of North Dakota over this place....plus for the major that you want just to go USC it's such a better school</p>