<p>I'll be a freshman at USC this fall, and I'm trying to decide whether or not to sign up for a dorm. I live only about 30 mins away, so it wouldn't be too much driving. Mostly, I'm just concerned that it would be hard to fit in to the school and have any kind of social life if I stay home. </p>
<p>Any experience with this? Commuters full of regret?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Congratulations on being a Trojan! 30 minutes is certainly a commutable distance and certainly will save you quite a bit of money. However, living on campus will allow you to fully appreciate what USC has to offer and allow you to have a better social life. If money isn’t an issue, I think you’ll enjoy being in the dorms or living near campus. My D will be starting there this Fall, as well, and we’ve encouraged her to stay in the dorms. My wife and I both commuted when we were in college and felt that we missed out on many social events. </p>
<p>If money is an issue and you will be commuting, I’d suggest getting involved in clubs and organizations on campus. If Greek life interests you, then I think the camaraderie in a frat/sorority will help if you rush. I worked on campus and made a lot of friends this way–you can always see what’s available in work/study at USC.</p>
<p>One problem about living in the dorms is roommate incompatibility. While in grad school I had roommates that I despised (and who probably felt it was mutual!) which put a bit of a damper on the college experience. By living at home you only need to worry about your folks and your siblings…and I’m sure you’ve already worked out kinks in your relationships. There are also possible problems in the dorms with privacy and incompatibility in living habits. If you feel that you are ready to share the small space and the lack of privacy, then living on campus will work out for you. </p>
<p>So, there are certainly pros and cons with living on campus–you are fortunate in that you can commute if you wish. Again, if money is not a big issue, I’d go with the dorms.</p>
<p>Good luck. Hope I was able to help.</p>
<p>My congratulations as well, Pardali, on your acceptance to USC 
Fight on!</p>
<p>I would suggest, as you consider your decision, to go online and put the $50 deposit (or whatever it is this year) in for freshman housing. It’s not much to lose if you decide to live at home, and USC dates and time stamps housing applications. If you delay, while considering your options, you will end up getting what’s left available - and not your first or second choice.</p>
<p>I commuted to college and have regretted it. I felt a bit isolated and never quite felt deeply a part of the school. I encouraged my children to live in a dorm. Obviously, financial conserations are important - critical really, but you only get this chance for one period of your life. If you can afford to live in a dorm, consider it! My d is now a soph at USC and LOVES IT and LOVED her dorm experience. Her greatest friends are the ones she made in her dorm. They all coordinated soph housing together and did so again for next year.</p>
<p>Obviously each situation is different. If you choose to live at home and commute - most definitely get involved with a few clubs and student sports.</p>
<p>USC is a wonderful university, and I predict you will love it. Consider getting the student football pass! It’s a great buy and the student section is a fun time.</p>