<p>i've heard that usc is in a really dangerous part of la. but then, i've never visited the campus and i don't know all that much about la. what do u ppl think? (i'm from atlanta btw).</p>
<p>The area around the campus is not as bad as you would be led to believe. Yes, the surrounding neighborhood doesn't exactly match the glitz and glamour that you would expect since it's so close to Hollywood (actually, Hollywood is pretty overhyped), but honestly, it's not bad. North of the campus is pretty much just a typical neighborhood. When people usually say "oh, usc is in the ghetto", they are mainly referring to the area south of the campus. Since there's really not much to do south of the campus (except go to the coliseum, but that's right across the street), you'll be north most of the time. Honestly, just have common sense when living in an area like USC. This goes for anywhere you go, whether it be USC, UCLA, Harvard, Stanford, yadda yadda yadda. Be aware of your surroundings, try to be with a group of people you know, and basically just be alert. Oh yeah, there aren't shootings everyday... that's such a false rumour. I heard from somewhere that the crime is actually lower at USC than at some other places, i think.</p>
<p>Yes, Common sense!</p>
<p>I really don't have too much sympathy for people who get mugged walking around Los Angeles at 1 a.m. There so many options to avoid this situation that one could write a book on it. Few people take advantage of "Campus Cruiser," a "free" service to SC students who need a safe ride between point A and B. It's a major city people, get a clue and don't walk the streets alone in the middle of the night.</p>
<p>USC is not in the "best" neighborhood, but it is not near so bad that it should dissuade you whatsoever. The campus is beautiful and very safe. The immediatley adjacant areas, especially north of campus are just fine. Not much you'd be doing too far off campus anyway. Most activities are on campus or immediately adjacant; otherwise to get to the rest of LA and SoCal you'll need to go by car anyway.</p>