Dorms at USC

<p>Seaver is on the Health Sciences campus which is 9 miles from the main campus, so I wouldn’t recommend it.</p>

<p>Fluor Tower is for Freshmen only.</p>

<p>So hey, I’ve recently decided to reserve my place in USC, and I’ve got a couple of questions I was hoping you guys might be able to answer.</p>

<p>Right now, I’m deciding between Birnkrant and Pardee. From what I gather, they’re physically close enough that location isn’t a factor in making a decision between the two, but what exactly makes each of them unique? I know that Pardee has a washing machine(s?) on every floor, so where do Birnkrant residents do their laundry? Also, if I stay at Birn, will I be able to use the gym facilities at other places? </p>

<p>What I like about Pardee over Birnkrant (from the virtual tours) is that beautiful bookshelf (: The one provided in Birnkrant looks ‘meh’ in comparison, but I’m also concerned that sitting side by side with my roommate while studying might not be a good idea. I like my space when I study, especially if we’re studying different things. Then again, I don’t know if I’ll be spending more time studying at the library. Also, if I choose Birnkrant, what do you guys think about the pros and cons of a double room vs a triple? Perhaps the separation of the study room from the bedroom might allow me to study at night without disturbing my roommates?
I was also wondering about that URC thing in Birn. Does this mean that most of the students in Birn will be Presidential/Trustee Scholars? Would I be left out as a Dean’s Scholar?</p>

<p>Okay, so there were a lot more than a couple of questions, & i’m sorry that they’re all over the place. I’m just really uncertain about a lot of things. & to clarify, I’m unable to visit USC myself as I’m not from the U.S. Thank you in advance! (:</p>

<p>Get a Birnkrant triple. It’s the best freshman living arrangement on campus. Don’t worry about anything else. Get a Birnkrant triple. You’ll thank me when you get it and realize that it’s absolutely amazing.</p>

<p>I lived in Pardee my freshman year and I hated it. I would always go visit my friend who had, you guessed it, a Birnkrant triple.</p>

<p>I have friends in Birnkrant and Pardee. They’re both pretty similar, though Pardee is ridiculously safe. It’s impossible to get in or out of the building unless you’re with someone who lives there, which is a pain. The rooms are pretty tiny compared to Parkside. I don’t know anything about a bookshelf, all of the rooms have the exact same furniture I believe.</p>

<p>Birnkrant and Pardee are nothing alike. Oh sure, they’re both rooms. That’s about where the similarities end. Take it from someone who has lived in Pardee. Birnkrant is way better, especially if you get a triple.</p>

<p>i want to live in new/north but the problem is i’m not too sure i want to join a sorority, and i’d feel a little awkward if everyone in that building is greek and i’m not… is there another dorm at usc which is very social etc but not everyone goes greek?</p>

<p>Not really. For most freshmen in New/North, “social life” equates to “going to the Row” because they don’t know any better. Seriously though? Go live in Birnkrant. When I was a freshman I found that they had a good community going on without the craziness.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice, Hawkwings and wisdomsomehow (: I’ve applied for a Birnkrant triple.</p>

<p>Just checking, is it okay that I haven’t paid my enrollment deposit and submitted my USC enrollment commitment form? I’ve only paid my application fee, and I was wondering if enrolling later might affect whether I get the rooms I requested. Thanks again!</p>

<p>nah, I don’t think that’ll affect it. I applied the day I was admitted (end of March) and didn’t commit for a few more weeks, and I got my 3rd choice housing, Parkside. :slight_smile: (I applied for a Birnkrant triple and double as 1 & 2, but I’m quite happy with where I am right now)</p>

<p>Hi ppl… any of you guys here applied for a Birnkrant Triple?</p>

<p>I have a Birkrant triple listed as my first choice on housing! But I don’t think they look at housing apps until May 1</p>

<p>@MA2011… check your vistor’s msg</p>

<p>I put Birnkrant Triple as my first choice as well. I think I did:</p>

<ol>
<li>Birnkrant Triple</li>
<li>New Double</li>
<li>North Double</li>
<li>New Double w/s</li>
<li>North Double w/s</li>
</ol>

<p>Hi, I’m wondering if anyone could help recommend the best dorms for me.</p>

<p>I am going to be a biomed engineering major, entering as a freshman. I’m not interested in constant partying, but having that some of the time would be nice. I was initially interested in Marks Hall because they really seem to be selling it on the whole science and engineering thing, but I don’t obsess over my grades and from what I’m hearing, the rooms aren’t that great. I was wondering if it would be worth staying there for the WiSE thing - which I admit I don’t know that much about. From what I’m reading, Fluor also sounds nice - but is it worth the extra $500+?</p>

<p>Any responses would be nice - thank you!</p>

<p>Bumping for new admitted students…</p>

<p>Is it true that the singles in fluor have their own bathrooms?</p>

<p>Question – I am interested in the very social atmosphere of New/North, but I do NOT want to go Greek. Would I still fit in at New/North, or would it be like I’m the only one not in a fraternity?</p>

<p>A note to those who expect significant financial aid in choosing housing: USC uses a standard estimate of room/board charges across the board in calculating cost of attendance and financial aid. For 2011-2012 that figure is $12,078. That is for your housing and meal plan for two semesters. Find the semester cost of the housing you choose and the meal plan you choose, multiply by 2, and compare it to $12,078.</p>

<p>If the housing+meal plan you chose costs MORE than that amount, it will NOT be considered a part of your cost of attendance and will come out of your pocket, even if you qualify for an aid package equal to the cost of attendance. To be clear: If your housing + meal plan for the year costs more than $12,078, it will be an additional expense to you and/or your family. It will NOT be covered by aid or included in your expected contribution. </p>

<p>On the other hand, if the total is less than that amount, your aid will not be reduced - you will potentially save a few dollars of your expected contribution or have funds you can direct elsewhere.</p>

<p>Good luck with your choices!</p>

<p>@alamemom: Is housing first come first serve or do they look at everyones housing requests at the same time? I’m just worried that the longer I take contemplating USC, the fewer housing options I get. (I have to choose between USC and Berkeley, OMG! Too hard!! Both gave me equally amazing finaid.)</p>

<p>i hope to live in Birnkrant (i requested housing the second the housing site opened since I’m a trustee) and i originally wanted to live in a triple since i heard they were the best
now, i’m thinking that i might like a single in birnkrant
does anyone have any opinions on birnkrant singles vs. triples
i want to meet a lot of people and have a fun time in college, but i definitely want my own space as well
i think it may be hard sleeping in a bedroom with 3 people (3 alarms, etc.), but i just hope a single isn’t too anti-social
any advice would be appreciated! thanks! :)</p>