<p>Hi, I just got into USC yesterday off the wait list, and this has always been my top choice so I am going. I have until May 1st to do everything though, and I just need to figure out housing. I want a dorm that is pretty nice but not ridiculously strict. I just don't want to end up in the worst one.. Any help? Thanks!</p>
<p>Also how do I look for room mates?</p>
<p>There are already a couple of threads on housing and I suggest that you search the forum.</p>
<p>But as far as the worst dorms go, I’d say stay away from the Roost and Bates. Otherwise, most freshman dorms are pretty decent and have their merits.</p>
<p>Even if you end up somewhere you don’t like, you still have the opportunity to move. I have several friends who in fact did end up moving out of their original dorm and into a ‘better’ dorm.</p>
<p>My son, also fresh off the wait list, is investigating the dorms as well. We are confused as to which dorms, if any are off-limits to freshmen. Likewise, we know there are a number of dorms that are home to living communities and programs such as Honors. Do they also have other students living there, or are they completely full with the specific communities or programs (i.e., can he choose one of them)? Any insights appreciated!</p>
<p>On the housing website you will see that certain dorms are designated as freshmen centers. These are mostly traditional and suite style. Supposedly apartments (like quads)are for upper classmen. However, there have been so many freshmen these last few years that freshmen have ended up in apartment style dorms. Look and see if any of the living learning communities interest you since those are specific to certain dorms. Be aware these may have additional applications. For the most part, Capstone is reserved for Capstone scholars and Honors residence for honors college students. It’s possible to get in those but unlikely. The horseshoe if for upper class honors and definitely is no room left for other students by the time the upper class lottery is complete.</p>
<p>From a strategy standpoint, I don’t know if it’s worth it to list an unlikely dorm.</p>
<p>I personally know or have met freshmen living in every dorm but the Horseshoe apartments. (excluding Thornwell and Woodrow)</p>
<p>Even the French House which only has about 20 or so spaces had a couple of freshmen living there this year.</p>
<p>I don’t think anything is “off-limits” to freshmen, but I think one of the hallmark experiences of freshman year is living in the dorms and you’re more likely to make friends in a traditional or suite-style setting than an apartment setting.</p>
<p>I had a friend who wanted apartment style, so he listed South Quad as his first choice and that’s where he ended up living. So it’s definitely possible to get it.</p>
<p>But I’m not sure how much strategy helps. I knew plenty of girls who desperately wanted Patterson, but didn’t get it. And then I knew several girls who didn’t even list Patterson and got it.</p>
<p>Housing can be really strange and it’s all basically a gamble.</p>
<p>As scmom12 said, living and learning communities are possible to get into if you aren’t part of the community. I live in Capstone and I know a few people who live in the building but are not Capstone scholars. That being said, the spots go to members of the LLC first.</p>
<p>Apartments are possible to get into as freshman, although be aware that they are about $2000 more expensive. I would recommend Capstone or Columbia hall, just because they are located near the buildings that most freshmen take classes in, and they’re decent places on the whole (although if you’re not a Capstone scholar, good luck).</p>
<p>On a side note, the French House (aka 820 Henderson, or something like that) is actually off-limits to freshmen AND sophomores. It’s being reserved for Capstone Fellows, which are juniors and seniors who have successfully completed the Capstone program.</p>
<p>It appears that if you want a certain roommate, you need to enter their USC email into VIP by May 1. The other person would need to do the same. VIP has an area where you can make contact with potential roommates and exchange emails. If you find someone you like this week via VIP, there is still time to update your housing application.</p>
<p>^^Yeah. I was talking about this past year with the French House. Freshmen weren’t even allowed to apply for there yet they got put there. But the French House is moving to Maxcy this year and is open to freshmen applications, I believe.</p>
<p>As long as you update your housing application by May 1, you should be in good condition for roommates and things like that.</p>
<p>With housing, anything can happen. Freshmen are guaranteed a place to live and that sometimes means they get placed in non-freshmen housing.</p>