<p>Hi,
I was just admitted to USC(engineering), and I'm having some trouble picking what dorms to put down.
Are there any downsides to IRC at Parkside? It has single rooms, and it is really close to all the engineering buildings (but will I be able to get a space there). My second choice is Birnkrant because from what I've read it is newer. </p>
<p>IRC at Parkside is more international kids, less English spoken in the halls there which can be good or bad depending on your background. Some think it is harder to meet people in that one. I had a student live there, rooms are great, and he didn’t need the social aspect cause he was involved in other things so it was ok, but it doesn’t offer much bonding opportunity, people tend to stay to themselves more. Have a S living in Parkside Arts and Letters now and he is engineer, 4.0 type that lives with a bunch of STEM people so don’t let the A&L name fool you. All his suite-mates ended up being top achievers, they do a good job roommate matching at USC if you fill out your profile accurately and truthfully. Good mix of students throughout building. I wouldn’t call it a party dorm for sure, seems to have a good balance to it all around. It is really close to engineering so that is great. Really happy there and it is newer as well, really clean. Suite style and he has made great friends throughout the floor/building. Great study rooms. Highly recommend that one for engineers.</p>
<p>post edit - A/C is a big plus there - rooms are always comfortable!</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>What are the differences between the freshman suites vs residence halls? </p>
<p>With suites you have a door off the hall for 8 people per suite. Behind the main door is a little entry area and 4 bedroom doors (that also lock) off that little entry. There are two bathrooms in that entry area. Two bedrooms (4 guys) share each bathroom. So it is more private than a residence hall where many rooms share a common bathroom and shower area. However some like the residence hall because it is so social having to share everything with many more people on the hallway, so you potentially could meet more people that way. My son is great pals with his suitemates and still meets people on the floor. Cause of the room-mate matching they are just enough alike and a lot different to keep it interesting. He has U.S. and international kids in his suite, as I said they are all pretty studious STEM types but represent a lot of majors and personalities. If you are really social you may like residence halls better, if you like your space a bit more, maybe suites. With two per room at USC any option is great compared to other schools where they are stacking kids in bunkbeds, here you can’t go wrong. Search this forum for housing, I know there is some great posts from last year or two. If I find it I will bump it. Good luck!</p>