<p>how hard is it for a non-partier and non-drinker to fit in at the social scene at usc? it obviously has a reputation for a large party culture, which i'm really not into. of course this is just a reputation and might have changed or might be changing currently. opinions from current students would therefore be much appreciated. are there plenty of people that don't partake in that culture? is it polarizing or isolating for them? thanks for any info. :)</p>
<p>It’s not hard to fit in on campus. As one person in my history class mentioned, students get geekier every year (shown by the lower admissions rates). There are plenty of niches for everyone. The partiers are primarily in the greek system, but on the opposite end of the spectrum, there are engineers as well, and people who have friends in different majors and backgrounds as well. It’s definitely not polarizing because everyone doesn’t party. Some students go shopping in LA and there are bookworms as well. Most students usually find a balance between their social and academic life.</p>
<p>that’s good to hear! 
what do students usually do then, if they don’t “party”? does anyone have firsthand experience of what most people do after classes/hw or on the weekends if they don’t party? join groups at school? just chill…somewhere on campus with friends? i WISH i could go into LA but it seems really hard to get there from usc…but you say that a lot of people do??</p>
<p>There is a huge variety of student orgs, sports, volunteer opportunities, and student life in general to get involved with that doesn’t focus on partying. When the subway is completed you’ll be able to ride the subway into downtown or up into hollywood to explore the city by foot.</p>
<p>ok thanks!! :)</p>
<p>one more q: i was considering going greek but you guys say almost all the party life is greek-centered, so is someone realistically able to go greek yet not party or drink?</p>
<p>With most greek life, there will be greek organizations that are more about partying than others. During rush week, consider talking to every organization on campus to get a feel for their expectations of members and you might find one that is the right fit for you. Also consider that depending on your major, there are pre-professional fraternity organizations for various majors that don’t focus on partying so much as they do socialization, networking, volunteering etc.</p>
<p>USC is a big school with student life options that are pretty much as good as it gets. You’ll find a place to fit in, don’t worry.</p>
<p>Once again, I feel the need to reiterate that there ARE MANY PARTIERS OUTSIDE THE GREEK SYSTEM! If you want to party, you do not need to join the greek system.</p>
<p>OP, I know that doesn’t answer your question at all… I’m not sure if you can be greek and not party. I’ve heard a lot of the hazing stuff is alcohol related but I don’t know for certain.</p>
<p>There is a huge number of organizations/clubs on campus. As long as you are willing to explore the various clubs and activities available at USC, you should be able to find your niche. Also, if you don’t have a car, there are buses to go off campus.</p>
<p>you don’t have to drink. I have personal experience of freshman sitting in a dorm room playing risk or scrabble on a thursday/friday or saturday night instead of heading out to the row to party</p>