HELP! Choosing the Right Dorm

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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<p>I've read many of the threads about the dorms at USC and it seems like I'm stuck between choosing the right dorm. I wan't to academically succeed at USC, so it seems like Marks Hall is the right choice because I've heard that the student atmosphere pushes you to be the best (however, is this true?). I've also heard that it's quite convenient to study in your room at Marks, while it isn't so at the other dorms. But what are your opinions on the study environment at Marks Tower/Birnkrant/Pardee?</p>

<p>The thing I like about Marks is that it has an excercise facility inside, so that I don't have to walk to a recreation center or anything to keep in shape. However, considering I want to live in the Marks Tower/Birnkrant/Pardee dorms, how easy is it to walk to the recreational center/gym to excercise? </p>

<p>The one thing I am worried about marks, is that I will be isolated from the honors students. I won't be able to talk about classes because the honors students will be taking different courses in general. So in general, what percent of the people living at marks are actually honors students? And in general, will you feel "isolated" if you aren't an honors student?</p>

<p>Apologies for my pickiness, and any other general comments would be appreciated.</p>

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<p>i hear birnkrant is right next to the library (im choosing now too) so im choosing there. i love to have a social atmosphere - and probably wouldnt mind a party hall :slight_smile: - but i realize i have to study too</p>

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<p>The general consensus that I seem to find is that Birnkrant has the best balance, minus the gym. It is quiet enough to study, or you can choose to walk about a hundred feet to the library. The people are also quite social, my guide’s floor at Birnkrant kept all their doors open (although you can choose to close yours) and popped in and out to chat with one another. They were all quite friendly. </p>

<p>There isn’t a gym close to Birnkrant, but everyone rides bikes anyway, so location hardly matters in a campus as small as USC, as I’ve been told.</p>

<p>I’m not entirely sure, but I think the honors halls are mixed in with others as well, so there’s no elitist feel or anything.</p>

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<p>From facebook, Birnkrant has the highest concentration of students on scholarships.</p>