I am a junior in HS currently and I have been looking more into USC. I want to know what real students like or don’t like about it, all I can find is really general stats about the good things on campus. What is the school really like? How diverse is it? Are Greek life and sports really that big of a deal? I know it’s the south so is everyone super religious? How involved are the professors? ANY feedback is appreciated to help in my college search!
I just finished my freshman year at USC and I loved it. I’m from South Carolina, so I was pretty used to the weather and environment in general, but there are a lot of people from out of state (especially up North). I am in the Honors College and I think it is fantastic. I like that there is always something going on, especially on weekends. People are really friendly in general, and there are a lot of opportunities to meet new people. I think the campus and the Horseshoe are beautiful, especially in the fall and spring and whenever there isn’t sweltering heat. One thing I don’t really like is that off-campus apartments are usually too far away to walk to campus, but parking is terrible. There are shuttles, which definitely help, but they aren’t quite as convenient as driving. Diversity-wise, I would say the student population is a majority white, but there are a decent number of black, Asian, and foreign students too. Greek life is a pretty big deal, but you don’t have to be involved in it to meet people. I’m not in a sorority, but I didn’t have any problem making friends or anything. Sports are a pretty big deal, tailgating and football define Saturdays in the fall. But like Greek life, you can be involved or not, whichever you prefer. Tailgating is serious though, so get there early if you go. Not everyone is super religious, and a pretty big portion of the student population is from the North too. As for professors, some are involved, but most are not unless you make the effort to go to their office hours and talk to them. Go to office hours if you need help, or if you are interested in the subject material, whatever. Anyways, I love USC and I would definitely advise visiting if you haven’t already! Good luck!
“What is the school really like?” Hot and muggy in the summer, probably dips down to the 20s for a week or two in winter. I like the school, they seem to be building new stuff, but of course some buildings are old. Fun environment, lots of people, plenty of classes and opportunities. President Pastides is pretty popular and with some recent basketball success I hope more people come here. I came because the cost for me was low, but I truly think I made the right choice and couldn’t imaging even being at the other schools I “preferred” over USC.
“How diverse is it?” It doesn’t strike me as particularly diverse or not, it’s not all white people but like the US, whites have a plurality.
“Are Greek Life and sports really that big a deal?” Greek life is fun and I think I’ve become better for it, definitely nice to have a solid group of guys to work and hang with, but it’s not essential. I have plenty of friends who are not involved or even hate Greek Life but that hasn’t changed my relationship with them. Do it if it interests you, not if you think you have to. Sports, especially football and maybe now basketball, are popular and it’s fun to tailgate for football. I only went to a couple games though and I don’t regret not going. If you go once you kinda get the experience for all of them. Plenty of intramurals that no one really cares if you’re in or not. Like Greek Life, do it if you want to.
“I know it’s the south so is everyone super religious?” I would call myself spiritual but not religious and I’ve never had a problem. But then again I don’t often discuss my beliefs. I don’t know a ton of people who go to church here, at least not every Sunday. Sure there’s the occasional student group ministers that will come up and ask you about your faith but I personally find those discussions fun and intriguing. That does NOT happen frequently though,
“How involved are the professors?” Do mean in classes? With help? Like every college that depends on the professor. I’ve never had one that hasn’t been willing to help or discuss a topic with me. I think most professors at any institution are like that.