I was accepted into the honors program and have spent weeks contemplating whether or not to stay in the honors dorm or not. I was wondering if anyone or anyone’s child has any perspective on this to give. Is staying in the honors dorm socially restrictive, or is it worth it? Thanks!
Absolutely live in that dorm! It is nice, modern, and in a great location. There are some Honors College programs held on the first floor, including a couple of classes. It has its own dining room which is a convenience, but of course students can eat anywhere. Plus it’s only for a year; then you’ll move to other university housing (Horseshoe or 650 Lincoln, probably) or off campus.
My D is very social (maybe a smidge too much?) and went to plenty of parties, bars, etc., when living there as a freshman. A couple of her friends were in sororities. She is still friends with a number of people from her original floor including her two roommates.
There is likely some luck involved in whether you get assigned to a “fun” wing, but that could happen in any dorm. There are a lot of small single rooms so you might want to get a double if you are more socially minded.
Totally not restrictive. At the end of four years, many students commented at the revocation about the friend group they made as freshmen that carried through all the years. There are common areas on each hall which I think helps offset the fact that students are in suites. You will find partiers/non-partiers, greek/non-Greek, outdoorsy, artsy, gay, straight, religious, etc. The common bond is that these kids probably care a little more about the academics but other than that I think a true cross section. If you like sports, there are multiple intramural teams around. And of course there’s no reason not to get involved in broader USC opportunities. D was involved in club tennis and a religious group. Roommates were in sororities and several very involved in Student Government.