<p>I would DEFINITELy go to orientation, but hurry! There are only one or two sessions open still.</p>
<p>I don’t know about the making friends part (although you could try to coordinate with roommates and people on the facebook page) but if you look at a sample schedule for orientation you’ll see that this is where you’ll be registering for classes, being placed in the classes you should be taking, attending informational sessions, speaking with academic advisers, touring the campus and the dorms, etc. I think it’s a really important part of being properly prepared for life at USC, and I would say an overwhelming majority of students are attending a session. </p>
<p>Also, I know it’s a huge commitment financially, but I think it is definitely worth it. Your parents don’t have to go (mine aren’t–save the travel expenses for move-in) and you can try to meet up with other people who are attending the same session to split cab fees or whatever. Also, try checking out STA travel for student discounts on flights. </p>
<p>Fight on! :)</p>