<p>Everyone I know says that if you are underage and get caught with alcohol/marijuana you are basically done. (Probation, scholarships taken away) </p>
<p>Everyone also says that USC is a huge party school... how?</p>
<p>I think that’s just in 5 points where the cops are strict. On campus parties there are a lot of parties too. But that’s just what I heard.</p>
<p>5 points is really sketchy, you don’t want to be caught down there. If you’re at some apartment party that gets busted by the cops, they’re just going to tell you to get out. They’re not going to arrest everyone there.</p>
<p>If you’re caught with alcohol in the dorm, you get written up by the Resident Mentors on duty. Later, you have to attend a sort of hearing, and I’m not sure what the punishment entails, but it isn’t serious. After 3 instances though, you do face repercussions from housing. I’m not sure what, but I imagine it can lead to being kicked out of university housing.
Marijuana/Drugs is much more serious. I don’t know anyone who has been caught with it in the dorms themselves but just don’t do it. It’s a serious offense.</p>
<p>There is also the Good Samaritan law. This means that if you are drunk, but your friend is in serious danger of alcohol poisoning or something along those lines, and you call 911, you will not face any damage from the cops even if you are clearly drunk underage. This law was enacted to stop students from abandoning their passed out friends on sidewalks in order to avoid getting into trouble with the police. </p>
<p>On that note, there are cops everywhere because such a large amount of people are partying. Whether it’s 5 points, or one of the apartment complexes off campus, it’s happening. There are countless people who drink underage, use fake IDs, or get toasted in 5 Points. </p>
<p>All I’m saying is, USC is a big party school, but it’s not difficult to avoid if you don’t want to. Don’t be stupid, and you won’t get in trouble with law enforcement.</p>
<p>Are there many non-greek parties?</p>
<p>Yeah, there’s plenty. I think I’ve gone to one Greek party all year (if you don’t count my sorority’s parties - we’re not Panhellenic) and there’s usually stuff to do every weekend.</p>
<p>I went to University of Florida when it was the #1 party school in the country (according to Playboy magazine at the time), and the cops were super-strict 24-hours a day…plus the classes were hard and you had to study! I had my moments, and anyone can find a party if they want one, but in the end you need to realize what you’re in college for.</p>
<p>Son will be a freshman at USC this Fall and has no time to party!</p>
<p>It’s all about balancing academics with social life/partying.</p>