<p>My brother's friend came over the other day and started talking about his two-month experience in USC before he transferred out.</p>
<p>Apparently, he didn't like the school because according to him, it was too dangerous. When his tennis coach and club friends drove out of the school to the surrounding neighborhood for groceries, they weren't allowed to make eye contact with anyone because, apparently, almost everyone in the neighborhood carries guns and stuff like that. He said it was a sh&t-scary experience and being in the school felt like being in a prison cause there are grills everywhere.</p>
<p>I'm hoping this thread won't cause any unhappiness or anything like that, I'm not trying to do that. Just checking if the situation has gotten better (he was in the school about ten years ago I guess). </p>
<p>Honestly, it doesn't affect my decision to go to USC and I still want to get in soooo very much. I'm just worried my parents will freak out when we visit the campus two months from now, so if it's really that bad, I just want to prep them up for it.</p>
<p>Once again, I'm not trying to cause offense to anyone. I just want to make sure I know what I'm getting into.</p>
<p>My gut reaction is that your brother’s friend has other issues.</p>
<p>There has been much discussion about the safety of USC in the past and you can do some advanced searches to find some old threads. You will probably get lots of opinions here too. </p>
<p>USC is like any big city campus and, really, just like any college campus. The advice is the same as anywhere. Use common sense and all is good. </p>
<p>As at all college campuses, USC has had some random crimes- some horrific. DPS (Department of Public Safety) makes huge efforts to educate and protect students. </p>
<p>To put yourself in the mode of common sense, don’t listen to urban myths and random exaggerated stories. Look at stats about college campus crime- USC is no more dangerous than other campuses. </p>
I have the same reaction as cc411. He probably had other issues. If he “transferred out” after only two months, he left 1/2 way through the semester with no credits and a list of “Ws” on his transcript. That sounds a bit more like scary grades than a scary neighborhood issue.</p>
<p>The campus is beautiful. No need to “prep” your parents about how scary it is. The scariest thing about the grocery store across the street is I can’t find a parking place to run in and get a treat for my darling child when I visit. The surrounding neighborhood is urban. It is a VERY good idea to visit with your parents and see how you feel walking around. (Be sure to visit the new Cinema building - it is truly beautiful.)</p>
<p>Was your brother’s friend experience recently? My daughter rides a bike to the grocery store every week, however, she always goes with a friend and always never in the dark. I drove along that route myself to check out the area. I think the University Village is reasonably safe, I’ve been there recently to pick her up late at night, like around 8-9 P.M.</p>
<p>I can see how someone who grew up in an affluent neighborhood and is somewhat naive and/or spoiled can exaggerate like that, but really, it’s just a low-income neighborhood of a major city. There are a lot of lower-middle class minorities here and of course there is more crime (like ANY big city) but your friend was definitely exaggerating, I’ve never seen a gun here save the cops.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. This made me feel so much better. Yea, like I said, his experience wasn’t very recent so maybe that had something to do with it. But thanks so much again!</p>
<p>USC is pretty much a bubble. The area outside campus can be pretty sketchy. It used to bother me the first few weeks I’m here, but now I’m totally fine with it. Just use common sense and you’re good!</p>
<p>The area around USC is primarily made up of student housing and local businesses - who rely on the university to exist. The locals are very proud and protective of their university and it is a very large employer in the area. It’s their jewel. The university security is top-notch and closely aligned with the LAPD. As you drive around the area immediatley around the school, you see thousands of students on bicycles going to and from class, etc…as you would at any other campus.</p>
<p>I do suggest you thoroughly look through the links provided by cc411 #2. There are excellent safety tips, etc that you should practice at virtually any urban campus. (Incidentially, I just “Googled” “the most dangerous colleges in America” USC did not show up on any of the lists I quickly looked through.)</p>
<p>I certainly wouldn’t let safety keep you from considering this lovely university — comprised of beautiful brick buildings, fountains and open quads. It’s located in a huge, busy city no doubt – with traffic, every nationality you could think of, and everything else LA. But what an experience and education it provides.</p>
<p>As rural midwest folks who have a freshman at USC, this was a big concern for my wife. Everything that is talked about above is consistent with our experience and my wife has become more comfortable as we spent time in the area. We walked back from the Coliseum after a game, have driven through and around the area and I think understand that common sense will keep the risk to that at any other campus. Drunk behavior at a frat party is a more probable risk than walking around campus. Having said that, your parents might worry about many things associated with you going off to college, not just a college in an urban setting and you proactively understanding and addressing the safeety question well will help them get through it if you really are madeforusc :)</p>
<p>Sure, it really is that dangerous. That person’s brother figured out what 30,000 other USC students didn’t, and made the correct decision to walk away from from an expensive semester of college halfway through it.</p>
<p>dt123 - Are you referring to yourself? I seem to recall a post where you were comfortable with the area? There will always be some incidents no matter where you go, such is the world…but did something happen that was unique to USC? As an active parent, I can’t help but wonder.</p>
<p>Again, it wasn’t my brother. It was my brother’s friend who told me that, which made me decide to find out for myself. </p>
<p>Like I said, I didn’t mean to cause any offense to anyone. It was just a question that I needed answered and I knew that people on forums are more likely to give honest comments than regular sites. </p>
<p>And like I mentioned, it still doesn’t affect my decision to go to USC. I just wanted a place my parents would be comfortable with. But thanks for all your help everyone! :)</p>
<p>madeforusc- I don’t think you caused any offense. Someone just misunderstood- easy to do on a forum without voice intonations. I actually enjoy that there are so many regulars here- and lots of lurkers!- who throw in their random knowledge, (sometimes) funny jokes, and even provocative remarks that bring out the united Trojan spirit.</p>
<p>OP - I think it’s wise you are searching out all the information you can about USC (and hopefully any other university you are considering.) Many students focus in on a particular school - because of reputaion, etc. - without regard for all the factors that make up the college experience. You’ll be much happier wherever you end up, if keep up your questioning and research. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m a freshman here at USC and I got shot and stabbed last night while walking back from Panda Express. I suggest bringing bulletproof vests and military helmets to USC. That’s how I survived.</p>