<p>If you’re staying by the airport and it’s a “normal” traffic day, it should take you less than a half hour to get from the airport to USC if you use the carpool lane (105 fwy to 110 fwy). That’s cruising by LA standards! There are nicer hotels by the airport.</p>
<p>I live in LA with a a son at USC and just want to say - there is no such thing as a normal traffic day in LA. And I would allow more than 1/2 hour to get from the airport to USC, on ANY day. You can always have a cup of coffee on campus if you’re early. There’s plenty of mingling going on at these things.</p>
<p>Vagabond Inn:</p>
<p>Two Queens Standard Room with 2 queen beds:</p>
<p>$99 Thu $99 Fri $99 Sat $99</p>
<p>I have three questions regarding Explore USC for the interview “weekend.”</p>
<p>First, can any “locals” give us an idea of how long we should leave to travel Thursday morning from our hotel in Hawthorne/Manhattan Beach to USC? (We’d like to be on campus by, say, 9:15am.) And how long should we allow from USC Friday at 1 or 2pm to the LAX airport?</p>
<p>And second, I keep having this sinking feeling that my son is supposed to do something in regard to his own housing during the event. Did we miss something? Is he all set, simply by registering for the event? They’ll find housing for him with another student, and nothing is required of him, beyond registering?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>SimpleLife–traffic in Los Angeles isn’t our best feature. 
The drive in on Thursday morning is during rush hour. It should take about an hour but could be longer. I would suggest asking the hotel front desk who can give you a map and alternate (non-freeway) options too. </p>
<p>Friday early afternoon is not terrible traffic (but still slow) and barring accidents, you should get to the airport in about 45 minutes.</p>
<p>Honestly, if you have a smart phone I’d suggest using the maps feature and checking real-time traffic. Even shortish trips can get a little crazy when accidents occur on the freeways.</p>
<p>As for your sinking feeling–arise! There is nothing more to do about your S’s housing. At check-in, he will be able to leave his luggage. Programs will ensue. Later, Explore will pair up the invitees with their hosts who will take them to their dorms/apartments and on to dinner.</p>
<p>Parents go to their own, much more upscale dinner where there is a professor from your S’s major at your table. We found it quite cool to talk to the other parents and to politely quiz (grill?) the professor on some specifics of the major. After all, your kid is already accepted.</p>
<p>Have fun and best of luck.</p>
<p>Simple Life…If by Manhattan Beach/ Hawthorne you mean the streets intersection area you will take the 405 north, then cross on the 105 (east) to the 110 north. It will be rush hour. Carpool lanes will help. At that time give yourself 1:15, maybe 1:30, hour to be safe. The worst part may be the short 405 portion and on the 110 as you approach USC and downtown. Get off at Exposition.</p>
<p>USC to LAX in early afternoon is usually a half hour in smooth traffic…give yourself 45 mins.</p>
<p>Your son will be taken care of during the registration regarding his accommodation.</p>
<p>oops, crossposted with madbean…pretty much same info.</p>
<p>Thanks, madbean and Sequoia! </p>
<p>We don’t have to get there AT 9:15am. We’d just like to plan on being there BY 9:15. That way, I won’t be freaking out about being late while I wait in traffic.</p>
<p>Is there a better time to head on out? We are early risers, so we could head out as early as 6 or 6:30 if that would help avoid some of the traffic. Coffee and breakfast near USC sounds just fine to me! (Around here, the traffic is worse at around 6:45 to 7:15 than it is between 8 and 9.)</p>
<p>Or is traffic just plain old horrible at ALL times between 6 and 9:15am?</p>
<p>Thank you once again! :)</p>
<p>^ I’ve experienced a big difference on the 110 within a matter of 15 minutes. Leaving home before 7:15, it’s smooth, after…not so…seems the worst rush hour traffic is between 7:30 and 9, at least on that freeway.
Maybe going early and having breakfast there would be a good bet.</p>
<p>^Yay! Sounds like a plan! (How fortunate that we have access to such great sources here! 
)</p>
<p>Any great breakfast places walking distance from campus, now that we’re on that topic? We could drive, too, obviously, but it’d be much cooler to park our car on campus and walk around a bit.</p>
<p>I hate to get off topic, but by signing up for the program they set you up with a student for an overnight right?</p>
<p>^ All I really know is a Starbucks in the small shopping center on the north side of campus, and a nice coffee place in the SCA building. (might be a Starbucks too). No idea what time they open.
Maybe an eatery in the Radisson? Maybe students can chime in on other places.</p>
<p>I wonder if Parkside Cafeteria would be an option for guests (you just pay on entering)…it’s very nice and that would be a good option…buffet style, lots of breakfast choices.</p>
<p>CBP123, yes they do. A host student will house you in their dorm/suite at no charge.</p>
<p>Excellent. Thanks for all the great advice, Sequoia! It’s gonna be fun! :)</p>
<p>There are places to dine in the brand new student center. It is right by the Doheny Library. Dining choices range from Moreton Fig to Carl’s Jr. I do not know the weekend hours, but perhaps a student could chime in here with that information.</p>
<p>Even if your senior is not a cinema major do try to take a tour of the School of Cinematic Arts complex. As one non alumnus described it, “jaw dropping”.</p>