<p>i go to USC, and i couldn't tell you the times that it would have been convenient to have a car around. it definitely isn't necessary, but there are countless occasions where i wish i had a car (especially going to shows, watching movies, getting to art shows, getting crepes from the Farmer's Market...mmmm).</p>
<p>i've become somewhat of an expert on public transportation around USC haha. i've gone all the way from Hollywood, to San Pedro, Melrose, La Brea, and Westwood via public transportation, and rather efficiently at that. it takes a bit of map-drawing in your head and map-reading, but the system is navigable. it's not always a pleasurable experience, but it's generally bearable and worth it. </p>
<p>and to be sure...USC is not in "the most dangerous" part of LA. University Park/West Adams is not exactly a place where you'd want to be alone at 200 in the morning and it can be seedy at times, but dangerous situations are uncommon and much more the exception than the rule. also, it's often the case that people put themselves in situations (e.g. being alone) that are dangerous. but it's not Compton or anything. any shooting next to campus would probably put the school on alert.</p>