<p>I live in South Carolina, so moving my car out to Southern California might be more trouble than it's worth. I know LA has terrible public transportation (from what I've heard). Is there any easy way to get to LAX from the campus, or to a train station that can take me to Irvine? Should I go ahead and move my car out there or rely on public transportation to get me to the airport/Irvine?</p>
<p>Also very interested in this. My car (either of them, though I still need to re-wire one this summer) definitly would not pass the California emissions guidelines, and I wouldn't want to drive a 1974 longbed chevy pickup around LA anyway.</p>
<p>I was just at USC a few days ago visiting -- from what I saw I'm planning to bring my car for the fall (from TX). There are bus stops right across from campus, but from what I've heard you'll be riding quite a while to get where you want to go. It looked like most of the students had cars. I'm sure someone actually at USC will reply though.</p>
<p>I am a USC freshman, and I do not have a car on campus. It really hasnt been a huge problem for me, though I dont go off campus much. My roommate does have a car and has been able to experience a lot more of the Los Angeles culture. If your RA has a car, it might be possible to do things as a group with your hall/stairwell. </p>
<p>As for other transportation, there are $15 shuttles that go to and from the LAX airport. These are very popular before breaks or long weekends. The metro bus system is expansive, though using it will take much longer than the same trip by car. Most people also avoid using it at night, ruling out a lot of entertainment options. The subway system is very limited, though the Metrolink rail system can get you out of the city and into the surrounding counties. Union Station is a short bus trip or cab ride from campus. </p>
<p>If your only destinations are Irvine by train and LAX by shuttle, a car really isnt worth the expense and parking fees. However, if you want to see more of LA on your own, or just like getting out, a car might be worth it.</p>
<p>i think a bike would be worthwhile around campus.. irvine or usc, but i'd bring a car. that's personal opinion, but if you're planning to stay on campus don't bring the car. most students get a permit 2nd or 3rd yr</p>
<p>Since it's pretty unanimous that having a car is a plus, what is the situation with parking? Is it difficult/expensive?</p>
<p>permits are always costly. i'd look it up on the usc website</p>
<p>USC transportation has shuttles to Union Station, which is where Amtrak stops I believe. During the holidays, Super Shuttle and Red Vans are around campus constantly throughout the day to bring students to and from LAX.</p>
<p>if you get parking anywhere...take it</p>
<p>2-3 Street Cleaning Violations = Parking Permit for a Semester at least</p>