<p>I , though it is a little late, finally decided to attend USC. So I came to CC to ask some questions and hopefully gain some helpful answers. First, I will be attending Viterbi and the school will accept 4 AP Exams (16 semester units) if I get at least a 3 - I will get the 32 maximum semester units for earlier registration as well. With that said, should I waive the "freshman" classes and jump into sophomore materials or take advantage of my AP exams and excel in the freshman classes?</p>
<p>If I want to minor in Agricultural Engineering and major in Chemical or Civil Engineering, what kind of subjects (calculus, physics, etc) should I study over the summer to keep myself well prepared for USC (sorry, a little nervous about USC and LA)?</p>
<p>Also, if I am a student who is looking for a balanced environment in terms of social and academic, which housing is IDEAL for a freshman? I've looked around, and it seems people recommend Birnkrant, Pardee, or Radisson for freshmen looking for a mix of academic and social time. Thank you guys so much!</p>
<p>P.S. Any heads-up for a small town Georgian boy heading to USC?</p>
<p>Sea,
Welcome to the Trojan Family. The Atlanta SC Alumni Club holds a great party for new students shortly before the time you leave for classes in Los Angeles. Usually, it is held in the garden at a home near the Governor's Mansion in Atlanta.<br>
Later in the summer you and your family should receive an invitation. It will be your chance to visit with SC alumni and also meet other new SC students from Georgia and Tennessee.
It is a fine opportunity for your parents to meet local alumni and ask questions about opportunities after graduation.<br>
This is a welcome party which is given for new students. I do hope you will be able to attend. As soon as the club calendar is set for August I will post the date.</p>
<p>Alot of Freshman students normally live on campus. Birkrant, Deans Halls,and New/north (party/social dorm) are among the most popular dorms. Other places to live that are further from the center of campus and seen as less social are Flour, Webb and Century. If you apply early you can probably get a central dorm.</p>
<p>You really can't go wrong here. There are two main areas of Freshman Housing.</p>
<p>On the North East corner is the dorm style housing and Radisson. These include New, North, Birnkrant, Pardee, Marks Tower, Marks Hall and Trojan Hall. Dorm style rooms don't have AC and have community bathrooms. However, if you bring a large fan with you the heat isn't too bad here. Since you are from Georgia the lower (less than 40%) humidity will make LA seem quite cool to you ;)</p>
<p>On the South East corner is Parkside Area. There are two suite style buildings (newer with AC) and Parkside Apartments. Suite style are popular because you're not sharing the bathroom with as many people. Also, most people prefer the dining hall at Parkside to EVK (although after eating there for a year you'll likely get tired of both).</p>
<p>Most Freshmen choose dorm or suite style buildings. It's up to you. All freshmen buildings are social, cause Freshmen are social. It's just that some can be a bit louder (usually New/North). </p>
<p>As for location, it doesn't really matter since the campus is quite small. That being said, Parkside area is closer to the engineering buildings, but as a Freshmen you'll still have GE classes elsewhere.</p>
<p>If I apply for housing today and consider my top 5 choices as...birkrant single, double, triple, than Pardee (best second choice?) single, double...would I get one of these for sure? I am pretty much looking for a mix of social/academics.</p>
<p>Also, if i dont get the preferred choices, which one should I choose: any room in a hall or any room in a suite? (I can say that New/North seems a little to obnoxious for me) Thanks guys so much.</p>
<p>SeaHwang: It appears that New/North and Birnkrant are the most popular socially.
IF you happen to be placed in Arts and Humanities or IRC Parkside, I guarantee you will be happy. These residences are considered gems by students who are already there, yet somewhat less popular with new freshmen simply because there's the perception that they are "isolated", away from the hub of activity. However, Arts and Humanities (which are mixed, not all humanities students) are full of freshmen too, with PLENTY of opportunity to make friends etc. Lots of activities as well.
My D and I visited twice, and found the area not so far (close to Viterbi and Architecture). Plus you get nice new rooms, AC, very nice dining, nice plaza area etc. USC is pretty compact, it's a 10 minute walk to wherever.
Another mom talked to students there and learned that students who were placed there last year after not getting into Birnkrant ot New/ North said they turned out to be happy they DIDN"t get their first choices.</p>
<p>Another thing, the study hall when we visited, which is beside New/ North and Birnkrant was filled with students who live in those dorms because it's a better place to study than in their own dorms since they tend to get a bit noisy.</p>
<p>Thanks sequoia. So how should I order these choices? SHould I not even write down Birkrant so I can make room for other dorms? I'd prefer double/triple but single is fine with me...thanks guys for the help!</p>
<p>1
2
3
4
5</p>
<p>also. the housing application is oonly a hardcopy (given with admission letter) or can i do it online? also, how can i get a hold of matching roommate forms if I want to live with another person (knowing I wont know anyone else going to USC).</p>
<p>you can apply online and roommate matching can also be done online. Go to the housing website. did you get the brochure with your admission package? the website is in there.</p>
<p>Are you admitted for fall or spring? If spring it says:
"The Spring 2009 application will be available July 1st at 9am. Applications for Spring will NOT be accepted until that date."</p>
<p>You should be able to register and indicate your choices for fall. Have you registered, paid the $30?</p>
<p>What you are getting "non university housing" may apply for present students, not sure what problem is.</p>
<p>I would give housing a call...1 (800) 872 4632 or 1 (213) 740 2546
email: <a href="mailto:housing@usc.edu">housing@usc.edu</a>
They are helpful. We've also called them.</p>
<p>Oh also, for roommate matching, do you have facebook? If so join the University of Southern California 2012 network. There's tons of info on all sorts of topics, as well as the opportunity to meet other students, and a whole roommate thing.</p>
<p>Thank you so much sequoia for helping me at such a late time 11:30p school night here. anyways im getting the "non-university housing" from My Financial Aid and Document LInk and I am in the 2008-2009 My Financial Award List where it lists the financing they will provide</p>
<p>I also posted this question on another thread. Did you sign up for housing yet? This is not the same as enrolling. The minute you are accepted you should sign up for housing, it costs $30 if you don't end up going to USC.</p>
<p>I would LOVE to sign up for housing on university housing (dorms) but my financial aid packet lists that MY housing plan ifor 2008 and 2009 is "NON-university housing" (***)...should I just deposit enrollment commit right now?</p>
<p>That is strange. I think there is some misunderstandings here. Housing and financial aid are two separate things. You can sign up for housing without even enrolling. I know my daughter's friend did back in March. Her financial aid just came last week( or something like that). So it's 2 separate event. What I'm trying to tell you is that you can sign up for housing and select your selection without even enroll at USC. If you end up not going to USC, you will only loose $30.</p>
<p>where is the housing application found online? it keeps saying that I MUST be committed to USC before filling that out...also can you explain why on my financial award packet for 2008-2009 it says my housing plan for frosh year is non-university housing...?</p>