Hey all,
I’m a current junior at Cornell studying microbiology, and I think I want to apply to USC for a PhD. (The Geobiology program looks really cool) I just want to know a thing or two about grad student life there as I start to draw up a list of programs I want to apply to.
First, how’s the social scene for grad students? Is the local bar or club scene good? How about local restaurants? Is it easy to get to the beach? Is it easy to get into the city?
Questions about daily life–how’s the area around USC? Is there much crime? Would it be feasible to have a car at USC, or is public transportation sufficient? How expensive is housing in the area? As far as food options go, are there some quality, low-cost supermarkets in the area? (I’ve grown up with Wegmans my whole life, which for those of you who don’t know, Wegmans is probably the perfect grocery store)
How is the graduate student body in general? I saw that USC has a huge amount of grad students (~12,000 if I’m remembering right, compared to ~10,000 undergrads) which gives me hope that the student body is dynamic and engaged. Is it easy to form connections with students from other disciplines?
I know this is a huge breadth of questions, so don’t feel the need to answer everything at once. I just want to get a feel for what life might be like at USC. Thanks!