<p>I read somewhere that USC only offers housing for its freshman students, and that a majority of its upperclassmen live off campus. Yet, when I look at their housing options on the SC website, there is substantially more housing available for transfers/ upperclassmen. So, my question is, who lives on campus?</p>
<p>There isn't really on-campus housing for upperclassmen. The only USC building on campus that would fit that description would be Webb Tower. All other buildings on the University Park Campus are freshman dorms, although some returning students stay in those dorms for one or two extra years. All other buildings are north of UPC, and some are so close you can pretty much call it on-campus. But some are a good distance away. There's a link to a map on the USC Housing website.</p>
<p>And USC is now guaranteeing on-campus housing for two years instead of one, starting with the entering class this fall.</p>
<p>For upperclassmen it is essentially a difference between USC owned and non-USC owned apartment buildings in the general vacinity of campus. Getting housing if you're an upperclassmen at USC will take luck, but as a sophomore I got exactly what I wanted so it's extremely possible.</p>
<p>The lines between on campus and off campus are getting a little blurry these days, as USC buys up every plot of land it can lay its hands on. USC owns a lot of stuff, including housing, that's technically 'off campus' but some of its really just across the street or down a block or two, with mainly university owned properties in between.</p>
<p>So would it be safe to assume that the general (meaning the big majority) of the student population live within a couple miles of the campus? My main concern is that essentially, if you live off campus, you live in the "ghetto." I am sure that university security extends to the periphery of the campus, not beyond the campus to where students may be living. Or does everyone pretty much congregate together?</p>
<p>My class is the first offered houseing for two years. I know I want to live in Webb next year because</p>
<ol>
<li>It's nice</li>
<li>It's convenient</li>
</ol>
<p>
[quote]
My main concern is that essentially, if you live off campus, you live in the "ghetto." I am sure that university security extends to the periphery of the campus, not beyond the campus to where students may be living. Or does everyone pretty much congregate together?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>OH GOD. NO. Yes, this isn't Westwood, but it isn't Compton either. I have had no problems whatsoever with the area. Granted, the non-USC people who live within the immediate area---Exposition to 23RD Street---are poorer, Mexican families, but the largest number of residents (a good 80%) are students. </p>
<p>Historic University Park is upscale. Old victorian houses, nicely kept up, and most certainly not "ghetto."</p>
<p>SC has done so much to make the neighborhood safer/more appealing, and it's been working.</p>