<p>I have several questions for current USC students (and also please post any comments about the dorms)
We are flying in - and do not want to ship stuff - I would rather buy most things in LA or buy off ebay and have it sent to dorm.
We are bringing wireless capable Laptop, Printer, Ipod, and probably mini DVD player. Should be add an extension cord? It won't take up space.
Other than these basics along with linens, clothes, is there anything else really essential to pack that you couldn't live without?</p>
<p>And dorm questions - is there a locked box for money, passport and ipod in the room? Is there a fridge? (he is applying for New). I read there was heavy theft of laptops, is it a good idea to lock it in suitcase under the bed if my son is going to be absent from the room for a while? </p>
<p>You can basically get all of those things in LA. Like all other USC students, you will probably spend a good deal of time at Target during your first few days on campus! </p>
<p>A fridge, a small tv, a phone - these are all things some students have but that you don't need right away. (And also, you mentioned linens, remember that the beds are all extra-long singles)</p>
<p>As for the safe question, no there are not safes in the room. And there is some degree of theft, but I think that you are overestimating it a lot. Closing and locking your door - a rarity in New - will be quite enough to keep your laptop in your room, and other people out. Staying safe and crime free at USC is easy, you just need to be reasonable.</p>
<p>Yeah, I think you sound fine. You can pick up anything really you need at Target. I believe the majority of the different dorms have microfridges (the little fridge and a microwave). </p>
<p>As for keeping your laptop safe, you don't have to go to such extreme measures each time he leaves his room awhile. You can just buy a lock, and lock it to the desk.</p>
<p>Thanks - good advice - though I wish there was some sort of locked drawer to keep cash, credit cards, passport and ipod. </p>
<p>Where is the Target near USC? Also, are there other discount stores, like Dollar Store, K-Mart? Is there a large nice supermarket like a Ralphs within walking distance from the campus. </p>
<p>I've googled looking for area maps, but haven't had luck with finding a map with banks, markets, hotels and nearby malls listed.</p>
<p>there is a market right across the street from USC. Almost all the USC students shop there and it's walking distance. And regarding malls etc., there is plenty to do in LA.</p>
<p>There are no Targets within walking distance, but there are multiple ones in surrounding areas. The one I mainly go to is about 10 minutes away. I don't know about Dollar Store or K-mart, since I've never shopped there before. </p>
<p>There is a market right across the street from USC, which is handy for people like me without cars. I walk there whenever I need to shop. This market (32nd Street) does not have the widest selection or the best selection of produce, so most students drive over to Ralph's, which is also really close to USC, but not really walking distance, since you would have to carry all your groceries back. Both 32nd Street and Ralph's have vans that can drive you to your housing though, if you don't have a ride and need to get your groceries back somehow. </p>
<p>There is a Bank of America right across campus, as well as USC's credit union on campus. These two are my banks, so I haven't looked for any others, so I don't know how close they are. </p>
<p>The Radisson hotel (where many students are also housed) is right across the street from USC. There are also many hotels in the downtown area, just a few miles away. </p>
<p>The best malls in LA are just a quick drive away, and many other options (like Santa Monica's awesome 3rd Street Promenade) are popular for USC students, too.</p>
<p>BTW, is the Ralphs van from USC or the market? Is there a charge. I have a feeling my son will be using it quite a bit at first.<br>
Now another question, is there an Ekards or some drug store chain with a pharmacy within walking distance?</p>
<p>The closest target to USC is on la cienega and jefferson. </p>
<p>Although some people here seem to have no problem with the 32nd street market, I would consider it a last resort. You are unlikely to find a large selection of anything there, and the produce is just plain scary. </p>
<p>Ralph's is better, but also not great. As a vegetarian that really depends on good produce, I make the drive to Whole Foods near the Grove. The Ralph's shuttle will take you back to your house - but you have to get there in the first place. It is free, but so is making friends with someone who has a car.</p>
<p>Still, I fail to see why your son would need to go to the store that much his freshman year unless he is getting an apartment. Just get an extended meal plan (like trojan or flex or dining) and he will be able to eat at any dining facility on campus and buy snacks at commons if he needs to.</p>
<p>There is not a name brand pharmacy within walking distance, but there is the USC pharmacy on campus which stocks basic health care items. There is another small pharmacy in the University Village (right across the street from campus). The closes brand name pharmacy is Rite Aid, which is about 10 blocks down vermont. (Not really a good idea to walk).</p>
<p>Now, not to be rude, but it sounds as though you are worrying about these things way too much. Your son will figure everything out that he needs to know once he gets to USC. Figuring those things out for himself is part of what makes the college experience what it is. He will make friends who have cars and/or are from the area who can give him rides or tell him where to find things. The RA's in his building are also there to help him find whatever he needs. I know you want to be prepared, but let him have the opportunity to do these things on his own.</p>
<p>I know Trojangirlie, you are right. Its just a close friend of mine whose daughter just graduated USC when I told her I was basically having my son fend for himself and not buying extra goodies she went ballistic on me and went on and on how she set up her daughter and how I should too. The way she made it seem is that there is no time to stock their rooms when they are in school. She also went on how if her daughter used her USC card to buy snacks on campus and she got the bill and it was out of control.
Sorry if I sound cheap but we really can't afford the stores on campus - I saw some of the prices of school supplies they are double what you would pay at a rite aid.</p>
<p>Your son will definitely be fine. I see no problem with getting him prepared, and stocking him up with stuff when moving him in, and finding out where things are nearby. Once he's on his own, he'll have no problem fending for himself. </p>
<p>When he moves in, he will probably receive a sheet of paper that has the addresses of local pharmacies, grocery stores, IKEA, Target, etc. You can take him around then, and that way he will learn where things are, and will be set for later when he wants to go with friends. </p>
<p>You don't need to worry about a USCard bill. If your son is getting a meal plan, then he will have a set amount of money (prepaid) that he can spend. On the Trojan plan he has some large amount that goes toward both buying meals and buying snacks and whatnot on campus. Often students are left with extra money with this, and go spending it around campus (but you already paid, so it's nothing extra). Your son can also get the Cardinal meal plan, which is 10 meals a week, and $500 that he can spend around campus. So you don't need to worry about getting an outrageous bill. </p>
<p>If your son has a meal plan, he definitely will not have to worry about going to the grocery store.</p>