So I saw this place off-campus in person yesterday and I love it! It has everything I’m looking for in a place. I’m just about ready to apply, pay the security deposit, and sign the lease. But I won’t have a car and will be relying on the USC Shuttle for daytime commutes and the Campus Cruisers for late nights.
I’m just worried because it’ll be my first year on campus (I’m a sophomore but a transfer student), and I wonder if this situation will considerably limit my social options.
Do most people at USC make their friends in the dorms and stick with them? I do want to be able to attend dorm parties like the rest of the students. Do most extracurricular activities meet in the afternoon, or later at night? I’m also considering fraternity rushing; do their events regularly go past 2:45 AM (the last time I could call a Cruiser to drive me back to my place)?
I know I’m probably worrying too much about this, but it’s my first year at USC, and I don’t want to go wrong with housing right off the bat.
Precisely how far are you from campus, and can you walk?
The place would be about 20 minutes walking distance from campus, 8 minute bike ride. Not too bad at all, but my concern would be walking/biking in that neighborhood and that far late at night. It -is- to the north of campus but I’m still wary.
You will have many opportunities to meet new friends, beginning with classes. It appears you’re living alone, which is awesome. My suggestion, if the money and apartment are ideal: sign the lease and don’t worry about meeting friends. It’s more important that you get settled in with USC and studying, etc. Once you are settled and comfortable with your new environment, you can become more social on your own terms. I predict that in one year you’ll have a new group of friends and choose a roommate and/or frat to join. Regarding transportation, you’ll likely meet friends with cars who will gladly take you around; kids at USC are very friendly. Your first priority, however, is to focus on getting acclimated to USC.
Thanks, SeattleTW! I ended up signing the lease on the place. There will be other students living in the same apartment, though I think most of them are graduate students. Still, that’s a little something!