University of Southern California Top Questions

Greek life is pretty big. 'Thirsty Thursdays' on the Row are big, every week. Going to football games (and the preceding tailgates) is very common. There are also several acapella and dance groups. Visions and Voices, a program that brings performing groups, artists, authors, actors, speakers, and previews/retrospectives of Film & TV to campus is very commonly attended as well.

No idea

The most popular activities are sports, band and fraternities/sororities.

A group that I'm currently involved in is the URSC, short form for University of Residential Student Community. As can be seen from our name, we care for the welfare of the students living in residential buildings in USC and organize activities to help them feel at home. As a funding rep, I ensure that all activities organized, either by URSC or by any other organizations or individuals, have the residents at USC at the top of their head. I can proudly say that with URSC, all freshman living in a residential building at USC will assimilate to the Trojan family in no time!

Football is definitely a big thing but you don't have to know about it to be at USC. If you start watching football while you're here that's great but if you don't there's plenty of other things to bond with fellow students with. Dorms are typically the first place you make your friends since you're in such close proximity with everyone but there's definitely clubs to join and things to do.

The most popular student activity is probably sports. USC's football team is extremely well-known and football season at USC is an experience unique to our school. The school spirit and pride is unreal. Greek life is also quite popular here. Meeting people part of panhellenic and professional fraternities is very common.

The football team is one of the most popular teams on campus, due to their overall success in the national championships of old and the venue they play. Greek life is fully supported by the campus and one of the social organizations, I most proud to be a part of, due to the philanthropic, athletic and social opportunities it affords. Visions and Voices offers events each week on Tuesday, from magic shows to notable keynote speakers, students should take full advantage of these. Within a mile of L.A. Live, Staples Center, and downtown LA, there's hard to find something not to do. Even on campus, there are live performances at the not one but two large student center rooms, run by students for the students. Whether it be the beach, USC sports games, there is no short list of activities. The dating scene is pretty large, I mean there is a lot of eye candy at USC and they are all smart and (usually) down-to-Earth girls. Dorm life was awesome as a freshman, but as an older sophomore I needed the freedom afforded by living in my fraternity house.

Greek life is a huge part of campus life, and at times it can seem as if the entire campus revolves around it. This is definitely the most popular place for students to go out, although there are other off-campus parties and plenty of things to do that don't involve drinking. There is always a show at Ground Zero, the performance cafe, or other events to attend. Sports are also a very important part of campus life, especially football, because there is so much school spirit. Nevertheless, there are so many clubs and organizations to get involved in. There is always something for everyone on campus.

There are a lot of kids that are involved in Greek life, which is fairly predominant on campus. Partying is a big thing on the row, though there are many girls in my own sorority that don't drink, fraternities throw parties every Thursday night and there are often times parties on Tuesday and Fridays, sometimes Saturdays. SC is still very social if you are not in Greek Life. There are community service organizations such as Troy Camp or Helenes. I am in Troy Camp and absolutely love it. There are groups for almost every interest ranging from religion to outdoor exploration. It's easy to get involved in organizations like these or even groups that are more academic that come from the school of your major.

There are a lot of kids that are involved in Greek life, which is fairly predominant on campus. Otherwise many students are involved in community service organizations such as Troy Camp or Helenes.

Acappella groups are quite popular, so are various greek organizations. Academic clubs are also popular, with various pre-professional groups having quite a presence. I'm involved in a campus ministry, and we hold weekly events as well as one-on-one discipleships. I'm also involved in a global health club, where I taught weekly on various topics in global health. The club collaborates with a grassroot organization in rural Ghana to raise money to promote community health, education, and general development. It depends on the dorms whether or not people leave their doors open, but in general, doors start getting closed around a month into the semester. Athletic events are VERY popular, especially football games. Tons of guest speakers come to USC. Obama came last year, so did Bill Nye. A lot of famous artists and musicians come. Theater is less prominent, but it's definitely there if you look for it. I've met my closest friends through my campus ministry, and now we've been roommates for 3 years. If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm probably doing some last minute homework or talking to a friend. There are various traditions associated with football games, such as kicking the pole before going to the game. There's also the annual fountain run for the graduating class, where we try to hit all the fountains in one hour. I'm not too familiar with the party scene, but I feel like people generally party on Thursdays and Fridays, and sometimes weekends. Last weekend I ate out with a group of my friends in celebration of someone's birthday. You can do a lot of things on a Saturday night with no drinking, such as movies at LA Live, various events on campus, and perhaps just hanging out with your friends. You'd need a car (or bus) to do anything off campus, but there are plenty of eateries around, especially in K-town. Movies and concerts are around downtown, and shopping is rather limited, but reachable with transportation.

Acappella groups are quite popular, so are various greek organizations. Academic clubs are also popular, with various pre-professional groups having quite a presence. I'm involved in a campus ministry, and we hold weekly events as well as one-on-one discipleships. I'm also involved in a global health club, where I taught weekly on various topics in global health. The club collaborates with a grassroot organization in rural Ghana to raise money to promote community health, education, and general development. It depends on the dorms whether or not people leave their doors open, but in general, doors start getting closed around a month into the semester. Athletic events are VERY popular, especially football games. Tons of guest speakers come to USC. Obama came last year, so did Bill Nye. A lot of famous artists and musicians come. Theater is less prominent, but it's definitely there if you look for it. I've met my closest friends through my campus ministry, and now we've been roommates for 3 years. If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm probably doing some last minute homework or talking to a friend. There are various traditions associated with football games, such as kicking the pole before going to the game. There's also the annual fountain run for the graduating class, where we try to hit all the fountains in one hour. I'm not too familiar with the party scene, but I feel like people generally party on Thursdays and Fridays, and sometimes weekends. I would say around 1/3 of the students are involved in the greek scene, and they do play a significant part on campus. Last weekend I ate out with a group of my friends in celebration of someone's birthday. You can do a lot of things on a Saturday night with no drinking, such as movies at LA Live, various events on campus, and perhaps just hanging out with your friends. You'd need a car (or bus) to do anything off campus, but there are plenty of eateries around, especially in K-town. Movies and concerts are around downtown, and shopping is rather limited, but reachable with transportation.

Acappella groups are quite popular, so are various greek organizations. Academic clubs are also popular, with various pre-professional groups having quite a presence. I'm involved in a campus ministry, and we hold weekly events as well as one-on-one discipleships. I'm also involved in a global health club, where I taught weekly on various topics in global health. The club collaborates with a grassroot organization in rural Ghana to raise money to promote community health, education, and general development. It depends on the dorms whether or not people leave their doors open, but in general, doors start getting closed around a month into the semester. Athletic events are VERY popular, especially football games. Tons of guest speakers come to USC. Obama came last year, so did Bill Nye. A lot of famous artists and musicians come. Theater is less prominent, but it's definitely there if you look for it. I'm not too familiar with the dating scene, but it's definitely very much here. I've met my closest friends through my campus ministry, and now we've been roommates for 3 years. If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm probably doing some last minute homework or talking to a friend. There are various traditions associated with football games, such as kicking the pole before going to the game. There's also the annual fountain run for the graduating class, where we try to hit all the fountains in one hour. I'm not too familiar with the party scene, but I feel like people generally party on Thursdays and Fridays, and sometimes weekends. I would say around 1/3 of the students are involved in the greek scene, and they do play a significant part on campus. Last weekend I ate out with a group of my friends in celebration of someone's birthday. You can do a lot of things on a Saturday night with no drinking, such as movies at LA Live, various events on campus, and perhaps just hanging out with your friends. You'd need a car (or bus) to do anything off campus, but there are plenty of eateries around, especially in K-town. Movies and concerts are around downtown, and shopping is rather limited, but reachable with transportation.

Being a Trojan isn't just about being a student. There are so many programs that are available to enrich students' lives within and outside of the classroom. Visions and Voices is a great initiative that brings incredible speakers and performers to campus to host free events for students and community members. Spectrum also presents an amazing line-up of performing arts shows also free and/or discounted for members of the USC community. Students also play a huge role in this cultural component of USC whether as performers in campus theatre productions or musical/comedy performances (ie: Trojan Men A Capella, Comedus Interruptus Comedy Troupe). In addition to that, Greek life is strong but not a necessity for a thriving social life. Plenty of other groups, whether community service- or interest-based, are open to all USC students. But that isn't the only way to meet people. Some of my best friends were my classmates and neighbors in University housing. There are so many opportunities for bonding that these friends instantly become lifelong. Whether attending football games and other sporting events (a priority for the vast majority of loyal Trojans) or simply chilling at someone's apartment, there is always something to do regardless of your definition of fun. Beyond campus, LA is an incredible city with an endless list of amazing things to see, do, and experience.

Football: Ever since Pete Carroll came and revitalized USC football the team has been a top 5 national contender every year, it's a big deal around here. But since we live in LA and there are so many more things to do, the majority of the school doesn't eat sleep and breathe football like many of those midwest or SEC schools do. USC also has the best athletic department in the country, tennis golf and waterpolo won national championships last year although the attention goes mostly to football. many of the schools varsity teams feature players who win medals in the olympics or go pro in the NFL, MLB or NBA. There are something like a couple hundred student clubs or oranizations on campus so you can find what you're looking for, this is also a great way to meet people and network. There are also speaking events, concerts, movie previews, student productions that are shown during the school year if you're interested in that kind of stuff. LOS ANGELES, hey it's a city with over 20 million people there's tons of stuff to. The greek scene is pretty big, I'm not in one but I feel like many of the negative stereotypes about USC originate from the greek scene. Some are cutoff-t wearing douchebags who are clueless about life. For the most part "the row" as it's commonly referred to is WASP WASP republican city with a few liberals and minorities scattered here and there. I can't hate though because I have many friends who are in fraternities and sororities and they are down to earth and kind. people join the greek system for different reasons some people look for friends for four years or for life, other want to meet potential spouses, while some want to get wasted every other night. it's just about your priorities and how you handle them. Yes, there is drinking at USC i have people get wasted every other night, others have never touched liquor.

If you're awake at 2am on a Tuesday, you're studying. You've probably just run to TroGro (our coffee shop that's open 24/7) for a late night Starbucks and your door is probably open because everyone else on your floor is also trying to finish a paper or their reading. People party the most on Thursday nights...it's the big night on the Row. Things die down a bit Friday and Saturday; most of those parties take place off campus or in the dorms. Frats/sororities are definitely a significant part of student life. Even if you don't go Greek, you'll know lots of kids that do, and you'll still spend time on the Row. There's lots of stuff to do on campus besides drinking, though. Off campus: EVERYTHING. We're in LA, after all. Great shopping, food, entertainment, etc. You can find it all (it helps if you have a car, though, or a friend who does)

There is so much to do on campus no matter what you are interested in. I am a large proponent of the Greek system because it allows you to go to amazing locations and do really cool things you might not be able to otherwise. Also, it gives you great access to another alumni network (that of your house) and leadership skills if you want to get involved. If Greek isn't your thing, however, there are many other clubs and groups on campus. I am also involved in campus Hillel which is a really good way to meet other Jewish students.

If you come to USC, it's important to find your niche early, or else you'll be left out in the cold. The community is pretty segregated by different cliques that are usually rooted in one's ethnicity, major, greek affiliation. If you're not in a fraternity, you'll have a hard time finding anything to do on the weekends. It's easier for girls (who don't need to be in a sorority to attend frat parties), but social life is still dominated by the huge greek presence on campus.

GREEK LIFE. Just do the greek life. There's always something crazy going on around campus. People film movies at commercials here (I remember running into Carmen Elektra in the fall, I also met Tim Robbins and Adam Sandler), one day they dumped snow in the quad and had a trick snowboarding show, the things that happen here are unreal. Ron Paul stopped by last fall. The one thing everyone is always down for though is football. Our football team is very important to us. Football season matters a lot, and if you aren't a USC football fan before you get here, you will be shortly after getting here. I was raised in Oklahoma, (OU football is a religion there) and I thought I could never be a fan of USC after the 2004 national championship. I was wrong. It only took like two weeks being out here for me to convert.

Someone asked me once if I thought USC was a party school. I had to really think about my answer, because at first I wanted to answer "of course!" On second thought, however, I don't think we are at the extreme end of the partying spectrum. Fraternities and sororities have their own social lives, and beyond that there are apartment parties and bars around campus. Overall, though, I feel like the general attitude towards partying will change drastically as USC becomes more academically-focused. It is getting extremely difficult to get in, and I have even noticed a shift in the kind of people who rush sororities. The stereotypical sorority chick is becoming more and more rare, simply because unless you are very bright and well-accomplished, you can't get in. In my experience, the social scene of USC is slowly transforming. I think the attitude is moving away from "work hard, play hard" towards "work hard, play a little (if any)."

Parties all the time. Bars all the time. You have to watch it though because you're here to learn not to drink yourself into oblivion.

Social life at SC is largely based around the greek row due to their massive partying habits, but don't think that the underground SC scene is lame. I've found that the kids disassociated with the row are the more intellectual and throw better dance parties.

Greek life plays a huge role at SC. Frats and sororities are the most common way of meeting guys and girls, but you don't have to rush in order to find friends. The first week of freshman year is filled with activities to meet other freshman through. And go to the football games! Just like anywhere else, it helps to have a good roommate at the beginning so you'll have someone to go to events with. Be aggressive and put yourself out there, no one's going to meet you if you're sulking in your dormroom. There are ALWAYS things going on, whether at Bovard auditorium, Ground Zero cafe, or Bing/Norris theatres. Yes, people party all the time. It doesn't really matter which day of the week it is, something is going on at the Row. People also hang out in the dorms, or do any number of things really late that don't involve drinking. If you have a car, be prepared to have lots of "friends," because people always are itching to get off campus and go eat non-cafeteria food for a night, or go to a movie theatre/shopping center during the weekend.

Athletics are HUGE at USC. Students have so much Trojan pride... football and basketball games are often packed full. Most of the freshman dorms are great. The building I lived in last year - Birnkrant - was so social and lively, and people always left their doors open. Incoming students have the choice to have co-ed dorms, which are really fun. Most of my best friends lived down the hall from me, and I actually made a lot of friends in my architecture classes. Being an insomniac, I was happy to find that there are people awake at all hours at USC. If you go outside at 3am on a Thursday, I guarantee there will be people skateboarding or playing Frisbee outside. Fraternities and sororities are pretty popular and "the row" is the most popular place to party. However, if you don't want to go out drinking, a lot of students like hanging out outside and playing games.

There are social activities for all at USC, to my experience. I enjoy video games a lot, so my friends and I spent much of our down-time (and perhaps some of our not-so-down time :P) playing Super Smash Bros. The USC Gamers' Network often holds Friday-night LAN parties for those who would rather play Starcraft, Smash Bros, Rock Band, or a number of other excellent titles than engage in "normal" social activities... Heheheh.... Anyway, there's plenty to do for everyone. I'm not a big fan of the whole Greek scene, but it's there for those who are into it.

My biggest criticism of USC, is the surrounding area and campus life. There is really no place to go to hang out around USC and enjoy yourself. We have the row, and if you're in a fraternity it is fun to party at your house and with friends, but it definitely gets old being in the same place everyday or every weekend. There is one bar that everyone goes to: the "9-0." It is fun but a really small bar and you just get super drunk everytime you go there, and see the same people every night, that are mostly all in fraternities and sororities. I'd say greek life dominates USC, most people that have a lot of friends and an active social life are greek. There's other stuff to do outside of USC, but it is sort of a bubble around campus and greeks have the social lives that others don't. This is pretty much USC social life in a nutshell, besides football games and other sports events that are awesome and provides for a great experience. There are parties but they can be limited and pretty small. I wouldn't call USC a party school, it has definitely toned down very quick since 4 years ago, and it really seems pretty quiet now. There aren't many places to go out to eat or just hang out - USC really isn't a college town, it is in a ghetto area of downtown LA which can get annoying to live in. Downtown LA and hollywood are close and the beach is not far either, however. I'd say USC's student life can get lame after awhile and other schools in college towns definitely have more fun and more to offer as a place to live.

There are over 600 organizations on this campus. There is so much to do if you're willing to get yourself in it. The easiest way to know about the orgs on campus is to attend the student involvement fair. There are many Greek organizations---USC has the largest Greek life on the West Coast, but if you don't wan to become Greek, there is no pressure to do it. If you want to party, you can also find one or you could start your own. If you don't want to stay on campus, you can always explore LA, but it's best if you have a car because LA public trans is not the best. Football games are a big deal, but that's not your thing, you can join me because I won't be going to the games. We also have a thing called Visions and Voices which is a great program. Guest speakers and performances have come through this new arts & humanities initiative. Take advantage of Visions & Voices. I saw Color Purple (the play) for free because of this program.

There is a LOT of philanthropy and social issue causes for the surrounding community. One of the most popular groups in Troy Camp, where basically you take inner-city kids out for summer camp and other fun activities during the school year. Like three big concerts a year...some performers have included The Fray, The Bravery, Hot Hot Heat I met some of my closest friends through my church. People go around the dorms to hang out, apartments not so much. Visions and Voices can be kind of pointless but then again I saw John Williams play his hits front row center for free so I'm not complaining. Big people come to speak. Not like the President of Iran at Columbia but big enough to make you want to go. Too many traditions to mentioned. Most notable is the senior fountain run which is a much better idea than UCLA's undie run. People go to the row a lot but sometimes that can have a stigma of being a "row-hoe". Most parties don't have alcohol but people are very accepting if you choose not to drink.

Again...school spirit is incredible! Also, there are soooo many clubs and groups students can join. There is literally somthing for everyone.

most of my dorm is pretty social, but there are a few people that i don't even know their names...but that's their choice i guess. all of my close friends live on my floor, because i live with them and i met them first i guess...then i have some friends from classes and parties but not very many. football is intense here! i love it. if i'm awake at 2am during the week then i'm studying or watching tv, if it's the weekend i'm out at a party or hanging out with friends or something. there's a traditional senior fountain run which sounds pretty awesome, kinda a rite of passage thing i guess. the greek scene is pretty fun ;) but if you choose not to drink there are plenty of other fun things you can do.

There are a lot of open dorm rooms at the beginning of school years. Football games are huge! Make sure you get a student activities card as soon as they go on sale! You will feel left out if you don't get one. Basketball games are popular when we are winning. Celebrities come to our football games all the time (Snoop, Will Ferrell (alumni), Denzel Washington, past players, etc.) Some guest speakers are more popular than others (Spike Lee, Ice Cube, etc.) but they are all free to students which is awesome. Conquest and Save Tommy Night take place the week of the UCLA football game (usually there is a band (last year it was The Fray). SpringFest takes place in April every year. We usually get a pretty cool band (The Roots, Lupe Fiasco, etc.) USC is in L.A. Enough said. You can do ANYTHING You want to do off campus. Thursday nights are the big party night because most partyers don't have class on Friday and go home. The 9OI Club, The Row, any off campus student Housing, and Leonardo's (for athletes and black people are big party spots around campus.)

Obviously the best thing about USC is football season. Game day is the best day of the year... wake up, party with thousands of people all around and off campus, go win another game, go celebrate. Greek life is pretty important here, but there are enough fraternities and sororities for everyone. Life not going greek is not the end of the world though, many people do not end up going greek. You can determine on your own how much you want to party. If your not on a sports team or in a sorority, its pretty easy for girls to get into any party, for guys, not so much. Your right next to Los Angeles so if you don't feel like partying on campus, or don't want to party at all, there is so much to do.

Great Greek life (stay away from the "party" frats, trust me - go with the high GPA Greeks), great evenst with lots of free food (though lots of creepy freeloaders who wander into campus from holes nearby) and screenings of new releases.

There are probably too many groups on campus to know which ones are the most popular, but definately one of the most recognizable is the Spirit of Troy Marching Band, a three hundred member strong group of young musicians who are responsible for intimidating the other team and pepping up the 92,000 specatators at each home football game. Dorm life is totally relaxed and easy to get to know everyone on your floor and even in your building because everyone is looking for people to hang out with all the time, and it's really fun to just hang in someone's room for a night. Most of my best friends are the ones I've met in my dorm, and I'll be living with them again next year. There are always things to do on campus. We have guest speakers and bands and comedians and dancers and all sorts of performers come to campus and do free shows for students. A few weekends ago, the University sponsored a school-wide event called Springfest where bands peformed in the quad from noon to midnight on a Saturday, with some bands including Saosin, Young Love, the Aquabats, and with Lupe Fiasco headlining it. IT WAS AMAZING. Fraternity and sororities are popular, but definately not a necessary part of the college experience. They are a great way to meet new people and keep busy though. My friends who are in sororities love them, but my friends who are not in them do not want to join, and are fine not being in one.

There's a club for absolutely everything you'd want to get involved with. I had never fenced before I came to college and randomly showed up to a practice because I had seen them at the activity fair and now I'm on the team. Students in the dorms leave their dorms open and everyone will just come in to your room and talk. Football is the most important part of the Fall semester for all students. Everyone goes to the games. There is a lot to do on and off of campus. Los Angeles is amazing.

I would say that the Greek System at USC is large and very popular. The Row, which is the street with all of the sorority and fraternity houses, is a popular place for parties and social exchanges. I did not attend USC my first two years of college, so I do not know the dorm experience at this particular school. There are many USC traditions that a very long standing. Football season is a very exciting and important time of year for the student body and alumnae. Before every football game, home and away, one can see thousands of die hard USC fans decked out in the signature maroon and yellow. Tail-gating is very popular and provides a great bonding experience for the students. Another tradition would the rivalry between USC and UCLA. During the annual USC/UCLA football game the campus is transformed into a carnvial. I find that in most cases, similar with my own, that upper classmen tend to move farther away from campus. The first two years students tend to live in dorms or in apartments in the campus area. However, I find that juniors and seniors move to farther away places such as Pasadena and Santa Monica.

Greek life is a big deal on campus, but you can still have a social life without being a part of it. In the dorms, people usually leave their doors open; I'm pretty close with everyone on my floor in the dorm. Instead of going to "the row", a lot of people hang out on campus or go explore L.A.

The Greek life at USC is one of the best. Students at USC are unique because they are able to work hard but also balance a great social life. Football season is one of the greatest experiences, walking on campus and tailgating with students, alumni, and fans. USC is also located close to Hollywood and that type of scene. There are so many options, from going to the row, to going to the Grove to see a movie, to going clubbing in Hollywood. Everyone can find something that they enjoy doing.

The most popular groups to join are the sororities and fraternities, but I am not in one and do not feel excluded at all. I go to the frat parties sometimes, and even though I don't drink, I don't feel uncomfortable. The guest speakers we get are incredible. In my two years here, I have seen Steven Spielberg, Jane Goodall, Spike Lee, Quincy Jones, Josh Schwartz, Rufus Wainwright...

Frats are most popular Im involved in the history group, and I never go. Yes they leave dorm doors open Athletic events - football very popular. Guest speakers - yeah sure. Theater - never been Dating scene - Same as everywhere else Closest friends - meet with cell phone awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm probably at a party somewhere or maybe coming back from a bar People party a lot Fraternities/sororities are very important to certain people, other people don't care. Depends on what you want in college, the party scene is similar either way Last weekend - went to a party on Friday, a huge party with a band on Saturday, and completely and totally relaxed on Sunday April 20th Saturday w/o drinking - you dont have to drink at parties and theres plenty of non-drinking activities on campus and around. I mean you're in Los Angeles Off campus - go to beaches or explore LA

The most popular groups on campus would have to be the Football team and Greeks. I am personally involved in VSA, a small group of, naturally, Vietnamese people who get together, mostly socially to engage in different activities. Students in dorms most definitely leave their doors open. Athletic events, guest speakers and pretty much everything are VERY popular. I met my closest friends firstly through classes and secondly, my largest circle of friends came from VSA. There are SOO many traditions at USC you cannot begin to list them all. Last weekend I attended USC's annual Springfest with Lupe Fiasco and I also attended UVSA's annual Friendship Games! UVSA is the umbrella of 13 different Southern California VSAs to network and make friends.

A tradition that happens every year is the Senior Fountain Run. This is where all the seniors run from fountain to fountain and play in them. Every year, though, the administration tries to shut down some of the fountains so that the seniors can't play in them, but they always find a way around it.

If you play football or basketball you're a god. Everyone wants to suck your dick, guys and girls both. It's no wonder Matt Leinart stuck around another year. Nobody realizes it's the nerdy engineering kid who'll own the team those guys end up getting their paychecks from. I feel fraternities and sororities are overly emphasized. Everyone forgets they were all accepted to USC before anyone ever went Greek.

Choosing your dorm can make all of the difference freshman year. Apartments are a bad choice for freshmen, it's harder to find friends. New-North is perfect for those looking to join the Greek system/party. Marks Hall/Trojan Hall change slightly every year but are consistently more academic/quieter. Parkside is quiet/antisocial. Everything else is somewhere in between, but I think being on campus is important freshmen year. Football gamedays are an incredible experience. Even if you don't think you're into football, buy tickets and go anyway. No student should miss this experience, and no event will fill you with more Trojan Pride. Sadly, every other sport suffers from nearly zero student support. Guest speakers/events are interesting. I've seen Spike Lee, Barack Obama, Ron Paul, Quincy Jones, and Tom Brokaw all speak for free. Spike TV hosted the Video Game Awards from the Galen Center, College Jeopardy filmed from the Galen Center as well, the Emmy's were right across the street (until this year), and free concerts are common. The school also pays for students to see musicals like Avenue Q and Wicked. The Greek System is prevalent and vocal, but not totally necessary depending on your gender. For girls, the Greek System is pretty much completely unnecessary and for rich spoiled girls. Any girl can get into any party. For guys, the Greek System is vital if you want to go to parties on the Row (the best place to go to parties generally). The standing rule Row-wide is "Know a bro... or be a ho" for getting into parties. I love my fraternity, Theta Chi, because it offers the partying/brotherhood/leadership outlet of a fraternity, without the bullshit hazing/humiliation/stupidity that comes with most of them. Brothers are expected to put school first and treat all brothers equally regardless of seniority. It's small enough so that I know every guy very well, and every guy in the fraternity is a quality guy.

USC has a very strong social life. I enjoy how USC can be a respected university but still knows how to have fun. However, there is too much emphasis on white greek life on USC. They are only 25{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the population, yet they are representative of the whole university in most media. Minority greeks are not as supported by the university, as well as other organizations that are non-greek. Although a strong social life, I head an organization on campus and in recent years, student involvement has fell off EVERYWHERE. When I came here, most student orgs were very strong. Nowadays, the same orgs have dwindled in numbers. Some have even disappeared. I think today's student keeps to himself more, that is, until the weekends.

Greek life applies to about 1/4 to 1/3 of the student body... but it never feels like you're left out if you're not involved. Just about everyone is involved in some other organization on campus, and these vary from dance groups to community service to cooking together. Athletic events are huge at USC. Football is part of the school life in fall. Just about everybody goes to the football games. The other sports don't receive quite as much attention, but the school definitely puts a lot of money into athletics. USC gets a lot of guest speakers through the School of Cinematic Arts, Annenberg Communications school and also Marshall Business School. We have a lot of free movie screenings on campus as well. If I am up at 2 am on a Tuesday morning, which is quite often, I am studying or doing homework. Sunday through Thursday are work days. Thursday through Saturday tends to be more for relaxing. I feel like the best motto to fit USC is "work hard, play hard" I am not to involved in the party scene, so in turn I actually end up going out a lot to various places around LA on weekends and as relaxing activities. The LA metro system is not the fastest, but it can let you go anywhere you want to with a bit of planning and patience. Last weekend, I went to Santa Monica by bus to enjoy a movie, the beach, and shopping all together. My friends and I take advantage of the Visions and Voices arts events that take us off campus. USC's Visions and Voices initiative pays for all the tickets and expenses and offers us a great opportunities to see plays, musicals, ballets, and various other performances. Traditions: Conquest carnival before the big game against UCLA. Welcome Week -- lots of fun activities including fairly well known musicians and other performers. Home football game tailgates all around campus -- a sea of cardinal and gold.

One group I am involved with at USC is called A Community Place. It is a community service organization that gives out food to the poor and homeless in the community three days a week. It is nondenominational although it gets a lot of support from the University Religious Center. On Thursdays we pack sack lunches and on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we pass them out from 11-1. This organization has given me a chance to learn about the surrounding community, which is not particularly affluent, but is culturally rich and historically important. The three-seven hours I spend working with ACP are some of the best of my week. Whether or not students in dorms leave their doors open largely depends on the dorm. Certain dorms are known for always having their doors open and with other dorms it depends on the year. In my dorm, I have my door open the majority of the time and as do the majority of the people. I walk in and out of my neighbors room and they do the same. It is very friendly without being too loud. Fraternities and Sororities at USC make up about 25{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the social life. It is definitely not necessary to be in one in order to have a social life. People not in the frats or sororities can go to the parties or they can go to parties that are not put on by Greek life at all. Or they can not go to parties at all. I personally don't drink and I find plenty to do without drinking. I know people and am friends with people who go out and drink, but I also have many friends who do not. We usually will see a movie, go out to dinner, go to a sporting event, explore Los Angeles, or hang out in our hallway instead of going out and drinking. As I have said before, there are so many people at USC that you will be able to find people who have the same penchant for partying or for not partying that you do. Off campus there are so many restaurants, shops, and concerts around in the wonderful and expansive city of Los Angeles.

USC Helenes is the best group on campus! We're the official hostesses of USC, and we have a very strong presence on campus-- involved in community service and pretty much everything else USC has to offer. If you're bright, friendly, into serving others, and want to make a difference- this is the place for you. I have made my best friends in Helenes, and if you ask any of us what our favorite organization is, we will tell you it's Helenes! Athletic events are by far the most popular events. Some people party 7 days a week and twice on Thursdays. I had one semester where I went out more than I usually do, but I still could never keep up with some of these kids. They work hard and play hard. I can only handle both in moderation, so if you found me up at 2 am on a Tuesday, I would probably be working on a movie or watching one.

Greek life is very visible on campus, but by no means the only way to participate in campus life. I think one reason they're so visible is purely because they all wear their sorority's/fraternity's T-shirts. Other students may be equally involved, but you just don't know until you talk to them. But when you do, you find out they're a tour guide who works in the Student Body Government and volunteers with Troy Camp, too. Or, they do JEP and dance in the Repertory Dance Company. There are so many ways to be involved. Primal Scream is one of my favorite things each year. It's during exam week each semester, and it's just a way to let-loose. Things done in the past have included free chair massages, a ferris-wheel on campus, and free Subway. The band also plays every night from 10-10:15pm, and the campus housing sponsors some kind of cookie/ice cream/candy/soda thing each night. I also love Save Tommy Night. Each year before the UCLA game Tommy Trojan is wrapped in foam and duct tape for protection. Bounce houses and other huge toys are set up, and people play while "keeping guard." Football games are a big deal. I love walking to the games in the sea of cardinal shirts and people tailgating. Even alumni come back to join in the fun! I always left my door open in my dorm, but the apartments are more closed. But then, in an apartment, you have more roommates... so it balances. And all campus housing has activities for the dorm/ apartment as a whole, so it's easy to get involved and meet people.