Ask A Current SC Sophomore About Anything

[Hawkwings]

<p>I can take some of these.</p>

<p>

If I were to get accepted into engineering, would I be able to take a lot of classes in humanities/arts to meet more people? I hear rumors that engineering classes for any university are basically 100% guys.

You would be able to take some classes in other fields. First of all, there are your six required General Education classes, which are mostly humanities courses, except for categories 3 and 4. In addition, you can sign up for whatever classes you want to take, provided you have the room in your schedule. But that’s the problem. As an engineer, you will rarely have enough free credits (up to 18 per semester is paid for, anything over is extra) to take any classes outside of your course plan. I’m a senior this year, an engineer, and this semester is only the second time I’ve had four free credits to take fun classes.</p>

<p>

How easy is it to meet new people? How does freshman orientation work and did you feel like you had a lot of friends after the first week or did you have to slowly make friends one by one over a long period of time?

It’s easy to meet new people, since you’re surrounded by them. Get involved in clubs and activities and sports and whatever else you’re interested. That’s the best way to meet people.

Are a majority of the guys jocks and are a majority of the girls the female equivalent of jocks? (Yes, I’m using “jock” as a pejorative term.)

No.

I’ve heard that the nearby neighborhood isn’t really that great. Is this true? Also, if I don’t have a car, would that drastically impede my social life? I hear rumors from a lot of people that if you want to go to college in LA, you basically have to have a car in order to do anything.

It’s an urban low-income neighborhood, what do you expect? The campus and area around campus is safe though, if that’s what you’re worried about. As for a car, it definitely helps, though you could just get friends who have cars. And there is plenty to do on campus as well, don’t think you have to drive somewhere to have fun.</p>

<p>

How good/bad is the food?

Some places are good, some places are bad. The dining halls are decent, and sometimes have really good ones or real stinkers.

What are the best dorms like? What are the worst dorms like? Describe the dorm that most people get?

The best dorm is Birnkrant. Unfortunately, it’s turned into an honors-only dorm now, so unless you have a Trustee or Presidential scholarship, you won’t be getting in. New/North is the most populous dorm, known for lots of noise, lots of parties, and lots of puke in the stairwells. Parkside (both IRC and A&H) are also common, and they have the advantage of air conditioning. They’re suites, meaning four rooms (eight people) in a suite, with a common area and a door to the hallway.</p>

<p>

What’s the best part about USC in your opinion? What’s the worst?

Best: Being surrounded by so many bright, motivated, and passionate people.
Worst: Parking, dealing with obstinate people in administration/rich old people, though most people won’t encounter this problem.</p>

<p>

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make life easier/better? In other words, what would you have liked to have known from Day 1?

Just chill dude. And don’t wear your lanyard.</p>