Out-of-state students adjusting?

HImom
Sun, 10 Nov 2013 20:39:26 +0000

It really depends on the kid and how soon or slowly she finds her “tribe.” If you will be in a particular dorm, many of them have activities to help the students get to know one another. Our S lived in the Great Outdoors dorm and was in the engineering school. The dorm had some activities like camping, hiking, going to the beach, going to a football game, etc. I believe the school of engineering also had some activities. S got to know kids on his floor and in his school. He met some other kids from his home state and lots of other kids.

Our D transferred after 3 semesters of CC. She had a bit harder time meeting people because she wasn’t a freshman and had no freshman activities. She still was able to adjust fine, since many of her HS friends also attended USC and once she got into the School of Cinema, she met others in her classes, as well as at a campus job she held.

S had a room mate who played hockey, who met other players by playing. S also played ultimate and soccer with other kids in the dorm and formed a rock climbing club. He met kids through those activities as well. D did some fencing and some polo; met kids through those activities. They had friends who joined frats and sororities who also met kids.

USC is a large school but has something for everyone, if you are open, friendly and look around you. Both my kids had great experiences. Many of the kids at USC are from out of state-- TX, WA, HI, and many, many other places.