<p>Thanks for the update on CarGar, everyone. Living right on USC’s campus, rather than across the street, has traditionally been considered a really a big advantage for Freshmen. USC used to require all Frosh to buy a meal plan. But possibly this has changed too, because apartments have kitchens. If your student wants (or is required) to have a meal plan, the two main student cafeterias are on campus, so figure in a walk from CarGar for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. On the up side, apartment living gives students more space and a kitchen. They will have RAs and there are cool planned activities, too. Yet if it will be a mix of freshmen and upperclassmen, it may not have the same vibe as a freshman dorm where most kids are actively looking to make new friends and meet new people, and where many leave their room doors open when they are in to say hi to friends walking down the hall. </p>