<p>My S is a freshman at USC & LOVES it. He says that as long as you follow common sense guidelines and are aware of your surroundings, “no worries.” Freshmen generally live on campus in freshmen dorms (very convenient to dining halls & classes). USC guarantees housing for freshmen & sophomores now. I’ve been told that the area for about 2 miles surrounding USC is pretty safe. USC has its own Department of Public Safety & keeps the campus pretty safe (there are crimes of opportunity–leave a bike, laptop or other valuables lying around & it will disappear). </p>
<p>Of course, my S doesn’t walk alone off campus late at night & wouldn’t recommend it (like any urban setting). There is a free escort and shuttle service for students to get you where you need to be & DPS says it only takes like 2 seconds from when you push the blue light on the box until there is a DPS officer there. Now, that’s a quick response time!</p>