Viterbi School and Partying?

Colleges & Universities University of Southern California
41

<p>wow this thread got really confusing in the past 24 hours or so.</p>

<p>Yeah, in response to the OP, same things I said before, plenty of people go out, but plenty more don’t, and I think the dorms really have a lot to do with that. I’m a theatre student in a sorority who goes out Thurs, Fri, and/or Sat, depending on the week, and I don’t drink (it just tastes disgusting). I mostly go to parties on the Row, but I’ve been to theatre ones and ones on Menlo & Ellendale. I live in one of the tamer dorms, and earned a 3.85 last semester (and my grades were not at all impacted by going out). I have friends in pretty much every sorority, one of the a cappella groups, the theatre BFA (performance and technical), SCA, Viterbi, CLAS, and Thornton. I go all over the LA area to see theatre, go shopping, eat, take pictures (photography is a hobby of mine), go to concerts, go to the library, meet up with non-USC people, and my upperclassmen friends say that they wish they had gone off campus more like I do. Obviously, my choices work very well for me, and I LOVE life at USC, but each individual is different and finds a different path to take at SC.</p>

<p>I think people tend to do what their friends do, and a lot of that is dictated by who you befriend early on, especially people you live with/near and people you see in class often. If your son were assigned to New/North, chances are good he would feel very out of place as a non-partier, but if he were in Parkside or maybe Trojan or Raddy (though I heard a rumor that won’t be USC Housing next year?), he’d probably find more like-minded people, just based on the personalities of the dorms. Yes, there are people in every dorm who go out, but it seems like certain dorms have more party people than others.</p>

<p>I have to say that I don’t think 80% of USC girls go out… that seems a bit on the high end. However, it also seems like most of the people I see out are freshman girls, though that might be because I mostly go to Row, since that’s where my friends go. I can’t really speak for guys, but it does seem difficult for them to get into Greek parties if they are not in the house that is hosting the party. I’ve witnessed some guys attempting to go to kind of crazy lengths to get in.</p>

<p>Also, this just occurred to me, but I didn’t go out on that Monday that had all the blackouts at the beginning of the semester, I had no clue it was even happening. I was just sitting in my room, probably doing homework or watching TV or something. Actually, I was probably sleeping… 8AMs on Tuesdays are killer!</p>

42

<p>SimpleLife- Would it be possible for you or your son to find a student contact at USC? With a little investigating, it seems like one can often find some sort of connection at a particular college. Maybe someone from your son’s high school is going there? Or maybe your son knows of someone from an area school going there? Or maybe a friend of a friend knows someone going there? As others have mentioned, you can usually get the best picture of a school after spending a lot of time there. And if you could find someone at USC whom you trust, it might really help your son to spend a night with them in the dorm or hang out on campus during a weekend. That way he could really see for himself what it’s like to live at USC.</p>

<p>Everywhere has a culture. The U.S. has a very particular culture, Los Angeles has a unique culture, and yes–USC has its own culture as well. No two cultures are ever the same, and USC’s will undoubtedly be different from other colleges across the country. Different people find some cultures more appealing than others; some people love New York City while others hate it for example. </p>

<p>You’ll find thousands of people that love almost everything about USC, and thousands others who don’t think it’s the school for them. Neither party is “right” or “wrong.” It’s a matter of personal preference and fit. If, after your investigating, your son believes that USC is too much of a party school–you’re certainly entitled to that opinion. If he comes to find that USC really isn’t much of a party school at all–that’s a very worthy opinion too. There are tons of colleges out there; I’m sure your son will end up at one that’s right for him. None will come close to USC’s marching band though… ;)</p>

43

<p>Simplelife,
My son is a freshman at USC/Viterbi.
Maybe I am naive, but I believe that, like your son, my son is not into “partying” but has been VERY happy in his first semester at USC. He has stated that he has better friends at USC than he ever had throughout high school. It is a wonderful experience for him to be surrounded by students who are intelligent, motivated, and passionate. He has also said that there are always things to do at USC. It is a vibrant campus with all sorts of arts and other events going on all the time.</p>

<p>My son enjoys music (an interest that is shared by many at USC to say the least), so playing is something he does for fun. He also joined a long-boarding club and enjoys that.
He lives in a dorm that is not known as one of the more party-oriented dorms. I think it is nice that, unlike some large universities, USC does not assign dorms by major, so there are students with all different majors living in one dorm. There are a few kids on his floor that are more into partying. There are also a few that are moving out into fraternities after the break.</p>

<p>Again, maybe I’m naive, but after having spent a lot of time researching USC when my son was going through that process, this thread is the first I’ve heard that USC has any sort of reputation as a “party school.” I have heard the “spoiled rich kid” reputation, and I know there is a strong Greek life at USC, but I have never heard or got the impression that it is a “party school.”</p>

<p>The short times I have spent on the campus, I have been thrilled with the exciting, positive atmosphere that seems to infuse USC. Most recently, when I drove from a neighboring state to pick up my son for the winter break, when I stepped outside, a portion of the Trojan marching band was playing Christmas carols as the last students departed for the holiday.</p>

<p>Simplelife, if your concern is that your son will not fit at USC because of “partying,” I would lay your concerns aside.</p>

<p>Also, I just want to add, without getting involved in any controversy, that alamemom has been a tremendously helpful source of information here at CC.</p>

44

<p>Wow! It sounds like a lot of people are grumpy with what they got for Christmas. ;)</p>

<p>SimpleLife, you’ve written that your research says that USC appears to be the best academic fit for your son, isn’t that what you’re paying for? None of us can begin to guess whether your son will struggle or flourish at USC (or any other school for that matter); I understand your concerns about “peripheral” issues, but only you can decide if they are big enough to overwhelm the academic advantages that USC offers.</p>

45

<p>there’s already a lot on here but I thought I’d add my perspective :)</p>

<p>I truly believe that, if a person gives their honest effort, any personality can fit in at USC! I have many friends, partiers and non-partiers alike, that love this school. Granted, it may be tougher for the “non-partiers” to find their groups, but I doubt it would be hard for your son, as it sounds like he has many non-academic interests. They even have themed floors for freshmen, the only one I can think of being “Great Outdoors Floor” or something, where thy take hikes and what not. I’d look into that!
There are also academic fraternities, I know there’s a business frat and a pre-law frat (which don’t require you to actually be business/pre-law majors, I believe). With club sports, student government, and tons of clubs, I’m sure he would have a great time!</p>

<p>Also, contrary to what others have said (and no offense!! I’m scared to disagree with anyone on this thread hahah), I believe the social aspect of a school is HUGE. I am living proof, because I went to a very reputable college last year and was miserable. If I had to stay there all four years, I probably would have become depressed/disinterested in school. So you are a very good mommy to worry about this :)</p>

46

<p>As a parent of a freshman Engineering student son - </p>

<p>Like any other college, you will find all kinds of kids at USC, based on what my son told me everyone is ‘awesome’ at USC!! whether they party or study or whatever.</p>

<p>It is a big school, so there will be no problem for your son to find people to hang with and things to do.</p>

<p>The vibe at the campus is just so positive! Everyone smiles, people stop and ask you if you need help (when they see you puzzled holding a map). </p>

<p>Like you I had done a ton of research and from the time I stepped on the campus I could feel the positive vibe of USC, my son took a long time to decide and he almost went to another school, but he now tells me that USC is ‘perfect’…thats a lot coming from him, who is not a very social kid, yet he was able to feel at home there. I had some concerns how he would ‘fit’ in but he did beautifully and not all credit goes to him :)</p>

47

<p>

</p>

<p>Okay, everyone knows this. I see this (along with the whole “college is what you make of it”) statement thrown around way too often. Obviously there is going to be more partying at UC Santa Barbara than there will be at BYU Idaho. Everyone knows that there is every type of kid at every university, but it’s nice to ensure that 95% of the student body won’t be your polar opposite.</p>

48

<p>While alamemom is wildly helpful and accurate when it comes to general USC knowledge, admissions, scholarships, etc. she is simultaneously very uninformed and blinded to the social scene at USC… I don’t know if this is because her daughter seems like a real straight shooter and the “perfect” student or not. I’m not trying to sound offensive but<br>
alamemom does, and I’ve been reading her posts for a year now, seem to be somewhat uniformed of the culture of USC. </p>

<p>YES, USC does have TONS of students, probably around 50%, who aren’t partiers and do enjoy the types of activities your son seems to enjoy however don’t expect college to be like high school. Going out, drinking, partying are HUGE at any college campus and living in Southern California and going to a private school with a wealthy student body just encourages this type of behavior. With that being said partying doesn’t mean your a bad person or can’t have great grades or can’t be involved in the school. College is a time for change and I have even noticed that in myself. </p>

<p>Before someone jumps me, alamemom included, I am a freshman at USC. I was by absolutely NO MEANS a “partier” in high school. In fact I went to a prestigious New England Boarding School where this type of behavior was frowned upon and a simple violation would result in expulsion or severe punishment. So let me tell you that arriving at USC in the fall I wasn’t overwhelmed but surely surprised. I myself had heard the USC partying stereotypes and that Greek Life ran the social scene but I didn’t understand to the extent. I decided to rush and join a fraternity which was an overwhelming but great experience in the end, can’t imagine life without it anymore. Remember that everyone changes in college, and just because your kid doesn’t enjoy “partying” at the moment down the road maybe he will enjoy it in moderation, live I have. Further remember that partying doesn’t mean getting “blacked out drunk”, in fact I know several guys in girls in top houses that have never drank before. I will break down living conditions for you below.</p>

<p>The first huge decision that dictates your social life is your decision in the dorm you choose to live in. </p>

<p>New/North: this is the social/party/greek dorm that I myself live in - Let me start off by saying, I ABSOLUTELY love it. Great decision, great people, and I truly have a USC family already as a result of living here. I can’t imagine anywhere else. But this dorm isn’t for everyone. Expect A LOT of girls and guys in this dorm to go out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. People come back late usually 1-3 AM and it can get loud and pretty rowdy in the dorm, but the RA’s do a good job managing the noise. Usually I go out 2-3 nights a week, usually 3 if its “gameday” on Saturday. I haven’t had trouble getting my work done and the other nights I usually hit up Leavey Library for the night. Although many parents, mine included, find this lifestyle very hard to maintain its not as hard as most parents think. Remember there is a lot of time during the day to work and also the nights that you don’t go out should be dedicated to working. Again before I get harassed about not being involved - I play a club sport, am a member of a Fraternity (went through pledging in fall and still maintained grades), and am planning to join student government.</p>

<p>Parkside: I’ve studied here several times with students from my classes but not spent a whole lot of time. But the kids I know who live here say its very quite, a lot of people are in their rooms a lot, and without Trojan Plan the food at Parkside is a lot better. I myself would go crazy in a dorm like this because although New/North is sometimes overwhelming Parkside is continually quite and a great studying environment. I honestly believe its somewhat boring and doesn’t have enough stimulation, but thats my personal opinion. </p>

<p>Fluor Tower: Mostly athletes, right next to Lyon Center - Fun dorm, a lot of parties IN THE DORM itself which is kind of unheard of even in New North. Have some friends that live there and its certainly a different environment because it is athlete dominated but the kids I know are not athletes and still enjoy it.</p>

<p>Trojan Hall: I’d stay away, its pretty old, hear a ton of complaints from students who live there and doesn’t really have a personality in any sense at all. It just sort of exists… may sound weird but definitely shouldn’t be anyones first choice. </p>

<p>Pardee/Marx: Great blend of all the dorms. Kids are more reserved than New/North like stereotypes but also not nearly to the point of Parkside which is great! Recommended really for anyone and not a bad place to live, on the main quad close to EVK- certainly not a bad choice!</p>

<p>My breakdown just proves in itself, that at USC, like any major university there is something for everyone! Don’t worry that your child won’t find kids he gets along with as long as your well educated before your child does leave for college, wherever he may go. Like I said college is a time for change and for you to mature.</p>

49

<p>I will breakdown social activity later tonight and where all different types of students go for fun.</p>

50

<p>Mongoose, man, that’s the exact kind of breakdown I was looking for.</p>

<p>What do you think of Birnkrant? I’ve seen it mentioned before as a pretty good dorm, but I kinda wanna get a student’s take on it. I’m kinda digging New/North now, especially since you can get a sink there too.</p>

<p>Also how’s the social scene at SC if you’re not in a frat? Like would it be worth it to pledge a frat just for the social benefits? Also what frats are considered the “top” houses on the Row?</p>

<p>Thanks dude!</p>

51

<p>Birnkrant: Can’t believe I forgot this one haha. Anyway, its right next to New/North which is nice because you can hang out and move between dorms quickly. It definitely used to be a more desired place, this year it hasn’t really lived up to its reputation. If you can really really try for New/North, its just considerably more fun than the rest of the dorms and so much more social. Most people who live in other dorms, especially Greeks, are jealous of New North and its “scene”. I have a sink in my room which is really nice. </p>

<p>Social Scene: I’ll elaborate on this more later. BUT, as a guy who likes going out, meeting girls, and having a close group of friends, joining a fraternity is the best move. I joined a fraternity purely for the social reasons, if you had asked me last year if I would have, NO WAY would I have said yes. Now I look back and can’t imagine USC without it - the social outlet is incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced.</p>

52

<p>Well when you put it that way, I guess I gotta go to rush then next year. I was planning on it already anyways, and it sounds like a fun time. I heard about the hazing, but I guarantee it’s nothing I can’t handle haha.</p>

<p>New/North are separate buildings right? Are they just really tight so they get grouped together? Also there’s no AC I’ve read, is that a big deal at all?</p>

53

<p>Thx for the great info - do people typically live on campus for all four years? from east coast so out of the loop in socal</p>

54

<p>The radissons pretty quiet too, walls really arent soundproof though</p>

55

<p>I was so worried about the hazing but its not bad at all, I got through it no problem and if you PM me I’ll let you know which houses of the top houses are easier hazing wise but still have great brotherhood. </p>

<p>New/North is one building- one side of the complex is called NEW and the rooms on that side start with a 1XXX and on the North side its 2XXX you can move freely through the entire building thats the great part about it and guys and girls live on the same floor but in different “hallways”</p>

<p>You live on campus your freshman year and than after that depending on your situation you may move elsewhere after that… Greek people might live in their houses, some people move into apartment complexes (University Gateway and the new West 27th Place - for example) I don’t really know any Juniors or Seniors that live on campus most live in the area in apartments or they rent a house with their friends to all live in… there are tons of options around campus - For sophomores it’s really a mixed bag… I myself am living in an apartment complex next year that a ton of my friends both girls and guys are living in so its going to be a great time but I also have friends that are living in Troy which is University Housing just off campus…</p>

56

<p>If you choose to then you can live in USC housing all four years. Not all the USC-owned housing is on campus though. All the dorms are, and Webb Tower and Parkside Apartments are, but all the other USC owned and managed housing is north of campus. I’m a junior and I live in Webb this year. It’s one of the best apartments and it’s very convenient being really close to my classes and whatnot. It’s also hard to get in, you have to be lucky or have a lucky roommate.</p>

<p>mongoose8p gives a pretty good description of the dorms. I’d just add that the personality of each dorm changes every year depending on the people who live there. New/North is always louder and features more people throwing up in the stairwells though, just because the most people live there. Oh, and not all the dorms in New/North have a sink.</p>

<p>BigKev: The social scene at USC is whatever you make of it. Obviously if you’re not in a fraternity then you don’t have the automatic network and parties and whatnot that go along with it. So you have to work harder to be socially active, instead of having all the work done for you. It’s not like the row holds the only parties around though, contrary to what stereotypes may have you believe. If your only purpose in joining a fraternity is to go to their parties, well, I’d advise you to reconsider but it’s not like there aren’t people like that there already…</p>

57

<p>I haven’t read the entire thread so sorry if I’m repeating something here but thought I’d offer up a few thoughts as a recent graduate.</p>

<p>1) Partying drops off precipitously after freshman year. Some of the earlier accounts describe the freshman scene pretty accurately - people go a little wild when they first get here because it can be their first taste of freedom. I was, quite frankly, a moron my first semester. It got old pretty quick and I matured/settled down. Most do. </p>

<p>2) You are a lot more likely to hear about the few drunken students who are wild partiers than the silent majority who are not. </p>

<p>3) If this thread is any indication, there are plenty of SC kids who enjoy activities other than getting hammered on the row. And my personal experience bears this out.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

58

<p>sfgiants, </p>

<p>Thank you for your input. I think you said it best when you noted that partying dropped off “precipitously” after freshman year. I would venture to say that your statement holds true at the majority of college campuses in the U.S.</p>

<p>How is life treating you post-graduation? Did you head back to the Bay Area or did you stay in SoCal?</p>

59

<p>Thanks guys. Nah, I’m not planning on joining a frat just for the party benefits, although that would definitely be nice. Long-term I feel that the brotherhood you share and connections you meet make it completely worthwhile. It’s just another part of the college experience that I would hate to miss out on.</p>

60

<p>lextalionis,</p>

<p>Thanks for the kind words. I’m working for a consulting firm out of the LA office - my projects have been local so far but I might start traveling soon. Even though earning a living is great, I miss USC a ton (still living near campus for now, couldn’t quite let go :slight_smile: )</p>