<p>S and I were just discussing the prospect of flying to USC with his guitars and his skis. So maybe some of you can weigh in on a couple questions. </p>
<p>It seems like most skiing opportunities would come after the Christmas break, and he might want his equipment at home over the break. So would he be missing out if he doesn’t have his ski stuff with him during Fall semester?</p>
<p>He plays both acoustic and electric guitar. He’s thinking he’ll bring just the acoustic. This sounds like a crazy question, but is there anyplace at USC (like in the music school) that loans out electric guitars, like an instrument library? Is it common for students to form bands in the dorms, like they do in high school?</p>
<p>What about other sports equipment? Should he drag along a tennis racket, soccer ball or ping pong paddle, or can you check those out for casual play? </p>
<p>Finally, does anyone know whether T-Mobile has good cell phone reception on campus?</p>
<p>To Faux Nom: Where and when does your son plan to ski? With global warming, check into if there is even snow in N. California for your son to ski. Could your son rent skis at a ski resort? Are you meeting him in Colorado to ski during winter break?</p>
<p>It also shouldn’t be too hard for your son to find others who already have a soccer ball or ping pong paddles to use/borrow. If he doesn’t mind the quality of the soccer ball, I know Superior (the market in the UV) sells them for about $3-4.</p>
<p>You can check out ping pong paddles from wherever there are tables. There is plenty of skiing in Southern California, but it generally doesn’t get very good until after winter break. Mammoth, Big Bear, and Mountain High are three favorites. There is a ski club, which may be able to let you borrow skis.</p>
<p>AT&T reception is good on campus, and I’d imagine T-mobile is as well. Excepting places like basements and such where of course reception would be compromised</p>
<p>T-Mobile
S2 had T-Mobile and had no problems. </p>
<p>Skiing
Coincidently, I was just in Big Bear (Snow Summit) today. It’s about a two hour drive from USC. There was still a little snow on the ground (and it’s late May!) but no skiing. We ski there quite often, but we usually wait until December or January. They have an excellent snow-making system so if it’s cold enough, they are open for skiing. (I heard there is skiing in Mammoth this Memorial weekend! That’s about 5-6 hours from USC. It’s bigger and has more advanced runs than Big Bear/Snow Summit.) </p>
<p>I think your idea of having him bring his ski equipment after Winter Break is a good idea. If he is desperate because something comes up before that, the cost to rent is really not that bad. Maybe you could ask the ski club when they start. (BTW, FWIW- most California kids snowboard, but he won’t be out of place because there are always plenty of skiers also!)</p>
<p>My D flew to Ireland with her acoustic, and was told by security (it is a very expensive guitar) to carry it on the plane and they will check it in the first class cabin where the flight attendants keep their stuff (the upright cabin right inside the door.) When she walked on the plane sure enough, the flight attendant immediately took it and put it there…no problem.) We check her skis whenever we travel and have had no problem with them.</p>
<p>My D has every intention to join the ski club.
I’m not surprised there’s still skiing at Mammoth this weekend, they had an incredible base this year.
But FauxNom, best to keep the skiis home till after Xmas break. Not only because there generally won’t be much snow before that, but because I imagine that 1st semester will be a time of getting used to things, settling in, and exploring places around LA first.</p>