Ask A Trojan: How would you describe the general "school vibes" of USC?
Sophia – USC is a huge university with some many different colleges and communities it's hard to give it a single description. However, whether you're eating with new people at the dining hall or sitting next to someone random in class everyone is willing to get to know you and share their experiences. I have loved each and every community I have joined from my major department (QBIO) to my clubs and I'm sure if you pursue the things you are passionate about you will find people who are willing to support and grow with you every step of the way.
Jordan – My experience is probably a bit different than the average USC student to be honest: I'm from LA, so I never lived on campus, and am not the most extroverted person. When I first came onto campus as a freshman, it felt very busy, and as a Black student, I did feel a bit "othered", but because USC has so many different kinds of people, I was able to find a community despite this. There is no universal USC experience; it varies by school, community, etc., so it's really up to each student to create their own experience!
Lanie – I think it's hard to say that thre's any one dominate expereince. I guess when I think of USC, what comes to mind first is Greek Life and football games, but those elements are very much not my personality at all. I go to Thornton, the music school, and I've found that within that smaller school community, USC starts to feel a lot more like a smaller arts school and has a very different vibe than the rest of the USC that fits me much better. Every school has its own personality and culture which will really inform your feelings of USC overall.
Dara – USC is large but small, if that makes sense. It's large enough to the point where you might not really see the same people twice in a given day or even semester, but it's also pretty intimate to the point where you form close knit friendships and groups. For a big school, we also have a pretty medium-sized campus so everywhere is pretty walkable. If anything we have a "predestrian" campus. If you switch friend groups or circles, you can feel like you're in a whole new world/ campus so there's always soemthing for someone and room to grow out of yourself.
Cherise – This is a hard question for me to answer but I'll just list what I've seen/ noticed so far on campus with words or phrases: bad parties, matcha drinks, weed, drinking, football games, greek life. But besides from that there are tons of different clubs and orgs on campus where you can meet awesome people that either align with your interests or allow you to find new ones. The hard part is that because there are so many people and so many clubs - finding your people becomes very difficult. What inspires me the most is meeting people who are passionate and extremely hardworking and are willing to put in so much work to either accomplish their dreams or create a positive change. You're only going to meet people if you get up and go talk to them,otherwise it can feel like you're all alone on this big campus. In regards to clothes - everyone just wears what they want and no one really cares whether you're all dressed up, or you wear sweatpants and yoga pants. Everyone I've met so far has been pretty nice.
Ngai – Most people I know here are involved in a million things outside of class, whether it be clubs, jobs, research and so on. Everyone seems so ambitious and passionate. I have no idea how we manage to juggle everything. Still, people are pretty friendly and easygoing. Helps that the weather is great, and that there's a ton of things to check out in Los Angeles!
Kelsey – In one word: extroverted! Most of the people I've met want to make friends and socialize. I also think everyone here is ambitious, and that "work hard play hard" mindset is real.
Kristen – While USC is a really large school, there are so many opportunities to join clubs, meet new friends, and find your communities to make USC feel just a bit smaller! USC also has a very "work hard, play hard" atmosphere, where every student is extremely passionate about something (whether it's math, film, news reporting, football, swimming, etc.) and they definitely know how to have a good time!
Nancy – Freshman year at USC was insane for me. I'm from southern California so I didn't come from too far, but as a pretty introverted person—and coming to such a large school on my own was pretty daunting. The choices and places to go are endless and that can be very overwhelming. But now that I've spent a few years on campus I feel that I've found my my place. For a student of color it can be even more difficult since the majority of students are caucasian, but just meeting new people and getting to know more corners of campus you are sure to find a space for you. The hardest part is just going out there and exploring!
Nathan – It's generally pretty chill, and people are usually really polite and friendly. Still, everyone is busy and hustling.
Sydney H – I think the USC school vibe is based on how you socialize on campus. There are people who prefer to be quiet and go about their day which is fine, but there are also those who love to talk and interact with everyone. Personally, my small friend group is what has made USC enjoyable to me, so finding friends that match your energy is what will determing the "school vibe" at USC.
Sydney F – I think USC school vibe is very social and friendly. Everyone is willing to talk to others and other students can relate to one another easily.
Esther – I would say USC gives me California vibes! I'm an LA native, but I think what people that are out-of-state image California to be like, is what USC's general vibes are. We have the best weather, chill energy, friendly and outgoing people, but also a dedication to academia and schoolwork, so it is a nice balance!
Tamanna – I think I would describe the general vibe of USC as "sunny" and "friendly." I really love how social people are on campus and always ready to strike up a conversation. I never really thought of myself as an exotrovert before coming to campus, but I think USC and the general friendly nature of everyone has brought this side out for me. I am never bored here and going to such a big school means that someone will always be free when you are. I always have something to do and someone to hang out with which is really really fun. It's forced me to become more outgoing and to say 'yes' to more things I never thought I would.
Catherine – Honestly, since USC is so big, the vibe differs from major to major and club to club, as well as what other social activities you find yourself in. Regardless, students are always friendly and helpful if you approach them! The "Trojan community" really brings a strong sense of belonging and togetherness on campus.
Sanaa – I would say the USC vibe is "play hard, work hard." There is always things to do around campus like recreational activities or going out around downtown to find new foods to try, so you will not get bored easily. However, the student body at USC is very driven and ambitious, so the academics are rigorous and require time set aside per week to review the material in classes and work on homework.
Badruddin – USC is a very balanced school. People here are ambitious and the hustle is real. I've started some really great projects with other Trojans and I think the community here really fosters an environment that encourages collaboration to happen. This is definetely balanced out by the "play hard" part too as many people love to have fun. However, the concept of "having fun" is very different for everyone and there's no one typical way that people spend their free time. While Greek Life and football games are the more publicized parts of USC, they are not the only ways to have fun. There are many cultural and social organizations on campus that might be more up your alley in terms of having fun with social and cultural bonding events. I personally have found my community in the Muslim Student Union and have loved all the connections I have made.
Amy – Since the school is so big, it's hard to give one general expereince. But at USC there is always something to do and the people I have met have been really friendly.
