A Self-Guided Tour to USC’s Campus
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
It’s that nail-biting time of year when you’re anxiously awaiting college acceptance letters in your inbox. If you’re ready for your congratulatory cardinal and gold confetti or if you’re a newly admitted Trojan, use this article as an expertly curated guide to escort yourself on an actually useful tour of campus. Trust me, these are the places I wish I would’ve gone the first time I visited the school.After my acceptance in the Spring of 2021, COVID-19 was still rampant, and tours weren’t available. While I appreciated my family following me around while I wandered campus, I had little sense of place or direction. If you can’t make a scheduled campus tour or would rather explore for yourself, here’s the must-see spots from a current student.
Before I dive into the tailored paths based on your future home school, here are some “basic” USC staples:
Tommy Trojan, Traveler, and the Ronald Tutor Campus Center (RTCC)
Gallantly posed in the heart of campus, the bronze Tommy Trojan warrior statue (NOT our official mascot) is a popular symbol of the university. During football and basketball rivalry weeks against crosstown rival UCLA, you can spot this statue wrapped in tape guarded 24/7 by the Trojan Knights.
Fun fact: if you search “Tommy Cam” you can spot the statue (and yourself) on a live stream!
Diagonally across, you can spot USC’s actual mascot Traveler (the horse), posed behind a babbling fountain. Both are great picture spots for your first family photo sporting victory “peace” signs.
While in the area, visit the Ronald Tutor Campus Center for your pick at a variety of food and refreshments.
Pro tip: download the USC Campus Dining app for mobile ordering! Also, rest your feet in a grand “dome” ceiling campus center at the Steven Kathryn Sample Hall (SKS).
Doheny Library
Of all the libraries on campus, Doheny takes my top spot among the libraries as the best package deal for my Harry-Potter-esque/academia dreams, quiet (but not too quiet), and warm lighting. All you need is an ID (any government issued ID will work) to enter as a guest and view the ornate studying space from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Outside the library is a picturesque fountain and shrubbery spelling “USC” when the flowers are in bloom during the spring. An alternative library viewing option is the Hoose Library of Philosophy, which is similar in atmosphere with a smaller footprint.
USC Village (and Hecuba)
Renovated in 2017, the 15-acre extension of USC houses eight residential halls, including McCarthy Honors, and many places to dine and shop. Some highlights of the dining options in the area include Trader Joe’s, Mediterranean food from CAVA, and coffee/pastries from Dulce. Also, in the center of the village, lies Hecuba, the majestic Queen of Troy guarded by USC Helenes during rivalry week.
Fun fact: you can also view Hecuba on “Hecuba Cam”!
School of Cinematic Arts (SCA)
Whether you’re a Letterboxd fanatic or just watch movies and TV as background noise, every visit should include USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, one of the best film schools in the nation. The elegant Mediterranean-style architecture that resembles a fancy film lot was constructed largely from a $175m donation from alum George Lucas, of Star Wars and Indiana Jones fame. Walk the halls inside the buildings for iconic movie posters and memorabilia that USC alumni have worked on.
Now that you’ve visited these general must-sees, here’s a quick overview of paths to follow based on your particular interests or future major. Use the building codes provided to find them on USC’s digital map to get an idea of your path through campus.:
The Artist
Lover of Adobe, narrative writing, and oat milk lattes (Journalism, PR, Communications, Theater, Dance, Music, Film, etc.)
The entirety of the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) buildings
Wallis Annenberg Hall (ANN)
This is “New” Annenberg with the 4-story tall screen and media center
Annenberg School for Communication Building (ASC)
Affectionately referred to as “Old” Annenberg, home to the Career center
Roski’s Watt Hall (WAH) & Harris Hall (HAR)
Fisher Museum of Art
Art and Architecture Library
Iovine and Young Hall (IYH)
Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center (KDC)
Norris Cinema Theatre (NCT)
The Music Complex (TMC)
Ramo Hall (RHM)
McClintock Building and Theatre (MCC)
Scene Dock Theatre (SCD)
Soon-to-be School of Dramatic Arts (SDA)
This is currently the location of the United University Church (UUC))
The Networker
LinkedIn Aficionado (Business, Economics, Finance, PR, Communication, etc.)
Marshall’s Hoffman Hall (HOH), Bridge Hall (BRI), the Accounting building (ACC), Popovich Hall (JKP) and Jill and Frank Fertitta Hall (JFF)
Wallis Annenberg Hall (ANN)
Annenberg School for Communication Building (ASC)
Mudd Hall (MHP)
The Student-Athlete
alarm clock set for 5 a.m.?
Cromwell Track & Field
Heritage Hall (HER)
John McKay Center (JMC)
Colich Track & Field Center (CTF)
Physical Education Building (PED)
Marks Tennis Stadium (MTX)
The Future President
Academic Paper Dissector and future USG candidate (Political Science, Law, Public Policy, etc.)
Social Sciences Building (SOS)
Musick Law Building (LAW)
Lewis Hall (RGL)
Verna and Peter Dauterive Hall (VPD)
Mudd Hall (MHP)
The Tech-nically Savvy
A.I. your favorite topic of discussion? (Computer Science, Engineering, Iovine and Young, etc.)
Salvatori Computer Science Center (SAL)
Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB)
Tutor Hall (RTH)
Rapp Engineering Building (RRB)
Seaver Science Center (SSC)
Science & Engineering Library
Olin Hall (OHE)
Vivian Hall (VHE)
USC Iovine and Young Hall (IYH)
The Study Bug
Those in Dornsife STEM and takers of GE classes
Leavey Library (LVL)
Taper Hall (THH)
Zumberge Hall (ZHS)
Grace Ford Salvatori Hall (GFS)
The best tour is one that is adaptable with hints of spontaneity–ask current students/passerby for directions, their favorite study spots, and any personal experience they have with USC. Happy exploring!
Want more from Trojans 360?
Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content! You can also Ask A Trojan an anonymous question, and we’ll try to answer it in a future post. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!
Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.
