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Home > Prospective Students > Admitted Freshman > Housing

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Residential College or Apartment?  Should I bring my car?  Who will be my roommate?
 
These are probably just a few of the questions you may be thinking once admitted.
 
Get your application for housing in soon! The deadline for freshmen is May 1st, but we recommend you apply as early as possible!  Housing assignments are guaranteed for freshmen who meet the deadline, but assignments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The single most important factor in determining where you will be assigned is the date your application is received.  The earlier you apply, the better the likelihood of getting one of your top choices.
 
"Best Dorm"
There is no such thing as the best place to live.  Each student will have their own list of factors that make it "best."  It is important for you to find out which is best for you.  All of the housing options for freshmen are not farther or closer from your classes.  All of them have eating facilities directly associated.  All of them have the same services and even the same furniture!  None of them are necessarily better for engineering students.

The Housing Application
The housing application is in the booklet titled “Living at USC: Freshman 2008-2009” which was included in your admission packet.  It outlines what you need to know about housing at USC.  It includes descriptions of the more than 40 housing facilities USC owns and operates, including houses, residential colleges, residence halls and apartments.  You can request doubles, singles, studios, lots of roommates, few roommates, or special interest housing like the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) floor.
 
The USC Housing Office's website can give you even more information about floor plans, layouts, dimensions and even virtual tours for the housing options at USC.
 
 
Meal Plans & Dining Options
All freshman residence halls and apartments have required meal plans.  If you are assigned to a building with a required meal plan, this will be indicated on your housing contract.  See pages 24-25 of the Living at USC booklet for more information.
 
Learn more about the different meal plans and buildings associated go to the USCard Office's website.
 
 
Transportation & Parking Services
Parking is available on campus, at university-owned apartments and at the USC Parking Center just off campus.  Parking availability is limited with permits for spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
If you would like to apply for a parking permit, please fill out the online application at the TrojanTransportation Services website.
 
Please contact TrojanTransportation Services at (213) 740-3575 or visit their website for any questions you may have regarding parking.  A representative will be happy to assist you.
 

Engineering Dorm?

  
Although some universities have specific buildings engineering students live in, USC does not.
 
You will definitely have enough exposure to engineering students in your classes, while at home you can take advantage of being in a diverse academic environment by living with students studying anything from anthropology to theater!
  
   

Special Interest Floors
These floors mentioned in the Living booklet are not mandatory and are available for those students who want to live in a community with similar interests, backgrounds, or beliefs.  If one sounds like an amazing opportunity - go for it!  If you aren't seeing anything "jump off the page" - don't worry about selecting one.
 
Contact Us
If the housing options are a bit too overwhelming, please give us a call and we are happy to talk them through with you!
 
800 526 3347 toll free
213 740 8690 fax