As a junior currently living at home, I have definitely been missing my time living on campus. I remember as a high school senior I was so overwhelmed at the thought of finding housing, but USC made it really easy for me and my roommates. Most freshmen live on campus and many return back to on campus housing for sophomore year as well. I had the opportunity to live in USC housing for both my freshman and sophomore year.
During freshman year, I lived in Parkside International Residential College. I lived in a three bedroom and 2 bathroom suite. I absolutely loved my time in this dorm because the rooms felt huge, it was super close to the equad, and it was above what is arguably the best dining hall on campus. The nights they had the fried rice and pasta bar were my favorite. Plus the soft serve machine after meals? *chefs kiss* I was also on the community council for my building during my freshman year. Community council is a group of residents of the building who come together to put on fun events and activities for our community. Some of my favorites included the Parkside Darkside Halloween celebration and getting puppies for finals.
During my sophomore year (pre covid) I got to live in the Cowllings and Illium apartments or better known as the ones right above Trader Joes. I blame this year for starting my Trader Joes addiction. My roommates and I lived in a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment. Living in the village was definitely a game changer for us. Since we had a kitchen my roommates and I would cook together and do apartment meals whenever we could. Some of my favorite memories from this building include late night trader joes/dulce runs and late night studying in the study lounges with friends.
