Student Perspectives: Making the Most of Your USC Visit
Let's be real: campus visits can make or break your college decision. USC's sprawling campus has so much to offer, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you just stuck to the standard tour. Whether you're flying in from across the country or driving over from the Valley, here's my insider’s guide to making your USC visit count.
Connect with the People
The absolute best thing you can do? Talk to the people who make USC what it is. If you're serious about a specific department, don't just wait for the formal presentations. Reach out to professors directly before your visit. Most faculty are surprisingly accessible and genuinely excited to meet prospective students who share their passions. A quick email introducing yourself and asking for a brief meeting can open doors to conversations that no brochure can provide. Of course, if you don’t receive a response, don’t fret. They are busy with teaching classes.
And while the official student tour guides are great, strike up conversations with random students hanging out in common areas. Ask them what they love (and what drives them crazy) about USC. Their unfiltered perspectives will tell you more than any admission presentation ever could.
Where to Crash
For convenience, nothing beats the USC Hotel. It's literally across the street from campus and only a 10-minute walk to the Admission Center. If you want to explore more of LA, Downtown is just two miles away with every hotel chain imaginable. DTLA gives you easy access to spots like L.A. Live, the Broad Museum, and Grand Central Market—all worth checking out if you have extra time. My personal favorite is Santa Monica or Venice Beach, if you’re willing to commute from there. Santa Monica is about a 45-minute metro ride away. Yes, contrary to popular belief, LA does have public transportation! The Expo Line runs right through campus.
Fuel Up
Campus food has come a long way, and USC's dining options are legitimately good. Do yourself a favor and eat at least one meal in a dining hall. It'll give you a real sense of daily student life. The USC Village Dining Hall is my personal recommendation. It's absolutely stunning and has a Flexitarian section with solid vegetarian and vegan options, plus (and this is important) a crepes station!
One of the better spots is Dulce in the USC Village. Their pastries and breakfast burritos are legendary, and their Breakfast Sandwich is my go-to brunch food. Pro tip: the line is always insane, so download their app and order ahead. You can walk straight to the counter for pickup.
For a proper lunch or dinner, check out Thai by Trio on Figueroa Street. They have great quality curries, pad-thai and appetizers with ample seating in the restaurant.
The Must-See Spots
Beyond the standard tour, there are some campus gems you absolutely shouldn't miss:
If you're considering business, you HAVE to visit Marshall's Jill and Frank Fertitta Hall. It's not just a building. It's a statement about USC's commitment to modern business education. If you’re a prospective business major, sign up for the Marshall-specific info sessions while you're at it. They have the Chad Ton’s Food Court there, which has great dumplings.
Libraries might sound boring… but trust me on this: Mudd Hall of Philosophy’s Hoose Library will take your breath away. It's like stepping into Hogwarts. Anyone can access any of USC's libraries with a government ID, so definitely check out both Hoose, as well as Doheny Memorial Library. They have great study rooms and bookstacks for deep-reading sessions. Fair warning: you'll be spending a lot of time in these spaces if you attend USC. Haha.
The Iovine and Young Academy makerspace is one of my favorite spots on campus. You can see students engineer products live! Even if you're not planning to study there, seeing students create everything from apps to physical prototypes gives you a sense of the innovation happening at USC.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts, which is designed based on the Paramount Lot, has a lovely courtyard and is another must-visit. Grab a coffee at the Coffee Bean inside and just sit there for 15 minutes and soak in the energy. You might even spot a future Spielberg filming their next project.
If you happen to be visiting on a Wednesday, don't miss the farmers market near Tommy Trojan. It's where students hang out, grab fresh food and enjoy the perpetual Southern California sunshine.
Beyond the Basics
While you're in the Tutor Campus Center, swing by the Student Culture & Community Center. Its spaces, such as the Asian Pacific American Student Services, Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs, First Generation Plus Success Center, La CASA, LGBTQ+ Student Center, and others, are where all students are able to find community. Just drop in and say hello.
Check calendar.usc.edu before your visit to see what events might be happening. There are always guest speakers, performances and exhibits that can give you a taste of campus culture. Even if you can't catch a full event, the rotating exhibits in Doheny Library and the School of Cinematic Arts are worth checking out.
Remember, the goal isn't just to see the campus. It's to imagine yourself as part of it. Take your time, ask questions, and most importantly, trust your gut. You'll know if USC feels like home.
Fight on!