Birnkrant Residential College is a vibrant dorm choice for first-year students looking to immerse themselves in the social scene while maintaining a balance between community life and privacy. Located conveniently near EVK dining hall, McCarthy Quad, Leavey Library, and the Fryft pick-up zone, students can easily access dining, events, and study spots. The dorm rooms are praised for their ample space and large windows, though they lack air conditioning, making late summer and early fall months uncomfortably warm. Communal bathrooms are shared by the floor, sometimes leading to cleanliness concerns, but the larger-than-expected showering area is appreciated. While there is no kitchen available, the presence of a Starbucks below and its close proximity to other freshman dorms make it a central hub for campus activities. Despite minor inconveniences such as a split-elevator system and shared amenities with New North for mail and printing services, Birnkrant offers an essential, integral experience for USC freshmen eager to meet new people and engage in campus life.

Cale and Irani Residential College is a widely admired building known for its spacious rooms and excellent location. Most students appreciate living in the tranquil environment, highlighting how quiet the building is, which makes it an ideal place for studying and resting. Either a 6-person/3-bed or a 4-person loft option is available. The 6-person option has ample room with significant storage, while the 4-person loft is cozier and more affordable, albeit with less storage.

There are study lounges on the fourth and fifth floors that are very popular for doing work, although it gets crowded towards the end of the night. The building also offers two laundry rooms per floor, providing adequate space and machines for everyone's needs. However, some students have mentioned that these areas could benefit from better maintenance.

Regarding the social environment, some say that Cale can be rather reserved, acknowledging that one might find it challenging to form new friendships inside the dorm. Yet, many cherish the privacy it offers and the lack of overbearing RA involvement. The green walls in the rooms divided opinions, some not being fond of the color scheme.

Despite some minor drawbacks, such as occasional cleanliness issues and some students' concerns about RA responsiveness, the vast majority find Cale a pleasant and comfortable place to live. Most notably, the village's proximity to everything and particularly the Village gym is often highlighted as a significant advantage. It's undoubtedly a place where you can enjoy the quiet and focus on personal studies.

Cardinal Gardens is a popular choice for upperclassmen at USC due to its spacious apartments and prime location. The dorm is located just a short walk from campus and the USC Village, offering a convenient lifestyle for students. Each apartment boasts a full kitchen, bathroom, shared bedroom, large living room, walk-in closets, and some come with balconies for added relaxation space. The complex includes amenities such as a basketball court, pool table, ample parking, and outdoor fire pit, making it a great place to socialize and study. While the buildings are older, many find the charm and space worth it. However, some drawbacks include occasional pest issues like cockroaches and mice, particularly on the ground floors, and a lack of efficient air conditioning and heating in the bedrooms. Laundry facilities are external, and machines are often busy or broken. Despite these minor inconveniences, Cardinal Gardens remains a favored and independent living option for upperclassmen.

Cowlings and Ilium dorm at USC Village offers a fantastic college living experience according to student reviews. The dorm is praised for its modern facilities, convenient location near stores and restaurants, and a variety of amenities such as study rooms, courtyards, and multiple laundry rooms on each floor. Students appreciate the well-maintained building with spacious common areas like lounges and a big common area in the 6-person 3-bedroom setup. The security measures are noted to be good, providing a safe environment for residents. The dorm's proximity to essential stores like Target and Trader Joe's adds to its appeal. While some residents mention the smaller room sizes in loft-style living, they also highlight the cost-effectiveness of these accommodations. Additionally, the dorm's cleanliness, new furniture, and renovated bathrooms are consistently lauded. The only downside mentioned is the need to purchase a microwave. Overall, Cowlings and Ilium stands out as one of the best dorm options on the USC campus, offering a comfortable, contemporary living space for students seeking a vibrant college experience.

Marks Hall is a dormitory that offers a mixed college experience, often described as a blend of camaraderie and challenges. Located conveniently on campus, it provides an authentic college dorm atmosphere, famously featured in "Forrest Gump." The dorm's social aspect largely depends on the residents; while the girl's floor is typically quiet, the guy’s floor is vibrant, with open doors and weekend festivities fostering close friendships. However, Marks Hall has its drawbacks. The absence of air conditioning and elevators may pose difficulties, especially for those on upper floors, while shared bathrooms are prone to clogs and cleanliness issues. The rooms are small, and the lack of communal spirit on some floors leaves certain residents longing for stronger connections. Laundry machines are often out of order, and noise can sometimes disrupt study areas. Overall, while Marks Hall holds nostalgic value for some, potential residents may prefer more modern accommodations unless they're seeking a throwback college experience with its quirks and charms.

Marks Tower is a mixed-review dorm that offers a mix of convenience and challenges for its residents. Located favorably near EVK dining hall, McCarthy Quad, and other campus events, it's an ideal spot for easy access to campus activities. The dorm features large windows that let in ample natural light, a mini-fridge, and a microwave in each room, creating a more home-like atmosphere. However, Marks Tower is not equipped with air conditioning, and the summer heat can be quite overwhelming, making fans a necessary addition for many students. The construction noise and thin walls further add to noise disturbances. The dorm's communal bathrooms are infamously known for being unclean, especially over weekends, although cleaning staff works daily. The laundry is situated inconveniently in a musty basement, with machines frequently being occupied or out of order. Despite these drawbacks, students find the community aspect of the dorms beneficial for a freshman experience, depending on the floor's community dynamic.

McCarthy Honors Residential College is known for its new and clean facilities, with room common spaces being cleaned twice a week. The dorm offers a variety of setups in study lounges on every floor, perfect for studying alone or with friends. Residents appreciate the great amenities such as AC, individual bathrooms, microwaves, and fridges. The location in the Village is convenient, close to cafes and shops. While some found the dorm less social due to its suite-style setup and closed door policy, others praised the spacious rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and the overall cleanliness of the building. Some students mentioned that the dorm culture could be a bit cliquey, but overall, McCarthy Honors Residential College is highly recommended for its prime location, great amenities, and a pleasant living environment that feels like a hotel experience.

McMorrow Residential College, located in the USC Village, is appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere and ideal location. Despite the hallways being quiet, the dormitory fosters a community of friendly and interesting residents. The rooms, although smaller, offer all essential amenities, including three small fridges, two microwaves, and a stove with burners, providing functionality suited to student's needs. Although the loft can feel cramped with limited kitchen counter space and a somewhat dark desk area that requires additional lighting, the conveniences of modern renovations like air conditioning and great plumbing add comfort. Students appreciate the proximity to campus, making it easy to attend classes, and the safety ensured by security guards monitoring the area at night. There are vending machines for late-night snacks, and the dorm offers several study lounges, a laundry room on each floor, and an indoor bike garage. While some might find the lack of study rooms and RA involvement a drawback, the safety, location, and amenities make McMorrow a desirable option for sophomores seeking a smaller, community-centric living experience.

Nemirovsky and Bohnett dorm offers a mix of modern amenities and convenient location. Students praised the spacious rooms, updated appliances, and natural light. The dorm provides AC, kitchens, and laundry rooms, making it a comfortable choice for residents. Some students mentioned the frequent fire alarms as a downside, but overall, the dorm is well-maintained. The location near DTLA, Target, and Trader Joe's adds to its appeal, with easy access to campus. While noise levels can be an issue due to thin walls, the numerous study lounges offer quiet spaces for focused work. The loft rooms are compact yet functional, ideal for those who prioritize practicality. Security measures are in place, and the presence of RAs ensures a safe living environment. Despite some challenges like limited bathroom access and small kitchen counters, the dorm's homey atmosphere and proximity to amenities make it a popular choice among students. For those seeking a balance between comfort and convenience, Nemirovsky and Bohnett dorm is a top recommendation for a pleasant college living experience in the Village.

New North Residential College at USC offers a quintessential college dorm experience, heavily focused on social life but fraught with challenges. Known as a party dorm, its lively atmosphere fosters quick friendships and is central to campus activities, being conveniently located near EVK dining hall, Starbucks, and Leavey Library. However, the building's age is evident, as it lacks crucial amenities like air conditioning and an elevator, making summer months uncomfortable and moving in or out quite arduous. Many students have noted the communal bathrooms can become unpleasant over weekends, and noise levels often remain high into the early morning hours. With a predominantly white, Greek life-oriented population, students from minority backgrounds have expressed feelings of discomfort. Although the rooms themselves are more spacious than typical doubles and come equipped with basic amenities like a microwave and mini fridge, the lack of modernization makes the cost seem unjustified compared to newer dorms. Despite its drawbacks, New North's social network and legendary status make it a memorable choice for those seeking a traditional freshman experience.

Parkside Arts and Humanities Residential College at USC offers a unique living experience with both advantages and drawbacks. The dorm features spacious rooms larger than most campus options, with the added perk of having personal or semi-private bathrooms shared among four to eight students. Residents appreciate the proximity to the exceptional Parkside Dining Hall, often touted as the best on campus, and enjoy numerous well-maintained common areas, including a large lounge, study rooms, a laundry facility, and even a video arcade and music practice rooms.

While the dorm offers a quiet and safe environment, it is somewhat secluded and distant from many campus buildings, requiring a 15-20 minute walk or the use of transportation like a skateboard. The location is advantageous for students in Viterbi, Roski, and Architecture due to its proximity. However, frequent elevator issues and maintenance concerns like mold in bathrooms and laundry machines have been noted by residents. Overall, despite its distance from the main parts of campus, students find Parkside to be comfortable and conducive to building lasting friendships within the suite.

Parkside International Residential College (IRC) is a highly-regarded dorm option for students who value spaciousness and a balance between social interaction and privacy. Many students appreciated the large, clean rooms, with high ceilings and ample storage options like personal closets, dressers, and desks. A key feature of Parkside IRC is its suite-style living, where residents enjoy the comfort of semi-private bathrooms, shared only with a few other suite mates, thus eliminating the need for shower shoes. Students raved about the convenience of having the well-regarded Parkside dining hall directly downstairs, as well as multiple study areas and a gym. The dorm offers an excellent environment for students seeking a quieter residence, ideal for focused study and restful living. While its location on the southern edge of campus might seem isolated, it is an advantage for those attending classes in the nearby engineering school. The caring and supportive residential staff are a bonus, organizing community events that foster connections. Parkside IRC is perfect for those who seek a peaceful living space with great amenities and a supportive community.

University Gateway is a dorm located conveniently close to campus, offering students easy access to school and nearby amenities like CVS and restaurants. The building provides a mix of positive and negative experiences for residents. The rooms are spacious, with some having great natural light, while others lack adequate lighting and require residents to bring their own lamps. The dorm features a range of facilities including a 24/7 gym, study rooms, and a rooftop terrace with a skyline view. However, issues like inconsistent and weak WiFi, frequent false fire alarms - even in the early hours of the morning during exams, and occasional safety concerns due to the presence of homeless individuals in the vicinity, detract from the overall living experience. The furniture provided is described as mediocre, with some residents noting the need for upgrades. Despite its proximity to campus and various amenities, many students express frustration with ongoing maintenance issues, unreliable internet connectivity, and the disruptive nature of the fire alarms. Ultimately, University Gateway seems to be a decent option for students seeking convenience and a range of amenities, but improvements in maintenance, safety measures, and overall living conditions are areas that could enhance the dorm's appeal.

Webb Tower is a highly regarded apartment-style dormitory, particularly cherished among freshmen for its excellent features and prime location. Offering configurations like 2-bedroom apartments for four people, the dorm boasts spacious living areas, private bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen—luxuries not typically found in traditional freshman residences. Each unit is enriched with substantial closet space and large windows that invite ample natural light, frequently providing scenic views from higher floors. Air conditioning is another valuable amenity, especially appreciated during warm seasons. While some reviewers noted minor drawbacks, such as occasional elevator malfunctions and an older interior, these are overshadowed by the benefits of its location near the Village, Lyon Recreation Center, Starbucks, and other conveniences. Though often less social than traditional dorms, Webb Tower remains a popular choice for students seeking comfort and autonomy on campus.

The University of Southern California (also known as USC, SC, Southern Cal or SoCal) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Among students, housing in USC Village is the most desirable because the dorms are above Target, Trader Joe’s, CAVA, and more restaurants. McCarthy Honors is a great dorm if you’re able to get a merit scholarship. Parkside is nicknamed “Parkside Darkside” because it’s on the quieter side and students typically settle down early in the night, so if you’re looking for a more social dorm with party life, aim to live at New North instead. Birnkrant is also a great option for a social life without as much partying as New North.

USC Dorms

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Annenberg House

Birnkrant Residential College

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Cardinal 'N Gold

Cardinal Gardens

Century

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Fluor Tower

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McClintock Apartments

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Pardee Tower

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