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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

USC Housing Forum

Best freshmen dorms at USC?

Best dorms at USC?

Worst dorms at USC?

Browse dorms on campus

McCarthy Honors Residential College

Nemirovsky and Bohnett

University Gateway

Cowlings and Ilium

Cale and Irani Residential College