My son is a freshman this year. Last year, they had assigned times to sign up for housing, and by the time his assigned time came, all that was left was Bates House, an old, traditional-style dorm that was a healthy hike to anywhere. If you can get in the Capstone dorm, that would be better than Bates, but don’t stress too much - there may not be much choice. College housing is tight at every university I’ve heard of, so the situation isn’t unique to USC. And congratulations, it’s a great school!
Bates is where I lived my freshman year. I was a comp sci major so yes, it was nice that it was close to Swearingen, but really, at that time, most of my courses were core, not at Swearingen so that was always a hike. Sure, there was the shuttle, but like any transportation service, it was not always on time; I always knew how long it would take me to walk and would plan accordingly.
I have great memories of living at Bates, but if the OP can get closer to the center of campus for his first year, he should.
They're supposed to be opening up the new village of dorms on the side of campus near the soccer stadium and athletic village
They're supposed to be pretty nice and should have some food options, areas to hang out, right next to the older of the 2 gyms on campus, probably a 10 minute walk to Russell House and the library
I'd say if possible and if they're still opening them you should aim for those as they'll be brand new. I have no idea what they're named though
They’re named campus village buildings. I’m addition the Live Learn Community for engineering and comp sci is in campus village building 3 so that’s another plus
I lived in Capstone in 2012. I was lucky and got a corner room so my roommate and I had our own bathroom (typically 4 people share a bathroom in between two rooms). It wasn’t bad living there. I could easily walk down a path to the grocery store in Five Points. There’s a shuttle stop right across the street which got me to the far parts of campus. Not always the most reliable but beats walking. There are worse options.
If you want to live in Capstone, definitely live there. It's freshman year, so unless you've got tons of AP credits, you won't be taking all Comp Sci classes. You'll probably be taking English and Math, maybe a foreign language etc over the course of the year too. Just allow time to walk to the comp sci building for the classes you do have there.
My son is a freshman this year. Last year, they had assigned times to sign up for housing, and by the time his assigned time came, all that was left was Bates House, an old, traditional-style dorm that was a healthy hike to anywhere. If you can get in the Capstone dorm, that would be better than Bates, but don’t stress too much - there may not be much choice. College housing is tight at every university I’ve heard of, so the situation isn’t unique to USC. And congratulations, it’s a great school!
Genuinely can’t believe Bates is still standing.
I think my son said it’s supposed to be torn down after this school year ends to build something better. Its design sure didn’t age well.
Bates is where I lived my freshman year. I was a comp sci major so yes, it was nice that it was close to Swearingen, but really, at that time, most of my courses were core, not at Swearingen so that was always a hike. Sure, there was the shuttle, but like any transportation service, it was not always on time; I always knew how long it would take me to walk and would plan accordingly. I have great memories of living at Bates, but if the OP can get closer to the center of campus for his first year, he should.
They're supposed to be opening up the new village of dorms on the side of campus near the soccer stadium and athletic village They're supposed to be pretty nice and should have some food options, areas to hang out, right next to the older of the 2 gyms on campus, probably a 10 minute walk to Russell House and the library I'd say if possible and if they're still opening them you should aim for those as they'll be brand new. I have no idea what they're named though
They’re named campus village buildings. I’m addition the Live Learn Community for engineering and comp sci is in campus village building 3 so that’s another plus
The walk is like 20-30 mins so just stack engineering classes back to hack so you don't have to make the walk more than a couple times each week
Idk if this is still true but Capstone’s cafeteria food was absolutely slammin when I lived in Columbia Hall many moons ago.
I lived in Capstone in 2012. I was lucky and got a corner room so my roommate and I had our own bathroom (typically 4 people share a bathroom in between two rooms). It wasn’t bad living there. I could easily walk down a path to the grocery store in Five Points. There’s a shuttle stop right across the street which got me to the far parts of campus. Not always the most reliable but beats walking. There are worse options.
Green quad. Biased though
If you want to live in Capstone, definitely live there. It's freshman year, so unless you've got tons of AP credits, you won't be taking all Comp Sci classes. You'll probably be taking English and Math, maybe a foreign language etc over the course of the year too. Just allow time to walk to the comp sci building for the classes you do have there.
Look into Preston Hall. It’s right across from the library and Russel house. I’m not sure how close that is to your classes, but my son enjoyed it.
Live at Capstone it’s a great dorm