USC Crime and Safety Concerns?

Hello, I'm considering applying to USC, but I've heard some stuff about crime rates in the surrounding area. Can anyone give a more accurate assessment of the safety on and off-campus? And how does the school handle security? Thank you so much!

Hello! It's natural to be concerned about safety when considering a college. While it's true that USC is located in an urban environment, the university has taken substantial measures to ensure the safety of its students, both on and off-campus.

On campus, USC has its own Department of Public Safety (DPS) with officers that patrol the campus 24/7. They are trained to assist in various situations and are available to escort students who feel unsafe. Within the campus, there are also Emergency Blue Light Phones which connect you directly to a dispatcher if you ever feel threatened or need assistance. USC also has a LiveSafe mobile app that enables students to report incidents or request assistance from DPS.

Off-campus, USC has implemented Yellow Jacket Security Ambassadors to patrol the surrounding neighborhood near campus. These ambassadors are present 24/7 to provide an additional layer of security. USC also operates Campus Cruiser, a free transportation service for students within the nearby community, including up to 2 miles off-campus, from 6 PM to 2:45 AM. They also have partnered with Lyft to provide discounted ride services during nighttime hours when Campus Cruiser is busy or unavailable. The DPS will also take you home if your other options are not operational.

Additionally, USC housing complexes usually have gated access, which ensures only authorized people can enter. By being proactive and conscious of your surroundings, you can further minimize any potential risks. Many students recommend living in university-owned housing or apartments, which have tighter security measures.

Ultimately, while no campus can be absolutely crime-free, USC has invested a lot in ensuring student safety. As you make your decision, consider speaking with or visiting current students to get a first-hand account of their experiences. Tour the campus and the surrounding area to build a better understanding of what it's like to live and study at USC, especially since perception of safety can be subjective.

Finally, on a separate note, if you do end up applying to USC and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-usc-essays. Best of luck with your college search!