University of Southern California - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Most USC students begin to appreciate Los Angeles after they’ve had a semester to get comfortable living in such a big city. Once students develop a navigational sense of the area and find a mode of transportation, they gain access to a world of mountains and oceans, city and country, shopping centers and art museums, movie stars on the silver screen and in person, and job opportunities matched both in quality and quantity—with opportunities for fun. People are friendly at any time of day, other than rush hour. The weather is beautiful. The food is amazing. Anything is possible in LA—anything.

On the other hand, USC is in the heart of South LA, only blocks away from the site of the infamous riots of the early '90s. Now that USC is the leading private employer in LA, the school has a bigger stake in the community. Most of the low-income communities that surround USC have a tremendous amount of respect for USC students, though some can’t help but resent the obnoxious wealth that certain students flaunt and flash. But, hey, it’s LA—you’re going to get that from time to time.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Movie premieres are held in... Movie premieres are held in Hollywood, Westwood, and Santa Monica a lot. We’re only a block away from the Shrine Theater where they hold the Grammys and Emmys. USC is the most-filmed campus in America, so you’ll see movie stars on campus from time to time. Sunset clubs, Universal City Walk, Disneyland, and Disney’s California Adventure are only 10 to 40 minutes away. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Los Angeles is the greatest town... Los Angeles is the greatest town on earth. I’ve been to more concerts here in the last six months than I’d been to in all my life! 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

There is tons of stuff to visit... There is tons of stuff to visit here! LA is such an amazing city. I really can’t stress that enough. The thing is that you just need to make sure you get out and do stuff! There are tons of museums, places to shop, beaches, and colleges close by . . . tons of stuff! 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Other major universities nearby... Other major universities nearby are UCLA and Loyola Marymount. There are many places to visit in LA. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Everything is here. Eat the most... Everything is here. Eat the most authentic Mexican food. Go hiking in the hills. Go to the world-famous museums. See celebrities shopping on Sunset. Go clubbing with friends late at night. Talk philosophy with friends in Hollywood Hills. I have never been happier here, but it can be lonely in such a big city. Find a great group of friends, and you will be happy. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts About Los Angeles:
• Founded in 1781 by a group of 46 people comprising 12 families, Los Angeles’s full name is “El Pueblo do Nuestra Senora la Reina de Angeles do Poriuncula.”
• Only eight American states have larger populations than Los Angeles County.
• The Emmy Awards for television are held annually at the Shrine Auditorium, directly across Jefferson Avenue from USC. This is where a plane can fly over a car traveling over a train, going over a boat . . . (or submarine, or Pogo stick, or hovercraft).
• The first motion picture theater opened in LA on April 2, 1902.
• The famous Hollywood sign is on Mount Lee, not far from Mount Hollywood

Famous Los Angeles Natives:
Drew Barrymore
Dustin Hoffman
Jackie Cooper
Marilyn Monroe
Leonardo DiCaprio
Duke Sneide
Jodie Foster
Leonard Slotkin
Tom Hanks
Madeleine Stowe

Local Slang:
Agro – Out of control.
Hollyweird – Another name for Hollywood.
PCH – Pacific Coast Highway.
S&M Boulevard – Santa Monica Boulevard.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: BJ Grip
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Major: Theater

BJ has been to more than 15 different countries, including England, Italy, and Australia.

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