Birnkrant is notorious for having "floor pride" (BK3 IS WHERE IT'S AT!) in that everyone on the floor makes such great connections and, more often than not, ends up hanging out with each other outside of Birnkrant. The rooms in Birnkrant are actually quite spacious, and there's a perfect balance between studying and socializing, which is perfect for the beginning of your Trojan journey.
Larissa Purnell, First-Year Student
Residential Colleges
All first-year students are housed in residential colleges, with faculty masters in residence and a staff of resident advisors. Offering an array of special on- and off-campus activities, from dinners with guest speakers to community service opportunities, each residential college encourages students to continue their education outside the classroom, meet new people and hone leadership skills.
Residential Colleges
Arts & Humanities Residential College
Opened in 2007, the Arts & Humanities Residential College brings students and faculty together in a scholarly community devoted to the arts and humanities. The college’s special interest floors include those devoted to music, writing, drama, the visual arts and architecture.
Fluor Tower Residential College
Opened as a residential college in 2012, Fluor hosts a dynamic community of students and faculty who celebrate diversity and welcome opportunities for service learning and participating in the building’s government. Special interest floors include El Sol y La Luna Latino Floor and Somerville Place.
International Residential College at Parkside
The International Residential College serves as the focal point for dialogue about social and international issues. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of volunteer and service learning opportunities in area ethnic neighborhoods. The college also hosts a variety of visiting scholars and guest speakers.
New Residential College
New takes advantage of the cultural resources of USC and Los Angeles to foster a vibrant, supportive community of scholars. Special programs and events include weekly dinners with the faculty master, as well as opportunities to see movies or plays, attend concerts, or hike one of L.A.’s many nature trails. New’s special interest communities include the Cinema and the Women’s Wellness floors.
North Residential College
Opened 1993 as one of the university’s first residential colleges, North strives to combine an intellectually stimulating environment with plenty of opportunities to socialize and connect with others. Community dinners with the faculty master routinely feature political or philosophical discussions. North is home to the Men’s Wellness Floor.
South Area Residential College
Opened in 2012, the South Area Residential College comprises the Marks Hall, Marks Tower, Pardee Tower and Trojan Hall residence halls. Programming emphasizes personal development, community engagement and leadership. Special interest floors include the WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) program, GO! (Great Outdoors) Floors, Business Floors, and the Leadership Floor.
University Residential College at Birnkrant
The University Residential College is our honors housing for a dynamic community for Trustee, Presidential, Stamps Leadership and Mork Family scholars. Special programming includes trips to sample world cuisine, take in movies, or visit jazz and blues clubs. To accommodate a special retreat at the beginning of the academic year, University Residential College residents are encouraged to move in early. (Refer to housing.usc.edu for more information.)
Webb Tower Residential College
Opened in 2012, Webb Tower Residential College encourages its residents to take part in building government, intramural sports and community service programs. As an apartment-style building, Webb is the only predominantly first-year student facility that stays open during winter break.
“I absolutely loved my experience of on-campus living. Living in North Residential College was such a great experience!” Jackie Molina, Sophomore
