USC Orientation Recap

On July 12, 2011 · 7 Comments

*sorry for the iPhone photos and vast amount of wordage, bear with me!*

Posted by Nicole

So… What was your way of staying fit on Tuesday? Mine was probably walking around USC for about 6 hours!!! Let’s back this truck up *beep beep beep*

Yesterday night, my mom and I flew into the LAX airport and drove on three highways to get to the Westin Bonaventure downtown. Gotta love LA and its guaranteed views of freeways and palm trees!

At our hotel we went to bed almost immediately because we had an early wake up call: 6:15 AM!

We woke up, got ready for the busy orientation day, and walked 8 blocks to our rental car. Morning brisk walk with luggage = a great way to perk up in the morning, not to mention some of the hotel’s complimentary Tazo “Awake” black tea ;)

By 7:15, we had checked into orientation and eating the continental breakfast. Well, it wasn’t really “continental”. Bagels, Krispy Kreme donuts, muffins, coffee, orange juice. At least they had fruit too! We ate our breakfast right next to the statue of Tommy Trojan, in the center of the University Park campus.

7:45 We then went on a tour with other business students and learned a bit about USC from a student’s perspective.

8:30 Next, the “University Welcome” took place in Bovard Auditorium. It was a nice intro to the orientation day, including info about WHY USC is so fantastic among other universities…. But let’s be honest, I already knew it was a beyond fantastic institution :)

9:15 My mom and I then attended the “Academic Expectations” lecture in Hoffman Hall, which focused on the Accounting & Business majors. I learned so much valuable information and felt much more at ease about the business classes I will need to complete (and Ace) throughout the next three years.

10:45 During the “Campus Services Presentation and Panel” I learned insight about the housing, bookstore, department of public safety, transportation on and off campus, hospitality and meal plans, residential education, and student affairs. Lots of valuable info about the wealth of available resources, but I won’t bore you!

11:45 The “Student Life Discussion” was when I broke into a small group with about 10 others and my orientation advisor. We did a “speed-dating” ice breaker and discussed registration and various topics of interest. My advisor was very funny and helpful, and made me feel like my transition would be not toooooo uncomfortable. He also made a great point that “transfers have so much outside experience to include in class discussions and campus life. Transfers are very special on campus.” *awwwwww*

12:30 At the “Student Services Exposition,” I got to check out a multitude of clubs/opportunities that USC has to offer. I got into on Greek Life, the rec center, on-campus jobs, parent’s weekend, housing, and most importantly– the Songgirls. Hey, a girl can dream right? I got to meet the coach and four of the girls, and it seems like a wonderful experience that will help keep both my social life and physique happy!

1:00 LUNCH! Good thing it was lunch cause I was hungry (but surprisingly not hangry!). Lunch was buffet style with a build-your-own burrito concept. My plate was basically a ton of spring mix, covered in rice (w peas and carrots!), guacamole, and a vinaigrette……. x2. I like to think I was one of maybe 5 girls that went back for seconds…. Swag.

During the lunch, I met with advisors and other students. The two advisors at my table were extremely(!!!) helpful and friendly. Such a good lunch, and not awkward at all. They aren’t kidding about Trojan Spirit, I tell ya.

2:00 “Academic Advising & Registration” aka tryandgettheclassesyouneed, but… youprobablywont.

Lucky for me, my advisor and the helpful advising students were very helpful and I got quite lucky. I’ll be taking:

Principles of Nutrition & Exercise (2 unit class, most excited about this one though)
Communication Strategy in Business (req business class)
Microeconomics for Business (req business class)
Language, Society, & Culture (general ed req…. lecture and discussion)
Writing & Critical Reasoning (general ed req… lecture and lab)

Typical students take 16 units; this is 18, but I think I can do it!

Then I skipped some informational sessions to get my USCard all set up.

I kept playing hooky so I could visit the bookstore!!!!! I got lots of stuff! I’ll take a pic and post details tomorrow :)

We the walked around campus, and into some of the food places.

One of the MANY fountains at USC

Globe is the tallest point on campus

Giant bottle of Tapatio, they know the way to my heart…

5:30 After roaming around campus and checking out the Lyon’s fitness center (hello, priorities!), we walked across campus to Rosso’s Pizzeria to meet with other transfer students at the “New Student Reception.” I gave my momma my free slice/soda coupon and I opted for a salad. It was small, but temporarily would hit the spot. I had a Fiji apple in my purse, so I figured I’d be fine. After talking and eating, we went back to our car.

We were tired, so a driving tour of campus was in store. We drove to see the potential places I will be living next year. We also checked out Greek Row. So many beautiful sorority houses and some um, interesting frat houses. Such a vast difference in the curb appeal of sorority vs frat houses, that’s all I’m gonna say!

Ramp of 110 S to 105 W

7:00 Drove back to Enterprise while eating my apple, and then bused it to airport.

Reppin’ the letters

After security, I got dinner part deux! I basically wanted exactly what I had for lunch, again. I got a big bowl of rice, pinto beans, veggies, guacamole, salsa, and lettuce from a little Mexican restaurant in the airport. The cashier assured me that nothing was cooked with cheese, lard, or butter. (Eating vegan while traveling = surprisingly not too difficult!) I also got some tortilla chips and funky-colored salsa for the mother.

“Fight On for the Environment”

9:45 And then, we boarded and flew back to San Jose. I had such a great time at the transfer orientation and kind of (really) wish I could just move in right now! I didn’t want to leave. Oh well, just one month till I’m there for good! See you soon, LA.