"Is it Dangerous to Attend USC?"

When I first heard this in the American international student community, I honestly thought it was an exaggeration.

No way could a place with a prestigious private university be that dangerous, right?

However, Los Angeles has significant variations in crime rates by area, and especially near USC, the complexity of the situation is evident.

Through conversations with local friends, I want to summarize the realistic 'safety level' of the neighborhoods around USC.

Where is USC Located?

USC (University of Southern California) is located just south of downtown Los Angeles, specifically in the South Central LA area.
In terms of address, it is in a neighborhood called "University Park," surrounded by Figueroa Street, Hoover Street, Jefferson Blvd, and Exposition Blvd on the map.

The campus is very large and well-maintained, but just a little beyond its boundaries, a completely different atmosphere unfolds. The building exteriors are filled with graffiti, and at night, the streets can feel deserted with no one around.

The Campus Itself is Very Safe

As a private university, USC has strict campus security. There is a 24-hour security team (DPS, Department of Public Safety), and there are always guards at the campus entrances. You cannot enter the main buildings without a student ID, and vehicle access is restricted late at night.

Additionally, USC operates a free shuttle and safe ride program called "Campus Cruiser" to help students who study late get home safely. Nowadays, with the "Trojan Check" app, campus access management is also in place, so if you live only on campus, there is not much to worry about.

But 'Outside the Campus' is a Different Story

The problem lies just outside the campus boundaries. Just a 5-10 minute walk from USC, the atmosphere of the streets changes dramatically. This area has long been classified as a low-income residential area and has a history of gang activity. Although the atmosphere has improved significantly in recent years due to redevelopment and urban management, crimes such as car theft, robbery, burglary, and gun incidents still occur.

In fact, the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) and USC DPS regularly send crime alert emails to USC students. Notifications like "Robbery occurred on Hoover St at 10 PM," "A student had their bicycle stolen," and "Do not leave bags in your car" are common.

Safety Varies by Time of Day

During the daytime, it is relatively safe. You can often see local residents walking with their children or USC students biking around. Coffee shops and markets are increasing, making it quite lively around lunchtime. However, the atmosphere changes at night. The neighborhoods around USC have areas where streetlights are dim or nonexistent, so at night, it can feel lonely and somewhat threatening. Caution is especially needed when walking alone or returning home.

USC is Aware of the Safety Issues

Given the characteristics of this area, USC has made significant investments in maintaining safety. They have established a 'USC Patrol Zone' in collaboration with the LA police, and patrols are strengthened even outside the campus in this area. Additionally, they are continuously expanding CCTV installations, conducting night patrols, and providing crime prevention education for students.

Thus, many evaluations state that this area has "improved significantly compared to the past," but it is also true that minor negligence can lead to significant risks.

Many USC students I have met say, "At first, I was scared, but if you follow a few safety rules, there are no problems."

Ultimately, the safety around USC depends on "where you walk, when you walk, and how you get around." Just because it's a prestigious university doesn't mean the surrounding area is automatically safe. If you are considering attending USC, understanding not only the campus but also the surrounding environment is the real 'preparation for admission.'