Okay, you’re at USC. Now what?

Now that the administrative stuff is out of the way, here’s what you’ll actually want to know once you’re on campus — where to eat, what to do during your first week, and a few USC resources worth knowing about.

HERE’S WHERE TO EAT

USC has three main residential dining halls:

Everybody’s Kitchen (EVK) — Located near the freshman residential colleges on the north side of campus.

USC Village Dining Hall — Located in USC Village and convenient for students living in and around the Village.

Parkside Restaurant & Grill — Located on the southwest side of campus and a good option when you want to switch things up.

Each has its own menu and feel, so try all three. Dining hall hours vary by location and day.

USC also offers Meals-to-Go takeout boxes. Students on swipe-based plans can use a meal swipe for a takeout meal, while students on unlimited plans are generally limited to one Meals-to-Go meal per day.

Your meal plan may work outside the dining halls, too

Students on the Cardinal Plan can use up to two meal swipes per week at participating locations in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center (TCC).

Depending on your plan, you may also receive Dining Dollars, which can be spent at participating USC Hospitality restaurants and cafés around campus.

And don’t forget to use them: unused Dining Dollars don’t roll over.

Want a better idea of what dining hall food is actually like? See what eating at USC’s dining halls is actually like.

YOUR FIRST WEEK AT USC

Classes are starting, but some of the biggest opportunities to get involved at USC are happening during the first week.

1. Want to go to USC football games?

USC student football tickets are now available for the 2026 season.

The student football ticket package costs $275 and includes all seven home games.

If you want to be in the student section this season, you can purchase your tickets through the USC Ticket Office.

2. Find your clubs: August 25–27

Want to find your people at USC?

Hundreds of student organizations cover everything from professional development and entrepreneurship to cultural organizations, sports, hobbies, and just-for-fun clubs.

Fall 2026 club tables and sign-ups run Tuesday, August 25 through Thursday, August 27.

It’s always beneficial to reach outside your comfort zone and sign up for anything that interests you, even if you’re not sure you’ll ultimately join.

Club tables & sign-up information

3. Late Night ’SC: August 27

End your first week with Late Night ’SC, a student mixer with music and a chance to meet other Trojans, Thursday, August 27, 8–11 p.m.

If you’re looking to meet people outside your classes or residence hall, this is an easy first-week event to check out.

Late Night ’SC details

My advice if you’re new to USC: don’t be afraid to go to things.

You don’t need to know anyone beforehand. The first few weeks are one of the easiest times to meet people because thousands of other students are looking to do the same. If you’re a returning Trojan, welcome back. Maybe try something this semester that you somehow never got around to last year.

TWO USC WEBSITES TO BOOKMARK

Those first-week events are only a start. These are two USC websites you’ll probably come back to throughout the year.

MyUSC: When you need to do something

MyUSC is the main portal connecting you to many of USC’s online systems and services. If you’re looking for something administrative and don’t know where to start, it’s a good first stop.

EngageSC: When you want to find something to do

Want to know what’s happening at USC beyond the first week?

EngageSC is one of the best places to find official USC events and activities throughout the semester.

You’ll find student organization events, workshops, social events, campus programming, and plenty of other things happening around USC.