McCarthy Honors College (USC Village)
Demographic: Freshmen with merit scholarships or Thematic Option
Cost: $$$ (one of the most expensive)
Proximity: USC Village — 10–15 min walk to Annenberg
Amenities:
Suite-style housing with A/C, private/shared bathrooms
Laundry in-unit, rooftop access, study lounges
Vibe: Clean, polished, and quiet — not a party dorm
Pros:
✔ Best amenities on campus
✔ Quiet but still social
Cons:
✘ Requires scholarship eligibility
✘ Can feel isolating if not proactive socially
Recommended for: Introverts who want luxury and a quieter social scene.
Cale and Irani Residential College (USC Village)
Demographic: Mostly upperclassmen, some freshmen
Cost: $$$
Proximity: USC Village — close to Trader Joe’s and dining
Amenities:
Apartment-style with kitchens, living rooms, and A/C
In-unit laundry
Vibe: Very independent and quiet
Pros:
✔ Full kitchen for cooking
✔ High-end finishes
Cons:
✘ Harder to meet people
✘ Less "freshman" vibe
Recommended for: Independent introverts who want privacy and a kitchen.
Parkside IRC / Parkside A&H
Demographic: Freshmen, international students, engineering majors
Cost: $$
Proximity: Near Coliseum — 10–15 min walk to Annenberg
Amenities:
Suite-style rooms with A/C
Close to Parkside dining hall
Vibe: Extremely quiet ("Parkside Darkside")
Pros:
✔ Very quiet and study-focused
✔ Modern facilities with A/C
Cons:
✘ Isolated location from central campus
✘ Less spontaneous social interaction
Recommended for: Quiet, introverted students who value rest and focus.
New North Residential College
Demographic: All freshmen
Cost: $$
Proximity: Central campus — 5–7 min walk to Annenberg
Amenities:
Traditional dorm layout (hallway bathrooms)
No A/C
Vibe: Very social, lively, and busy
Pros:
✔ Easiest place to meet people
✔ Great central location
Cons:
✘ Loud and chaotic
✘ No air conditioning
Recommended for: Extroverts and students who want a bustling social life.
Birnkrant Residential College
Demographic: All freshmen
Cost: $$
Proximity: Right next to Leavey Library and dining
Amenities:
Traditional dorm layout
No A/C
Vibe: Balanced — social but quieter than New North
Pros:
✔ Social without being overwhelming
✔ Top-tier location
Cons:
✘ No air conditioning
Recommended for: Introverts who still want some community interaction.
Webb Tower
Demographic: Mostly upperclassmen, some freshmen
Cost: $$$
Proximity: Between USC Village and Parkside — 10–15 min walk to Annenberg
Amenities:
Apartment-style with kitchen and A/C
Quiet, independent living
Vibe: Mature, relaxed, less structured socially
Pros:
✔ Full kitchen and A/C
✔ Close to both dining and groceries
Cons:
✘ Not very social for freshmen
Recommended for: Introverted freshmen who prioritize independence and cooking.
Key Takeaways
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Best Overall for Quiet: Parkside IRC
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Best for Independence: Cale and Irani / Webb Tower
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Best for Social Life: New North
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Best Balanced Option: Birnkrant
Dorm vs Suite vs Apartment
Which Should You Choose?
