On Tuesday, August 20, the University of Southern California campus was bustling with activity as parents and siblings helped students move into their dorms and apartments for the 2024-25 school year. With boxes full of clothes, bedding, and plenty of Trojan decorations, about 8,000 new USC students are beginning their college life this week.
As new and returning students lugged their belongings to campus, they focused on getting to know their roommates, catching up with their college friends, and cooling off in the August heat.
“We’re excited to have everyone here,” said Emily Sandoval, USC’s associate provost for student life. “The most important thing about college is making friends and building those connections. That starts when you move in. It’s about finding your place on campus.”
Hundreds of USC staff members directed traffic, prepared campus facilities, showed families where to go, and spread smiles and greetings. They also organized events throughout the week, such as craft nights, concerts and outdoor games, to help students adjust.
“It’s a very well-organized process, but it takes a lot of planning and a lot of manpower to implement it,” Sandoval said.
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This week’s move-in process at USC, which Sandoval and several students said went smoothly, came after a tense end to last school year.
In mid-April 2024, USC became the focal point of pro-Palestinian protests in Southern California after the university administration decided to cancel the commencement speech of valedictorian Asna Tabassum, citing safety concerns because of her pro-Palestinian views, which some criticized as anti-Semitic.
On April 24, 2024, 93 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on suspicion of trespassing at USC’s Alumni Park.
The protesters demanded that USC support a permanent ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas and that the university divest from businesses and organizations with ties to Israel. They were part of a student-led anti-war movement that spanned several college campuses across the country.
Amid unrest on campus this spring, USC administrators canceled the senior year graduation ceremony on the “Main Stage” scheduled for May 10, 2024.
As students moved in on Tuesday, university officials released an online update to the USC community that said, “Over the summer, we have tightened and expanded our rules and processes to ensure our campus is safe and welcoming for everyone.”
These measures include a requirement that went into effect earlier this year that requires USC employees, students and registered guests to scan a university ID card to enter campus.
In addition, a new permanent gate will be installed at the McClintock entrance and a temporary fence will be erected until its completion in October, the university statement said.
Miles Williamson, a sophomore at USC majoring in musical theater, moved into his campus apartment on Tuesday and said he was “looking forward to the year and being here.”
Williamson, an Orange County native, said he has grown a lot since the beginning of his freshman year in terms of finding community and becoming more independent.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself and about doing things on my own,” Williamson said. “I’m finding my rhythm and new perspectives on what works for me.”
Williamson said he was “keeping my eyes open” after an “intense and hectic” spring semester. He said he was “very aware of police activity on campus, especially as a Black man who grew up near Los Angeles.”
He added: “Safety is my top priority and I’m just excited to learn.”
Freshman Kyra Arakawa, a business administration major, moved into her dorm on Tuesday. She said she is “so excited to meet new friends and take classes that I’ve been looking forward to for so long.” One class she’s particularly excited to take is a music history class about the Beatles and other classic bands.
Many returning students are involved in the USC move-in process as student assistants, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere on campus.
Coby Hawkins, junior and resident assistant (RA), welcomed students moving into the dorm building where he will work. He said he was inspired to become an RA by the positive mentorship his RA provided him over the past year.
“I want to have an impact on new students,” Hawkins said. “It’s so important to have resources available to you during this transition.”
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