The University of Southern California campus bustled on Tuesday, Aug. 20, as parents and siblings helped students move into their dorms and apartments for the 2024-25 school year. Towing bins full of clothes, bedding and lots of Trojan decor, about 8,000 new USC students are embarking on their college chapters this week.
As new and returning students alike lugged their belongings to campus, they focused on meeting their roommates, reuniting with college friends and keeping cool in the August heat.
“We’re excited that everyone is here,” said Emily Sandoval, USC’s associate vice provost for student life. “The most important part of college is making friendships and making those connections. That starts upon move-in. It’s about finding your space on campus.”
Hundreds of USC staff members directed traffic, prepared campus facilities, pointed out where families should go and extended smiles and greetings. They are also running events like craft nights, concerts and outdoor games throughout the week to help students acclimate.
“It’s a very well-organized process, but it takes a lot of planning and a lot of people power to make it happen,” Sandoval said.
This week’s move-in process at USC, which Sandoval and several students said has been running smoothly, comes after a tense end to last school year.
In mid-April 2024, USC became a focal point of Southern California pro-Palestinian protests following the college administration’s decision to cancel valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s commencement speech, citing safety concerns over her pro-Palestinian views that some have criticized as antisemitic.
On April 24, 2024, 93 pro-Palestinian protestors were arrested on suspicion of trespassing at USC’s Alumni Park.
The protestors, who called for USC to support a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and university divestment from companies and organizations tied to Israel, were part of a student-led anti-war movement across several college campuses nationwide.
Amid the campus unrest in the spring, USC administrators canceled last school year’s “main stage” commencement ceremony, which was planned for May 10, 2024.
As students moved in on Tuesday, college officials issued an online update for the USC community, saying, “Over the summer we tightened and expanded our rules and processes designed to ensure our campus is safe and welcoming for everyone.”
These measures include a requirement that went into effect earlier this year mandating that USC personnel, students and registered guests scan a university ID in order to enter campus.
In addition, a new permanent gate at the McClintock entrance is being installed, with temporary fencing in place until its completion in October, according to the university statement.
USC sophomore and musical theater major Miles Williamson moved into his campus apartment on Tuesday, and said he is “excited for the year and looking forward to being here.”
Williamson, who is from Orange County, said he has grown a lot since starting 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 is “keeping an eye out” after an “intense and hectic” spring semester. He said he was “very aware of the police activity on campus, especially being a Black man who has grown up near the L.A. area.”
He added, “safety is a top priority for me, and I’m just excited to get to learn.”
Freshman and business administration major Kyra Arakawa moved into her dorm on Tuesday. She said she is “so excited to meet new friends and explore classes I’ve been looking forward to.” One class Arakawa said she is especially eager to take is a music history class about The Beatles and other classic bands.
Many returning students are involved in USC’s move-in process as student workers, helping to promote a welcoming environment on campus.
Coby Hawkins, a junior and resident assistant (RA), greeted students moving into the dorm building where he will be working. He said he was inspired to become an RA because of the positive mentorship that his RA provided for him last year.
“I want to have an impact on the incoming students,” Hawkins said. “It’s so important to have resources for you during this transition.”
