Like the other posters before me, my opinion about the USC campus and ethos is biased, seeing as I go there and all. Nevertheless, I love the school and pretty much everything about it. The campus is a sanctuary in a crowded and completely un-green big city. There are always things going on (galleries, lectures, screenings, et. al.) and it's just a gorgeous sprawling place to stroll through. Compared to UCLAs awesome, but stretched out campus, USC wont give you leg cramps to walk from one corner to the opposite.

Alright, I'll agree with RichardTate, as an alumi I am definately partial to this campus. There is always something going on. Music and the Arts flourish on campus. Everything is open to the public. Often it's free. World class teachers and staff are incredibly friendly.

Lots of history, lots of beauty, right near Exposition Park and the Coliseum. Neighborhood is much more pleasant than the propaganda from some parts would have you believe. Excellent and affordable student arts allow one to eschew other parts of downtown.

As an alum, I'm a bit partial, but USC continually amazed me with its ambition, determination and ability to transform itself from a one-time country-club college in an unfortunate location to a top-notch research institution with a genuine investment in the people, students and neighbors that make up the USC community. It's an urban university for sure--downtown streets and street life--but the campus is beautiful and the real-world education of living and learning in the city of Los Angeles is priceless. Years after graduating, I still make it to campus a few times a year for a performance or event. Parking, however, is a real--it's a hassle. I'll leave it at that.