What’s the best way to get around campus? With finals around the corner, there’s no time to waste and knowing efficient ways to get to and from campus is just as important now as it is when we are new, dewy-eyed first-semester students. Answer: it depends on your preference, but it’s one of the three –biking, walking, or skateboarding/hoverboarding
USC is definitely a bike campus – biking is extremely popular and convenient if you live off-campus, but within a 0.5 mile or 1 mile radius. New students tend to buy brand new bikes, but it’s better to find something used and to buy multiple locks to help prevent theft. Finding sufficient bike racks is always an issue but it’s not as bad near the engineering area.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk from one end of campus to another so biking can help between classes, but walking is quicker for shorter distances (no need to lock your bike). Personally, I prefer walking, because I get to spend a few minutes enjoying the outdoors before I hideaway in a study room. Walking is an attractive option if you also live on the USC tram route. On weekdays, one can take the free tram to go home or to campus from early morning to late at night. This is an additional option to Campus Cruiser and Uber. Just be warned that the real-time tram tracking app is not error-free!
Skateboarding or hoverboarding, which is potentially the next big thing for campus transportation, is also a quick and agile way to maneuver through the throngs of pedestrians and bicyclists during campus rush hours. Plus, there are places on campus to practice a few tricks if you have time to. Beware of tree stumps and uneven sidewalks though, especially once you’re off campus.
If you have a car, congratulations! You’re going to make a lot of friends, but you’ll mostly be using your car to get around LA, not around campus. A car is a great option if you want to have easy transportation in LA or if you plan to live driving distance from campus.
Published on December 8th, 2015
Last updated on January 20th, 2021