Special Interest Housing

Our special interest housing enhances your university experience by bringing together students and faculty to share in cultural and academic programs. USC special interest communities attract students who want to make the most of their college years, and each community offers something different. Some bring together students with similar career or academic interests. Others attract people interested in a particular culture or lifestyle. Some communities are small, whereas others are quite large.

How to Apply for Special Interest Communities If one of these special interest communities seems right for you, be sure to select the program on your housing application. Many special interest communities are available to incoming freshmen only. Check first to confirm you are eligible for your choices. (For example, students must meet certain academic qualifications to live in McCarthy Honors College.) When applying online for housing, be sure to first specify the residence hall, suite or apartment, and then specify the special interest community located within it. Programs fill quickly, so apply early. The following special interest communities require supplemental applications: APIDA Floor, Latinx Floor, Rainbow Community and Somerville Place. Supplemental applications will be available as part of the online housing application process. (See page 33.)

Century Apartments

Rainbow Community The Rainbow Community provides lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) students, along with their straight allies, a safe and affirming living environment. It is one of a few themed student-housing programs in the United States designed specifically for the LGBTQ community and its allies. Residents are members of Rainbow Scholars, a student organization that promotes the floor through community service, social events and faculty discussions. The Rainbow Community collaborates with academic departments, other campus residential communities, the LGBTQ+ Student Center and the Office for Residential Education to sponsor campus and community events. The Rainbow Community’s Overnight Experience gives prospective students the opportunity to visit campus, attend classes, participate in LGBTQ+ events and stay with a student host. All apartments on the Rainbow Community are gender-inclusive. All students who identify as LGBTQ+ or as an ally are encouraged to apply.

The Rainbow Community is supported by the Office for Residential Education and the LGBTQ+ Student Center. If you are interested in living on this floor, you must complete a supplemental application.

Trojan Voices

ATHENA SFERAS. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA