USC vs UCLA: How's the location/campus vibe?

Hey, I'm considering USC and UCLA, does anyone have any thoughts on the location and campus vibe of these two schools? I've visited both, but it's hard to get a good feel from just a short tour. Any firsthand experiences or opinions on the campus life, surrounding areas, and overall atmosphere would be great!

UCLA has a beautiful, expansive campus with a blend of both traditional and modern architecture. The atmosphere is often described as vibrant and inclusive. There's always something happening on campus, from club events to guest speaker series, so you'll hardly find a dull moment.

The surrounding area of Westwood is a lively college town with tons of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options within walking distance. It's also within close proximity to popular areas like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills, which offer even more options for exploration when you want a break from campus life. Public transportation is quite accessible, but traffic can be heavy, so factor that in if you plan to explore frequently.

On the other hand, USC is located in a more urban setting, near Downtown LA, which offers a different atmosphere compared to UCLA. The campus itself is well-maintained and secure, but the surrounding area can feel a bit grittier. However, with the Expo Line, you can easily access popular destinations like Santa Monica or Downtown LA.

USC's campus life is known for its strong school spirit, sports culture, and enthusiastic alumni network. The Greek life is more prominent at USC compared to UCLA, so that might be something to consider if that's an aspect you're interested in. At both universities, there's a wealth of opportunities to be involved in clubs, research, and community service.

When deciding between the two, it might be helpful to consider which campus environment feels more comfortable to you and whether the urban setting of USC or the slightly more suburban feel of UCLA better aligns with your preferences.