Mission Parkside International Residential College (IRC) opened in 2001, the brainchild of USC President Steven B. Sample and V.P. of Student Affairs Michael Jackson. At 295,000 square feet and four floors, it was given its theme in order to create dialogue on global issues, and to bring together international and domestic residents in a single vibrant community. Located in the lower left quadrant of the university park campus, bordered by Vermont Avenue, Exposition Boulevard, Watt Way and 37th Place, IRC provides generous suite-style living, a high quality restaurant downstairs, laundry and rec room on site, ample study space and lounge space, music practice rooms, performance café, classroom space, and an unmatched outdoor green space including fountain, fire pit, and community garden.
Special Interest Floors in IRC include the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Floor. While IRC is home to predominantly first-years students, Parkside Apartments (PKS) houses primarily students in their junior and senior years. Parkside Apartments is comprised of two adjoining six-story wings of two-person apartments, all with individual kitchenettes and bathrooms, offering a more independent living environment. Renovated in 2005, it was originally built to coincide with the 1984 Olympics and was part of the athletes’ Olympic Village. PKS also has an ongoing commitment to sustainability through recycling programs and the creation of the Michael Waterman Community Garden. Living at Parkside allows residents to participate in intellectual, cultural and social exchanges with people who have a wide range of backgrounds and interests, in one of the most attractive locations on campus. The physical beauty, cultural richness, and wealth of study opportunities outside the classroom make the Parkside community at USC special. They are a unique collaborative learning center, and a place where Trojans are proud to live.