USC is a great school and all. And I mean, it's close to Downtown LA.. and kinda Hollywood.. and kinda the beach.
But you do realize it's basically south central? Like FRIDAY style. Compton. You know...
SDSU, UCSB, UCSD, UCLA, Pepperdine, Fuck, even Irvine will put you in a more exciting spot to party without knowing the area.
Anyway, hope you found something... I would have shot for UCSB followed by UCSD. Beach. Mmmmm.