Prepare for your Arrival

APPLICATIONS FOR U.S CITIZENS &
STUDENTS WITH A GREEN CARD OR F-1 VISA ARE OPEN UNTIL MAY 1
Accepted students please check out the Accepted Students Page
The 2026 Program runs from Thursday, June 25 - Friday, August 7, 2026.
 For any questions, please contact us at summer@cinema.usc.edu.
or 213-740-3327.

Before you hop on that plane or jump in your car to come to USC, here are few things that you should prepare in order to make your experience with the SCA Summer Program a wonderful success.

Recommended Packing List

We have put together the following list of items to ensure you are prepared for your summer at USC. To guide your packing, keep in mind that temperatures can range from the low 80s to the upper 90s during the day and drop to the low 60s at night.

  • Health Insurance card (if applicable)
  • Clothing including:
    • Casual clothing for classroom and recreational activities
    • Jacket/sweater for evenings or chilly weather
    • Comfortable closed-toe shoes (mandatory on sets and stages and in classroom )
    • Activewear for working out
  • Mobile phone and charger.
    • A U.S cell phone and charger with a U.S. phone number.
    • International students can buy a prepaid U.S. sim card on sites like Amazon, campusSIMS or from a phone service provider. Please purchase and activate the sim card before your arrival in the U.S.
  • Personal toiletries
  • Laptop with charger
  • Cash for emergencies (approximately $200)
  • Debit/Credit card for everyday purchases (USC is a cashless campus)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Skincare lotion
  • School Supplies
  • Any required material/equipment for class
Recommended to Buy Here

There are few bulky items that we recommend buying after you arrive. For your convenience, there is a Target on the first floor of the USC Village and the USC Bookstore at the campus center.

  • Clothes hangers
  • Sheets
  • Pillows
  • Blanket or Comforter
  • Shower caddy
  • Laundry basket or bag
  • Laundry supplies
  • Towels
  • Workout equipment
  • Athletic/Recreational equipment
  • Power strip/Extension cord
  • Bathroom supplies
International Students

In addition to the recommended packing list, the items below are absolutely necessary for International Students.

  • Passport
  • Valid Visa
  • I-94 (This is only available once you arrive in the U.S.)
  • Signed I-20 (if arriving on an F-1 visa)
  • Signed school permission letter (if already here on another school's I-20 and F-1)
  • Green Card/Permanent Resident Card (if applicable)