The holiday season in Los Angeles offers something for everyone, whether you're staying in town or heading home to celebrate. For those staying local, LA's holiday magic shines through its dazzling light displays, festive markets, and multicultural celebrations. And if you're preparing to travel, there are plenty of activities to enjoy before you leave, making the most of the city’s vibrant holiday atmosphere. Here are a few festive activities to enjoy for the Holidays around LA!

November was a big month for movies, and the one that seemed to top them all was Wicked. The highly-anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical has been in production since 2016 and finally hit the theaters on November 22. I don’t normally get this excited for movies, but between marketing campaigns and internet memes, Wicked was a must-see for me as soon as I could. And, for the most part, I’d say it lived up to the hype. This is my (mostly) spoiler-free review of Wicked.

As my first semester here at USC comes to an end, I’ll say that my experience here has been nothing short of both pleasant adventures and those much-needed learning curves. So, here is a list of things I’ve learned over my time here on campus.

Winter break is the perfect time to unwind, reflect on goals, and secure funding for your education. Here’s a list of scholarships to prioritize, sorted by deadline, so you can make the most of your break while working toward your academic and career dreams.

This past Halloween season, I discovered so many people close to me that were unaware of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This year, I worked on DFTC’s production of it as a lead Hair and Makeup artist, but this was far from the beginning of my obsession with the franchise. The campy, raunchy, music-filled show is an unforgettable experience each time.

Staying active while juggling academics can be challenging, but fortunately, the area around USC offers a variety of fitness classes that cater to different workout preferences. Whether you’re into high-intensity interval training or prefer the mind-body balance of yoga, there’s a class for everyone. Check out some of my favorites!

When they say “unlimited,” I really take it as “unlimited.” Once, I hopped through all three dining halls in the span of an hour, which you may equate to “big back tendencies,” but jokes on you, there were just flies in certain establishments that I could not ignore. If you like seeking college advice from the greats of TikTok and Reddit like I do, you probably have been reassured that the possibility of the “freshman 15” is combatted by all the walking you will do around campus.

Many people have misconceptions about line dancing due to stereotypes, both negative and positive. Some examples include this idea that line dancing is all about doing repetitive moves to cheesy songs about heartbreak and drinking, being labeled as simple or outdated, and simply facing cultural criticism. The truth is that line dancing is much more complex than people think and actually challenges social norms in the sense that it represents community and jubilation.

When I first stepped into the Annenberg Media Center, I was blown away — and also a little overwhelmed. Television screens stretch high up the walls, displaying various news outlets and types of current news. There’s overlapping sounds about sports, culture, health and foreign affairs. From KTLA weather forecasts to CNN political panels, the message is clear: there was always news, there is always news, and there will always be news. It’s a cycle that never sleeps.

I’m very particular about my matcha, which should be a concern if you’re a matcha addict like me, who is also trying to stay on a budget. Last year I spent a bunch of money going to cafes or Dulce runs just so I could have my weekly matcha, but now I can have it every day by making it at home! 

Every waking second, it seems as if the line between social media and e-commerce blurs. Especially for college students who may be experiencing a newfound sense of freedom through new income streams, the desire to try new products heightens. Which seems a lot like the Europeans during the early modern period. Around the period of the Renaissance, Europeans gained increasingly curious about routes to Asia for spices, porcelain, and other commodities that they did not have back home.

Here are all of the Friendsgiving recipes, from appetizers to desserts, that will make your gathering deliciously unforgettable. Most importantly, Friendsgiving isn't just about the perfect dish; it's about spending time with all of your close friends.