By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

So there you are. Watching the same show on Netflix for the twenty-third time. You want to do something but you don’t really know what so you just watch Netflix because you think there’s nothing else for you to do. Well, you’re just so lucky you ran into this blog post as you were scrolling through your Facebook feed because I am here to help. USC has some many opportunities to take advantage of but the real problem is trying to find out what they are and finding them, which is why you have us! A great way to fill up your free time, get involved on campus, help the community around USC, and get leadership experience is through clubs and on-campus organizations. I know. It sounds too good to be true but it isn’t!! Here are some tips for finding what club you belong with here at USC.

By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

USC has many theatrical productions every semester. There’s a comprehensive list somewhere. I don’t have that. I have the Facebook invites that my friends in the School of Dramatic Arts send me because how else do I know if I thing is actually happening unless it’s on Facebook? The arts are incredibly important and I would urge you to see as many of these productions as possible. USC has amazing students studying acting and who act just for a hobby. These shows are cheaper than the ones at the Pantages or professional theatre companies here in Los Angeles, you don’t have to drive and try to find a place to park, and all of the shows I have seen have been incredibly high quality. And there’s a show for everyone! Let me explain.

By: Michael Boyle ‘18

Do you have something you need to study for? (Be honest now!) This test will help you decide which excellent study spot on USC’s campus you should choose for academic preparation today.

By: Ayman Siraj ‘18

There are many services you can avail for free or at a student discount while being a student here at USC. From free transportation, access to software and discounted tickets to amusement parks!

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

Number one, get involved. First things first, the transition from high school to a university can be difficult. Afterall it’s a new environment, new people, unfamiliar buildings, and much more. My best advice is to get involved.

By: Ayman Siraj ‘18

The biggest fear for any international student coming to the U.S. for the first time is not being able to adapt to U.S. culture. It’s true that cultures are different as you transgress borders. When I was learning English, I was at a British School in Saudi Arabia and it led to a few funny encounters with my friends here in America. One such instance: My friend Tim and I went grocery shopping and I was like, ‘Tim, should I grab a trolley?’ Tim burst out laughing, and I didn’t understand why. He responded that it’s called a shopping cart here. While I wasn’t wrong, Tim and I at that moment realized that even though we speak the same language, there are subtle differences in word usage between different countries.

By: Ayman Siraj ‘18

USC has the largest international student population on the West Coast. As college decision day approached on May 1st for many of you, I congratulate you if you committed to USC! You’re joining the best family on earth - The Trojan Family (the hype is real). Many of you like me will never have even toured the colleges you applied to from halfway across the world. Naturally many questions arise when you get here, and I’ve put down the answers to a few.

By: Emily Young MA ‘16

Since I am reaching the end of my five wonderful years here at USC, I thought it would be great to share my college tips for having the best college experience!

By: Judy Lee ‘17

There are undoubtedly a lot of interesting characters around finals week, but no reality show could ever beat the amount you’d see gathered in ye ‘ol Leavey library. Here are a few you may be familiar with:

By: Judy Lee ‘17

There are fewer frustrating feelings than forgetting something at home and remembering too late. Although it’s best to make a quick packing list, chances are: if you’re the type to forget a few things at home, you’re not the type to have time to make a packing list, either.

By: Judy Lee ‘17

As classes dwindle down, there is a spike in the demand for caffeine. Finals are almost upon us, and it looks like cloudy with a chance of filter coffee. Now, since we’re all starving college students try to scrape by, I thought I’d compile the most caffeinated bang-for-your-buck that you can grab at TroGro so that you can finish off the essay you probably should have finished off a week ago. I preface this list by saying these are measured in milligrams in a grande size for each beverage. Also, caffeine addiction is very real, so make sure you watch yourself because withdrawal ain’t cute. With that, here are your top 5!

By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

While the weather was not the best this past weekend, the Festival of Books was a major success, at least from where I’m standing. At that point, I was walking around campus without an umbrella with a light shower making me slightly damp. There were families, school groups, couples, the old, the young, and everyone in between. It is so special that the University of Southern California gets to host such an important event. Even better, all of the students for USC get to experience this festival and listen in on the amazing talks happening throughout our campus.