By: Camila Grases ‘21

As everyone starts to settle into a constant routine — to class, back home, eat at this dining hall or that one, take the same route there and back every time — it’s really easy to miss some of the amazing things USC has to offer. If you really take a look around, you might find some pretty amazing things that will make you realize USC is full of history, good or bad, that’s worth taking a look at. I have compiled a list of some neat places you should visit while you are here, so grab a friend and take a look around!

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

Looking to learn a new hobby for the new year? Hoping to rediscover one? If so, the Involvement Fair would have been a great place to start. If you didn’t get a chance to stroll through Trousdale during the beginning of the semester and browse the hundreds of clubs on display, it’s not too late! No matter your major or interest, there truly is a club for everyone — and I’ve laid out a few in this post for you! Keep in mind that this isn’t even a handful of the numerous clubs available at USC. From professional organizations tailored specifically to your major to cultural clubs meant to create safe spaces, there truly is a club for almost every single thing you could imagine, but out of all of them, regardless of your major, identity, or perceived talent — these are a few I think most people would enjoy.

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

Did you know that every semester you pay for up to 18 units with your tuition? Most students take 4 classes (16 units), but there are a bunch of fun 1 and 2 unit courses you could take to supplement your experience. The add/drop deadline is January 21, so go ahead and try out some classes. Keep reading for a list of worthwhile 1-2 unit courses!

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

Famous Maltese theorist Edward de Bono once said: “Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way." Its January 2020, the start of a new year and new decade, meaning a great time to try something new and jumpstart new habits, patterns, and goals. For myself, writing is my creative outlet of choice. I love expressing my opinion and telling stories with my words and encourage others to do the same. In the spirit of creativity, whatever medium you chose, here are some clubs, opportunities, and organizations to join this semester.

By: Talia Walters ‘20

The holiday season is quickly approaching us, kids, and the only thing better than the eggnog and the pretty decorations is giving gifts! Unfortunately, the giving season and finals season are almost synonymous, making it incredibly difficult to shop for gifts for our loved ones before the holidays hit and it’s suddenly too late. That’s why this gift guide makes use of the USC bookstore! It’s a great way to shop for gifts in between your 8am final and your 2pm final, and it’ll remind everyone in your life to keep “Fighting On!”

By: Antonia Le ‘22

Though I thought that I had outgrown nap-time when I left kindergarten, the truth is that I savor my naps more than ever now that I’m a second-year college student. I’ve even made a habit of taking naps in between my classes, in libraries, or in classroom buildings when I can’t get back to my dorm. If you’re looking for a place to sleep during a temporary study break this finals season (or you simply don’t want to go back to your dorm), here’s the list for you! Read below to learn more about my favorite nap spaces on campus.

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

What is a RA? It stands for Resident Assistant and we’re the people planning your community meetings and giving out free food at your residence halls across USC. The application to apply for the RA position for the 2020-2021 school year is now open and can be found at Erezlife. Keep reading to learn more about the position and application process!

By: Karla Leung ‘22

If you’re a freshman or sophomore who has dining dollars and want to spend them on something else besides Panda Express or Starbucks, keep reading! There are plenty of places to find delicious, healthy, and fresh foods that are closer than you think!

By: Antonia Le ‘22

As college students, one of the hardest things for us to do is to take care of our mental health. With midterm season still in full swing for some, while social and extra-curricular responsibilities continue to exist, it’s difficult to find time to sit down and ask yourself, “Am I okay?”. If the answer is no, then it’s near impossible to start making efforts to improve one’s own mental health. I’ve struggled with mental health issues all throughout high school and through my freshman year of college, and for the longest time, I was good at bottling up my feelings and pushing through. However, this semester, I’m taking a harder course load than ever, and I couldn’t deny my own feelings. I needed to talk to someone who would understand how to help me. As a result, I made the trek over to STU 422, where I decided to talk to a counselor for the first time in my entire life.

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

If you hadn’t heard already, USC is implementing fall break this year! Essentially, we have a 4 day weekend starting on Thursday Oct. 17th. Here are some fun last-minute ideas for fall break. Don’t like planning outings? No worries, I’ve done the planning for you! I’ve listed four days worth of day trips to different locations in LA. For each destination, I’ve covered the basics of transportation, my favorite food places (one meal, one dessert/snack), and a fun activity. Keep reading for a detailed itinerary.

By: Camila Grases ‘21

On Saturday, September 28, I had the privilege of joining students from the ARCG 305L class on a trip to Catalina. The purpose of the trip was to train students to create 3D models of sunken ships in Lake Tahoe— a trip they will be taking during the fall break. The class combines students and teachers from varying backgrounds with the goal of teaching the students how to create photogrammetry models underwater.

By: Talia Walters ‘20

After three finished years at USC, applying and deciding to come here feels like a distant memory. However, as I continue to trudge slowly through my senior year of college and as I see all of my friends in graduation caps announcing their future plans, I’m beginning to realize, much to my horror, that it might just be time to open those college apps again. In honor of a trying time for all of us, both high school and college seniors, I’ve been reflecting on my own journey to USC. I think my story’s a bit on the unique side, and I wanted to share it with everyone who might be worried about their upcoming applications or who might be regretting the commitment they made just a few weeks ago. Thus, I present: Talia’s Journey to USC.