By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Although California is known for its year-round subtropical climate, barely-there winter, and the infamous “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” nothing beats the weather that inhabits the summer months of Los Angeles. There is much to look forward to whether you’re trying to take it easy or dance through the morning. Trust me, LA is filled to the brim with things to do–– I guarantee you’ll never be bored.

By: Paul Samaha ‘17

If you’re a USC student, you more than likely know that this time of the year is Vegas Formal season. Fraternities and other organizations around campus hold a formal invite, but instead of the usual invite where you and your date go to a venue for a few hours and come back, this invite is a whole weekend trip in Vegas. Read this post, taken from a crazed Vegas weekend of personal experience.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Last spring, a group of my friends and I road tripped to the desert, where people camped, hung out with an enormously stellar astronaut, and frequented food trucks that sold watermelon slices larger than my face. This place formed a memory of what I consider one of the happiest weekends ever. I loved it so much that I purchased tickets for next year an entire 10 months in advance.

By: Hannah Kim ‘15

Los Angeles Magazine recently hosted a panel where women leaders came together to talk about the importance of mentorship. Though they work in different fields and come from disparate backgrounds, these women all share the quality of being a *~badass~*. Whether they’re facilitating youth outreach programs in South Central LA or giving women the perfect blowout, they are empowered leaders who are making a tangible impact in their communities.

By: Mark Love ‘16

With the first week of school since spring break coming to a close, I couldn’t help but ponder upon the adventures my friends and classmates have embarked on last week. One of my friends backpacked through Scandinavia while a classmate flew to Taiwan to celebrate the week off from school. While listening to their stories, I could only shrug my shoulders and smile hoping that no one asks about my spring break itinerary. Unfortunately, I had to show up to my internship during the week, so my journey towards everlasting merriment definitely hit a roadblock. But instead of mourning my stationary predicament, I decided to take advantage of the wonders that lie within the City of Angels.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

With consistently ideal weather and plenty of events and adventures available every single day, it is easy to forget the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with higher education. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, with the unlimited swipes meal plan freshman year, life was basically an all-inclusive resort. Until of course, midterms roll around and reality rears its ugly head.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Hikes are a great way of toning your body (a natural lift for your backside, ladies!), getting your suggested 30 minutes of cardio in, as well as simply venturing outside the concrete confines of USC and downtown. The best part: you get to chat to your friends throughout the entire trail and be close to nature. One of my biggest accomplishments was hiking the tallest mountain in South Lake Tahoe called Mt. Tallac. It took me nearly the entire day and I was gasping for oxygen as I literally crawled the last quarter mile. In my defense, oxygen was becoming sparse considering the increased elevation and change in altitude but I felt the greatest surge of endorphins imaginable when I finally reached the top. Never had a PB&J tasted so heavenly. Maybe you’re not about that 12.5 mile hike. Instead, I outlined a handful of hikes around Los Angeles that range from less than two miles to up to seven miles.

By: Kelly Kinas ‘17

This second part of the “Getting Off Campus” series is for those who are lucky enough to have a car, money for insurance and gas, and enough time to travel around. Not only can you go shopping somewhere other than the pop-up places on Trousdale, you are also pretty popular with your friends if they ever need a ride to the airport.

By: Kelly Kinas ‘17

USC is amazing but at some points during the year, I need to get away. Living on campus can sometimes be overwhelming. Luckily, we live in one of the most diverse cities in the world and there are many things to do within a few miles of campus. So get out and explore!

By: Isabella Sayyah ‘16

If you asked me two years ago if I ever went to Downtown LA, or even really considered going there, the answer would be no. Living 40 miles outside the city, an hour drive on a good day, I didn’t often come into the city. And when I did, it was almost always to go somewhere on the Westside (I’m originally from Santa Monica and almost all of my family in California lives somewhere on the Westside).