UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
STUDENT BLOG
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Navigating Your First Year as a USC Trojan
by Lanie Brice
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Navigating Your First Year as a Spring Admit
by Lanie Brice
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How to Balance Your Social Life During Finals
by Donal Buckley
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Study Tips and Habits to Get Through Finals Season
by Lauren Liang
looking for something to read?
Campus Safety: Earthquake Preparedness
By: Karla Leung ‘22
After the recent summer earthquakes — a 6.4 and later a 7.1 magnitude only 150 miles away from Los Angeles — earthquakes have become an even more pressing issue in California. Throughout the Los Angeles area, the quake and its aftershocks were felt and California residents have been increasingly concerned of impending earthquakes in the future. If you’re from out of state and have never experienced the threat of an earthquake, it’s important to be aware of the steps to take in case one hits during your time at USC.
How to Metro 101
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
USC is fortunate enough to have 3 Metro stops near USC’s main campus! For $1.75 you’re able to go to DTLA or Santa Monica and everywhere in between. Here are some tips from an LA local about the Metro Expo line.
Going Solo To Football Games
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
USC is known for its football games. Whether because of the team itself, the award-winning band who miraculously stands the entire time or Traveler who gallops around the field after our team scores, there’s a reason #FIGHTON trends on Twitter after a good game. Many people consider the games to be a huge part of not only the USC Experience but the LA one. From alumni to community residents, it is not unusual to see people bring their family or friends from other schools; but for some — whether because everyone they know hates football or are simply busy — they don’t have anyone to go with. Going alone to any event does not always seem like the most enticing experience, but hey, sometimes you don’t wanna miss out! Why should you let a lack of company dissuade you from doing just that? With an event that is so stereotypically linked to the people you go with it, I wondered what it would be like go alone. So, I grabbed my see-through fanny pack and the two sealed water bottles allowed by the coliseum, and I did just that!
From RA to Freshman: What to Bring to your Dorm 101
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
Welcome to your new home! Whether you’re coming from within LA or from overseas, moving into college dorms is a big adjustment. You (or your parents) have spent the summer going over the necessities of bedding, towels, and toiletries. Want to know what else you should bring and what you should clear from your luggage?
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A USC FRESHMAN
By: Sarah Ko ‘22
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a typical freshman at USC? Watch this video to find out!
USC Village Dorm Tour: McMorrow Residential
By: Sarah Ko ‘22
Here’s a quick tour of McMarrow Residential! All village housing is apartment style, equipped with a full bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Every residential building in the Village also has a laundry room on every floor, air condition, study lounges, and an outdoor patio. Also located in the Village are small boutiques, restaurants, FedEx, Amazon Lockers, Target, and Trader Joe’s. For more information about USC housing, visit here!
College Budget Glamping: A Review of Lake Cachuma Yurts
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
I was advised against it by parents and friends alike but fortunately, I was able to find an eclectic group of people who were willing to go camping with me during the first two days of Dead Week. We were stressed out enough for finals, so we decided to not deal with the hassle of tent camping and backpacking; we tried out Yurt camping. Here are some highlights from our glamping experience at Lake Cachuma.
A Quick Trip from USC to Santa Monica Beach!
By: Sarah Ko ‘22
Want a day off from campus and head to a sun-filled California beach? Grab your friends, beach towels, and sunscreen and head to Santa Monica beach! It’s easy to get there, and only takes 30 minutes!
Why you Should Pick USC: Honest Review
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
Commitment day is coming around the corner. While USC has been in the media for less delectable reasons recently, it truly is an amazing school. After spending a few nights at Berkeley, UCSC, UCLA as well as some privates on the east coast, I’ve decided that USC is the place for me. Here are some reasons why I appreciate USC (as well some things I would like to change).
USC Springfest 2019
By: Sarah Ko ‘22
Springfest is an annual music festival put together by the USC Concert Committee. At the event, there are several booths with free merchandise, food trucks, and guest artists. This year’s lineup included Trippe Redd, TroyBoi, Still Woozy, J.I.D., and Gunna. Past guests have been Migos, Tyga, and 2 Chainz.
Cafe Dulce: USC Alum James Choi & Dulce Favorites
By: Karla Leung ‘22
Dulce Founder James Choi graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Accounting ‘05, then went on to work at Ernst and Young. Whenever he had the time, Choi would help out his mother at her Swiss Chocolate shop in Palo Alto, but pursued accounting at Ernst and Young to financially provide for himself and his mother. However, when his mother started battling ovarian cancer, she wanted to follow her dream of starting a bakery in Little Tokyo. Neither Choi nor his mother knew how to run a bakery, but Choi agreed when his mother got a business partner on board. When his mother’s bakery business partner dropped out, Choi decided to put in his 2-week notice at Ernst and Young to open their first Cafe Dulce in Little Tokyo in 2011. A few years later, they opened another at the USC Village in 2017.
Lake Arrowhead Adventures
By: Ann Nguyen ‘22
It’s about that time in the semester when most midterms — yes, even the “Exam 2′s” that occurred after mid-semester and therefore technically aren’t midterms anymore — have passed, the essays worth 40% of your grade have been turned in, and there’s the smallest window of opportunity for a break. If you’re looking to leave the hustle and bustle of our busy city, then maybe the mountains are where you should go. Whether you enjoy hiking or just breathing in crisp, fresh air, an escape into nature is the perfect way to relax, collect yourself, and get ready for the final stretch toward finals.