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?
The Best Ways to Get Around Los Angeles & Beyond from USC
By: Karla Leung ‘22
USC is in the heart of Los Angeles, making it extremely convenient to get around and explore the LA area. However, getting around can get pretty pricey. Knowing all your options, whether you want to road trip to San Francisco or just go shopping at The Grove, can help you save time and money.
The Perfect Tailgate Playbook
By: Ann Nguyen ‘22
By now, you’re sure to have seen tents lined up throughout campus certain Saturday mornings and the occasional Friday afternoon. People are all dressed up in cardinal and gold as kids (and college students, alike) run around tossing footballs back and forth. The smell of delicious grilled food permeates the air, and you’re left wondering, “How can I get some of that?” Well, hopefully, I can alleviate your worries, clear up any confusion, and coach you to become a tailgating pro just in time for Trojan Family Weekend.
No Planning Required: Spontaneous Fall Break Day Trips
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.
The Trojan Farmer’s Market
By: Alexis M Peters ‘20
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but every Wednesday—right on USC’s campus in McCarthy Quad—is a farmer’s market. It’s honestly such a great system considering that USC is kind of in a food desert. Meaning: it can be pretty difficult to get fresh and nutritious food options around here. The introduction of Trader Joe’s and Target in the village has been a total lifesaver, but it’s so nice to have the farmer’s market to supplement your fridge stash with fresh, local, beautifully glistening produce, and support local businesses at the same time. Haven’t checked it out? Read on to find out what amazing stuff you’re missing at the farmer’s market, and why farmer’s markets are better than traditional grocery stores:
Exposing the Expo Line... a few hidden gems you probably didn’t know about
By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22
This is a great time to be alive. No, not because of modern technology or vaccines or Bird scooters. The Expo line running from downtown to Santa Monica has connected the beach to the city since May of 2016. That makes it only the third ―the third!― year that USC students have been able to take advantage of all of the fun destinations now available to us. It’s a great time to be alive. But there’s a lot of city in between the beach and downtown. Here’s what I found…
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!