UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
STUDENT BLOG
-
![]()
Navigating Your First Year as a USC Trojan
by Lanie Brice
-
![]()
Navigating Your First Year as a Spring Admit
by Lanie Brice
-
![]()
How to Balance Your Social Life During Finals
by Donal Buckley
-
![]()
Study Tips and Habits to Get Through Finals Season
by Lauren Liang
looking for something to read?
Top Tips For Finding Friends as a Freshman
While my freshman year took place entirely online, I know what it’s like to start a new school with no friends. It can be daunting to walk up to people and start a conversation without knowing how they’ll respond.
Welcome Back Experience: Everything You Need to Know!
I hope everyone had a nice summer break! Just like the first day of classes is getting closer, so is the Trojan Welcome Experience! In the week before classes officially start, there’s new events every day to introduce you to the school, allow you to meet fellow Trojans, and celebrate the start of a new semester.
Freshman Dorm Reviews: 2023 Edition
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
A year ago I was scouring Reddit pages and outdated advice columns in search of the “best” and “worst” places to make my new home for freshman year. Although everyone has their own biases and preferences, here is a summary of the general consensus and my recommendations for the best places to live on-campus your freshman year.
My experience being the director of the SCIA Culture Show!
By: Tamanna Sood ‘24
On March 24th, my friend Amirta Srinivas and I co-directed and hosted the annual SCIA culture show at Bovard Auditorium. SCIA’s annual culture show highlights South Asian talent on campus and gives them a platform to showcase South Asian dance forms and music styles. As a member of the SCIA E-board, I was involved in marketing the show last year. Despite that, I had no idea what planning and managing the show entailed. Due to the show’s increasing popularity and the expansion of South Asian talent on campus this year, I stepped as co-director to help take on a more ambitious event.
What’s Going on the Squirrels at USC?
By: Lauren Liang ‘23
I can’t recall the exact emotions I felt when Save the Squirrels first entered my consciousness. I saw a mutual repost one of the account’s posts, and casually scrolled through the page between classes. While I thought the situation was intriguing, I wasn’t too concerned about the squirrels because a) the demand seemed much too unreasonable, and b) the date of the initial post was too close to April Fool’s to not be suspicious. Still, I couldn’t help myself.
LA Gems: Exploring Modern Art at The Broad
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
I left The Broad feeling inspired, excited, and giddy about art. As a writer, not a visual artist, I still felt the magic of creation transferring from these paintings into my brain and offering inspiration to rededicate myself to my own work. I can see myself returning for many more trips before my time at USC is up, and I couldn’t recommend making the trip to the museum before you leave school as well.
A Self-Guided Tour to USC’s Campus
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
It’s that nail-biting time of year when you’re anxiously awaiting college acceptance letters in your inbox. If you’re ready for your congratulatory cardinal and gold confetti or if you’re a newly admitted Trojan, use this article as an expertly curated guide to escort yourself on an actually useful tour of campus. Trust me, these are the places I wish I would’ve gone the first time I visited the school. If you can’t make a scheduled campus tour or would rather explore for yourself, here’s the must-see spots from a current student.
USC Celebrates Earth Month
By: Kristen Adams ‘25
April is Earth Month! 🌎 To celebrate Earth Month, USC is providing programs, events, and activities to recognize the beauty of our Earth and the importance of maintaining a green and sustainable campus. Here are some easy ways you can take part in spreading the love for our planet Earth!
Your Guide to Attending Free Events on Campus
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
From screenings to guest speakers to performances, there’s constantly exciting things to do on the USC campus. But nothing’s worse than finding out about an event after it’s already happened. Read more about how to stay updated with USC events and find some upcoming ones to mark on your calendar.
My experience attending “An evening with Nikole Hannah-Jones” at Bovard
By: Tamanna Sood ‘24
On February 21, I attended An Evening with Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of ‘The 1619 Project’ at the Bovard Auditorium. Being able to attend this event and listen to Nikole Hannah Jones felt like a dream come true—for young journalists and women of color, Jones is a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who seek to shatter glass ceilings and create new legacies for generations to come.
Secrets of Doheny Library
By: Aedan Henry ‘24 (USC Student Life Guest Blogger)
Doheny Memorial Library might be the centerpiece of the USC campus, but beyond its gorgeous first floor reading room, many students don’t know much about what Doheny has to offer. Exploring past the lobby, you can find nine floors of dense bookstacks, countless secret study spots, an abundance of research resources, and dozens of special collections and exhibits.
Advice from a Second Semester Senior
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
It’s my last semester at USC and the ticking of my undergraduate clock is growing louder. Without the luxury of years ahead, I’ve been thinking about what I want to do (or wish I had done) before I leave. Here’s a senior’s perspective on how to take advantage of everything USC has to offer.