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 a specific read?
Student Union Cultural Centers Remodeled
On October 31, the 4th floor of the Student Union officially reopened after months of remodeling, providing the numerous cultural centers located there a home once again. Prior to this grand reopening, these groups continued to operate while finalizing the changes, including meeting in various locations within the Student Union and its surrounding USC buildings before the 4th floor space became available to the public. Now, these groups can have a regular, comfortable, and revamped meeting spot.
I Didn’t Go to the Same College as my Twin
I think many people can relate to the idea that a single thing about them ends up becoming their defining trait. Before coming to USC, for me, that was having a twin brother. Growing up, my twin, Cathal, and I used to do practically everything together. We’d spend week-long stints at summer camps together, we became volunteers for the zoo together, and of course, would drive to school together every day. Everywhere I went, there was another person with me.
Shopping Locally: The USC Farmers Market
One of my favorite parts of living in California is the ready access to incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables. One of the easiest ways to access them is by shopping at farmers markets. LA has an incredible number sprinkled all around the city (my favorite is in Brentwood), but if you don’t have a car, don’t worry! USC brings the farmers market right to McCarthy Quad most Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m throughout the fall and spring semesters.
Underrated USC Campus Study Spots
Now that we’re well into the semester, you’ve likely run into the problem of going to one of the more popular study spots like Leavey or New Annenberg and finding that it’s completely full. Whether you’re stuck on campus between classes or can’t focus in your room, searching for an open seat in these places eats into your study time and leaves you with the worst spots. Next time you’re in this position, consider moving to one of these underrated study spots instead.
Why You Should Become a Tour Guide
Imagine holding a magnifying glass to a beautiful painting, revealing its vibrant colors, hidden stories, and tiny brushstrokes. That’s the role of a tour guide. But instead of a painting, the focus is the beautiful USC campus. Tour guides don’t just show locations, they ensure that every prospective student and their family experiences the passion of USC through storytelling and connection. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider becoming a Student Ambassador (Tour Guide) at USC.
What You Should Know Before Moving Into a Studio Apartment Alone
I’ve always wanted to live alone. Don’t get me wrong, housemates and the experience of living with friends is a crucial part of the college experience. From living in a small, shared room in a college dorm to a big party house, I’ve lived just about every way a college student can. I loved every bit of it too. However, I am a person who loves her own space and the freedom of living on her own schedule. Because of that, I decided to live alone in a studio apartment for my senior year.
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.