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
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My Experience Joining a Dance Team at USC: Breakon2
The night of my audition for the dance team Breakon2 was a Thursday. I decided to tag along with my roommate because I had nothing better to do, making a very spur of the moment decision to even try out. We learned the basic salsa steps and a short combo before filming two pieces with members of the team. When I was filming my second clip, dancing with a member of the team, he reminded me to “just have fun,” and that’s when everything clicked. The dance team recognized an energy in me that I’m only now recognizing in myself after spending so much time with my teammates. Even though I was nervous about committing to the team, once I joined, I felt like my talents and personality were truly desired for the first time in a while at USC.
6 Things No One Tells You About USC
When I started at USC, I hadn’t toured the campus or even stepped foot in the area before I accepted my admissions offer. I was about as clueless as I could be. I’m not from California, and certainly not from Southern California, so it was definitely an adjustment in every possible way. I distinctly remember buying chapstick during my first semester and my jaw actually dropping at the price. Here’s what I wish I could’ve learned from my online research about USC and student experiences before I got here.
No Car, No Money, No Problem (Easy Edition): 5 Places on the Metro E-Line
“During my time at USC I want to explore LA on the weekends,” said every incoming student ever. To make those Class of 20-something Instagram post bios, ZeeMee chats, and first day of class introductions hold some truth, you need to start exploring! Whether you’re taking a solo self care day or bonding with new friends, this “No Car, No Money, No Problem” series will help you get the most of your college experience (and USC’s U-Pass program). This pass makes all public transportation in the LA area FREE. I repeat, FREE. Transport on USC’s dime is surely something U can’t pass up.
Volunteer Opportunities for USC Students
When volunteering you have the opportunity to empower and improve communities, meet new people, discover new causes and passions, and much more. In a city as big as Los Angeles, there’s always events where you can lend a hand, and there are tons of organizations to work with on a regular basis. However, with all of these options, it can be overwhelming to start a volunteer search, especially with a busy student schedule. My suggestion is to start finding opportunities right here on-campus.
Best Places to Take a Zoom Meeting On Campus
The clock is ticking – you grip your laptop and scout for a spot to take your Zoom meeting. Your meeting starts in a few minutes, so you don’t have time to reserve a room in Leavey or rush back to your room. Where are the best spots to plop down, plug in, and join a Zoom at USC?
4 Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet as a College Student
The thought of owning a pet during your college career has probably crossed your mind once or twice. Having a little, cuddly friend sitting on your lap while you're studying or having a pet to come home to after a long day of classes seems like the perfect way to beat the isolation of finals season. However, with the hustle and bustle of school and the never ending assignments, owning a pet can seem impossible.
USC’s New Sustainability Hub: A Beacon of Environmental Innovation
USC’s new Sustainability Hub marks a significant stride in its commitment to the environment. This multi-use space is designed as a physical embodiment of USC’s “Assignment: Earth” initiative, aimed at cultivating an eco-friendly campus and planet.
A Review of USC Off-Campus Housing Options
Every year at the end of the fall semester, college students search for housing for the next year. The politics behind finding housing are difficult as students try to find the perfect group of roommates without hurting anyone’s feelings. This gets even more difficult when each roommate has different priorities for their housing; some want the cheapest place and others the closest to campus. Many people want to live in the Village but don’t get an apartment that fits their group. Off-campus housing is a great option if you don’t want to have to pay for a meal plan or if you’re looking to be closer to the south side of campus or the row. Or, of course, if you’re an upperclassman and don’t have the privilege of living in USC housing. To help ease the anxiety that comes with searching through all the housing possibilities, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular off-campus housing options.
Exploring the First Generation Plus Success Center (FG+) During First Gen Week
I recently visited the First Generation Plus Success Center (FG+SC) to begin this mission. If you’re like me and you are unfamiliar with FG+SC, here’s what I learned during my time there.
Trojan Welcome Experience Brings New Students into the Trojan Community
The school year always starts with a bang for new students at USC, and this August was no different with a thrilling Welcome Back Concert, electric Splash Bash, and triumphant debut game day. The Trojan Welcome Experience brought thousands of first years into the Trojan Family through unforgettable events big and small — forging new friendships that will last the next four years and beyond.
You Don’t Have To Be Best Friends With Your Roommate (But You Can Be!)
In my time at USC, my experiences with roommates have ranged from neutral to super positive to extremely unhealthy. Having gone through what many people fear coming into college, my story can serve as both a warning to incoming freshmen as well as reassurance that, ultimately, I found great people to help me through. And I haven’t lost faith in finding good roommates.
What is Hecuba Watch? (From a USC Helene)
Happy Rivalry Week! On November 18, the USC football team will play our crosstown rivals, the UCLA Bruins. Rivalry Week is a special time on campus – from Sunday to the Saturday game, students take part in several traditions to celebrate the 90-year rivalry.