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.

By: Karla Leung ‘22

If you watch enough television and see enough movies, it’s likely that you’ve seen a scene filmed on USC’s campus without even knowing it. Here are a few of the most notable films and TV series filmed on campus!

By: Antonia Le ‘22

I never thought I’d be kind of person to ride around USC on a scooter. In fact, during my first semester at USC, I walked to every class. I was a transportation purist, intent on achieving my daily 10,000 steps. Everything changed when I registered for classes for the spring semester. Against my best intentions, I found myself having a class in Taper Hall ten minutes after my class in Kaprielian Hall ended. According to Google Maps, it takes 11-13 minutes to make the trek, and that’s without anything going wrong. How was I supposed to get from KAP to THH in ten minutes? So, not wanting to be late for class every day, I decided to get a scooter. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming to USC. In fact, I believe that scooters are the best way to get around campus.

By: Camila Grases ‘21

In celebration of one USC’s most distinguished professors, Dr. Morten Lauridsen, the USC Choral Artists and Symphonic Orchestra will be performing one of his major works, the Lux Aeterna, this Sunday, April 14th, in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It will be an incredible send off to one of the most iconic composers of the choral world.

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

Are you interested in going to Chinatown, but don’t really know what to expect? Here are some snippets from my own trip to get a taste of what Chinatown has to offer!

By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22

You read that right…nature in LA! Who knew? I wasn’t being sarcastic either — half of the fun of the nature that exists in this metropolis is finding it. Because, well, it’s LA. In a city with stars seemingly everywhere but in the sky, green space is one of the last things I think of. Lucky for you all, I’ve done the intrepid (internet) exploring for you. For those brave enough to venture where the paths are dirt and there’s a little more wildlife than rats and roaches, here are the best places in the LA area to catch a breath of fresh air.

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

Every Sunday there is a food festival with hundreds of vendors hosted in Downtown LA and New York City. Smorgasburg in LA is hosted from 10AM to 4PM at 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021. This is the perfect place for open-minded people willing to try LA’s signature food fusions as well as a great place to just browse the latest food trends and enjoy aesthetic lifestyle stands (after all, admissions is free!). This Sunday, some friends and I decided to explore. Here are some highlights and breakdown on the biggest open-air food market in America.

By: Alexandria Frank ‘21

As a more formal introduction, my name’s Alexandria Frank and I’m an exchange student at USC from Howard University by way of Corona, CA. I’m born and raised in California but as far as my college experience goes, it’s been East Coast and it’s been Black. That’s because Howard is a historically-Black college/university (HBCU) located in Washington D.C. In other words, it’s very different from USC.

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

Looking for great Japanese food and cute plushies but don’t want to deal with Little Tokyo tourist traps? Visit Sawtelle instead. Just 10 stops heading west on the Metro Expo line from USC is West LA’s “Little Japantown.” This mini center of East Asian food and novelties is located on Sawtelle Blvd. As a West LA resident, this was one of my go-to spots growing up. Here are some of my favorite things to do at Sawtelle.

By: Antonia Le ‘22

After a month of midterms, rainy days, and late nights, spring break is finally here! Your best friend is headed to Cancun, the girl you sit next to is going to London, and your roommate has a plane ticket home for the next week! Meanwhile, you’re still here at USC. But don’t worry, whether you’re stuck here because of work, money, or because you simply don’t want to go home, here are some ways to make the most of your week at USC without emptying your wallet!

By: Ann Nguyen ‘22

“It’s Los Angeles. It won’t rain in Los Angeles!”

…And now it’s raining. So, aside from giving in and buying an umbrella, are you at a loss on what to do? Well, as the band TOTO tells us, “take some time to do the things you never had.”

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

I’m a Los Angeles native, so I’m not sure what other people think about when they think of Los Angeles, but amusement parks should at least come to mind. The LA area houses a lot of great theme parks, but it can be confusing to know which one is right for you if you are not familiar with them. That is where I, an amusement park junkie, come in. I am here to shed light on the logistics of each park and to help you decide which one is right for you!