UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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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.
UPDATED: Best (and Most Unusual) Ice Cream in LA
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
It’s that time of year! School is starting, summer is coming to an end. You may believe you’ve escaped the worst of the heat, but September only brings more of that dry, signature LA heat. Whether you’re hoping to explore LA with friends, looking for ideas for a date, or simply love ice cream, here are some of my favorite ice cream stores in LA that are easily accessible by public transport. This list is not for the weak of heart, all these stores are known for their unique (and unconventional) flavors so explore with an open mind!
Cafe Dulce: USC Alum James Choi & Dulce Favorites
By: Karla Leung ‘22
Dulce Founder James Choi graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Accounting ‘05, then went on to work at Ernst and Young. Whenever he had the time, Choi would help out his mother at her Swiss Chocolate shop in Palo Alto, but pursued accounting at Ernst and Young to financially provide for himself and his mother. However, when his mother started battling ovarian cancer, she wanted to follow her dream of starting a bakery in Little Tokyo. Neither Choi nor his mother knew how to run a bakery, but Choi agreed when his mother got a business partner on board. When his mother’s bakery business partner dropped out, Choi decided to put in his 2-week notice at Ernst and Young to open their first Cafe Dulce in Little Tokyo in 2011. A few years later, they opened another at the USC Village in 2017.
Things to Do on a Rainy LA Day
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.”
5 Second Hand Clothing Shops to Check out Near Campus
By: Awo Jama ‘22
As a first year college student living away from home for the first time, learning how to manage my money has proven to be one of the most difficult adjustments I’ve had to undergo. In order to have more funds available to me for Ubering, getting coffee, doing my laundry (yes, USC makes you pay for your laundry), stocking up on snacks, replenishing my toiletries, and going out with friends, I’ve had to greatly reduce the amount of money I spend on clothes. As a fashion enthusiast, this trade-off hasn’t been easy, and has led to a few impulsive H&M orders. However, after exploring some local second hand clothing stores and gradually incorporating the clothes I’ve found into my wardrobe, I’ve realized that you don’t have to compromise style for affordability when shopping for clothes. Below I’ve listed the best second hand shops I’ve been to near campus, so if you’re on a budget but needing to revamp your wardrobe, keep reading!
Conquest 2018
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
This Saturday is the infamous USC vs. UCLA game. A fight to establish which university has the best football team in LA. The most anticipated game is preceded with USC’s greatest pep-rally-esque event: Conquest. As someone who could honestly care less about football and won’t be at Saturday’s game, this event infused me with all the school spirit I’ll need for the upcoming weekend.
Festival of Books @ USC
By: Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20
It’s that time of year again! FESTIVAL OF BOOKS SEASON! If you’re a book lover like me, you probably get maybe a little too excited about books. The Festival of Books is basically HEAVEN.
Mothers Day Guide in LA
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
It’s tea time! Treat your special mama to a fine evening at the American Tea Room. Located in the arts district, this modern space is welcoming with it’s minimal yet sleek arrangements with plenty of natural sunlight.
8 Music Venues in LA
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
Want to take a break from studying for exams or simply enjoy a night out with friends? Well, look no further. Here is a curated list of music venues to discover good music in Los Angeles.
6 Valentine’s Date Ideas in Los Angeles
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
1. Perch: Enjoy a beautiful view of Los Angeles with fine French gourmet dining at the Perch. Their menu offers a variety of dishes like “Filet Mignon au Poivre” and “Steak-Frites.” They also have a variety of wines and hand-crafted cocktails.