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
looking for something to read?
No Gym? No Problem?: Stay Fit Over The Break
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
You’ve made it! The semester has ended, finals are over, and you might be back home ready to eat all the things. We Trojans love Lyon and the Village Recreation center. Still, those amenities aren’t necessarily available to all of us at home. It’s no secret that between food, family, and friends, staying fit over the holidays is a challenge for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. Gym memberships are hassle and boutique fitness classes are expensive, but there are other ways to stay fit and in tune with your body when away from the gym. Everyone’s body is different, and there’s no one size fits all approach to fitness. However, smaller actions like drinking water, walking when you can, or even maximizing your vegetable intake can go a long way in improving your overall health, especially during the holidays when the food is abundant. Once again, Trojans360 is here to rescue with ten gems for staying fit over winter break.
My Favorite Places to Nap on Campus
By: Antonia Le ‘22
Though I thought that I had outgrown nap-time when I left kindergarten, the truth is that I savor my naps more than ever now that I’m a second-year college student. I’ve even made a habit of taking naps in between my classes, in libraries, or in classroom buildings when I can’t get back to my dorm. If you’re looking for a place to sleep during a temporary study break this finals season (or you simply don’t want to go back to your dorm), here’s the list for you! Read below to learn more about my favorite nap spaces on campus.
Using Your Winter Break for a Great Spring Semester
By: Antonia Le ‘22
This year, USC’s winter break lasts from December 19 to January 12, which gives students just under a month to rest, relax, and recharge before getting back on the grind. However, I know that I’d hate myself if January 12 came and I spent my entire break being unproductive. If you’re looking for something to do over winter break that will help you start the Spring 2020 semester on a good note, read onward for some tips that might help you!
Six Ways to Beat Burnout
By: Antonia Le ‘22
As college students, it’s inevitable for us to experience burnout. Whether you’ve committed to too many clubs to this semester or your professors have decided that it makes sense for there to be multiple “midterms” for one class (or both), you’re going to hit your breaking point eventually. Though the grind never stops, there are some ways that you can find a way to slow down and take care of yourself.
Here’s What Self Care Really Is (4 Tough Love Tips)
By: Alexis M Peters ‘20
At the end of a long day, you might put on a face mask and light a scented candle. Or maybe you draw yourself a bath and pour yourself a cup of tea to de-stress. This is what most of us would call self care. But I am going to push the boundaries here, and argue that none of that stuff is self care. It’s just the capitalist side of it. Really taking care of yourself is so much more than that, and I believe that these days more than ever, people are forgetting that. This is a time in history where the pressure to succeed is often greater than our willingness to be happy. It’s a time when being overly busy is applauded even when it comes at the expense of your well-being. You can’t just slap on a face mask and cover up for the missing hours of sleep, or the amount of adrenaline coursing through your veins from all the stress.
Get a Head Start on Your New Year’s Resolution: Easy Healthy Changes to Make Now
By: Karla Leung ‘22
Not only is the year ending, but an entire decade, making it the perfect time to make some healthy changes for the better. But you don’t have to wait for the New Year to start living a healthier lifestyle, the best time to start is now! Here are some small and big changes you can make to live a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Updated Explore LA: Smorgasburg
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
Every Sunday from 10AM to 4PM Smorgasburg LA can be found in the oddly gentrified factory lot located at 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021. This is the perfect place for foodies to bring their friends to try some of LA’s signature food fusions. Not only is there great food, but it’s also a great place to just canvas shop and enjoy aesthetic lifestyle stands (after all, admission is free!). Looking for fun weekend plans? Keep reading!
Bullet Journaling Can Fix Your Life
By: Karla Leung ‘22
Now that the semester is coming to a close, you might have realized that your current system of organization might not be working for you. Whether you might want to start getting things organized in time for finals or start for the new year/semester, bullet journaling is an amazing system to organize and keep track of everything going on in your life. Starting to bullet journal this semester has helped me organize my life and keep track of everything that needs to be completed. Although bullet journaling has a defined system, the premise of bullet journaling is to make it your own and be creative!
When To Take A Class Pass/Fail
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
As the year begins to wind down and we make our plans for the next semester, you may or may not be considering taking a class Pass/Fail. While it is still pretty early in the decision-making process, it does not hurt to get a jump start in considering all your options. If you do not know what the Pass/Fail option is, you can read here to find out, but if you do and you are just not sure whether it is the right decision — keep on reading!
7 Reasons You Should Go Thrifting
By: Karla Leung ‘22
If you’re a broke college student who wants to shop, thrift stores are the way to go. Not only can you find super cool items, but you can save both money and the environment.
Apply to be a RA! FAQs
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
What is a RA? It stands for Resident Assistant and we’re the people planning your community meetings and giving out free food at your residence halls across USC. The application to apply for the RA position for the 2020-2021 school year is now open and can be found at Erezlife. Keep reading to learn more about the position and application process!
Preparing Your Body + Mind for Winter: Finals, Seasonal Depression and Family
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
Winter is tough. Get ready and stay ready. Yes, Winter is the season to spend time with family over the holidays, drink hot chocolate, and take cute pictures in your coziest gear, but the colder months can bring about challenges for many of us. Seasonal depression, finals-induced stress, family drama, and terrible skin are just a few of the perils that may affect us, college students.