By: Sydney Henry ‘24

All the freshmen, including me, are rejoicing at the fact that this first semester is almost over and a long break is soon to come. But the journey isn’t yet over and we still have a long way to go. There are definitely many moments where I had full on breakdowns and wanted to give up so bad. Between the all-nighters, the lack of social interaction with others, and the frustration at myself for not being able to find the motivation to do anything, I was still able to reflect on this first semester. That reflection has prompted me to share what helped and hurt me academically, so your first or next semester could go much smoother than mine.

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

It’s that time of year: college applications. SATs and ACTs may be canceled by the Common App essays are not. Keep reading for my college essay and my reflections on it, the college application process and time at USC.

By: Dara Udobong ‘23

There’s nothing quite like spending money that didn’t need to be spent, is there? Or being so proud of a purchase, only to find out it retails at a cheaper price in another location. When you’re in a new city, town or off to college (omg) things like this are bound to happen. Navigating a new place is hard enough without being stressed about money management or how much you don’t have. Thankfully, USC has loads of resources just for college kids to help you spend less—because I mean, who doesn’t like free stuff?

By: Celine Vazquez ‘24

College comes with tons of responsibilities, and finding easy breakfast recipes shouldn’t be another thing you have to add onto your plate. Luckily, this go-to guide with some of my favorite breakfast ideas has got your back! Stop skipping the most important meal of the day and try these 4 cheap and fool-proof recipes. Let’s get eating!

By: Nathan Vogel ‘21

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been stressed. And I stress a lot, but this semester has hit harder than I’m used to, and I think that’s been the case for a lot of us. So, I reached out to Dr. Dave Lavond and Dr. Ruth C. White (who have been USC profs! #fighton) for some tips. For all of us stressed Trojans.

By: Sydney Henry ‘24

So you’ve finally paid your $300 dollar deposit to confirm your enrollment at USC and announced your decision by posting on Instagram on Decision Day, but what now? You check the different USC decision day hashtags and see several people post that they got into USC and decided to attend for the next 4 years. You want to reach out to them, but you don’t know exactly how. That’s where I step in and give you some different way to become friends with these people, whether you’re completely online or on campus.

By: Celine Vazquez ‘24

The 2020 election is undeniably the most important election in American history. Because of its importance, it’s imperative that we empower people to vote! I made this election playlist that you can jam out to when filling out your ballot at home, or waiting in line at the polls. Along with each song are important voting resources you can use this election! Let’s get voting, USC!

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

This probably isn’t the best year to go about celebrating Halloween like the years of past, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get the holiday spirit! Whether you have younger siblings or are holed up with roommates somewhere, you can have just as much fun indoors as you can anywhere else!

By: Claire Wong ‘23

As an incoming freshman, I was a big fan of Trojans360! I loved reading about different students’ campus experiences and used it as a tool as I prepared to move-in to my first college dorm! Recently, I found out that Trojans360 PAYS its writers to talk about their different experiences. I of course applied and was hired just last spring and have absolutely loved my time here. This is what it is like to work for Trojans360!

By: Justin Negash ‘22

It’s 2008, and I’m eating my injera with chickpeas as fast as I can; scarfing down my dinner so that I’m seated and ready for 7:00. I’m ahead of schedule as the medley of infomercials and local plumbing advertisements bombard my television screen. I needed this; after a long day at school, I yearned to enter the world of Bel-Air and its certified ruler: the Fresh Prince. I’m counting the seconds until 7:00 hits as my family finally gets seated on the living room couch (ableit to much less enthusiasm than myself). 7:00 hits, and the fruits of my labor finally get realized. Finally, the Prince has arrived.

By: Claire Wong ‘23

With COVID-19, it is extremely difficult to get on-campus housing and many students have opted to live off-campus. There are so many off-campus housing options but what are the differences? After a few interviews and some research, here is a guide to the most popular off-campus apartment complexes around USC!

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

Short answer? To watch some films, listen to music, and check out art. Long answer? It’s a celebration of amazing student work: visual and auditory, scientific and creative — and it deserves more attention! I was pretty shocked when I checked out Trojan Talent for the first time for the sheer fact that there was just so much stuff! To top it off, everything on the site is phenomenal! This platform is a great way to explore the creations of your fellow students and honestly just keep yourself entertained. There’s too much content to tackle it all in one, or even two or three sittings — but even if it’s just a single short film or song, you should definitely check it out! After exploring all that Trojan Talent has to offer, you may even want to submit something yourself!