By: Sanaa Alam ‘25

Are you an aspiring Trojan and confused how to navigate the USC supplemental questions? Here are some brainstorming tips that helped me show many different sides of myself in my application:

By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25

Four ignored alarms later, I finally roll off my foam-topped mattress, brush my teeth, and apply skincare and make-up all by 8 am I throw my homework, laptop, charger, sketchbook, pens, keys, water bottle, AirPods, and a Clif Bar into my tote bag. The past two semesters, I’ve had the unique experience of taking classes in four of USC’s schools–dabbling in Annenberg, Roski, Thornton, and the School of Cinematic Arts. It’s extremely fulfilling being a “Renaissance Woman” of sorts–educating myself in different fields of study and striving to enhance creativity through several outlets.

By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25

As the semester ends and you’re cramming a semester’s worth of information into Quizlet flashcards, food can start to feel irrelevant (here’s your reminder to nourish yourself and get your meal swipe’s worth while you still can!). Whether you have 30 unused swipes or have an unlimited plan, here’s a quick guide to USC’s campus dining halls.

By: Lauren Liang ‘23

Before I came to USC as a Cognitive Science major, I spent the entirety of my high school career at a performing arts school. Although I genuinely enjoy my major, it’s a totally different wheelhouse from the joy I feel when I’m breaking down a script, singing my heart out, or creatively collaborating with friends. If you’re in a similar position, here are some of the ways you can get involved as an artist!

By: Lauren Liang ‘23

It’s that time of the semester again (or is it always that time of the semester?): exam season is upon us. While it might be tempting to just wing it, you can better prepare yourself with these studying tips.

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

Meeting new people can also be as easy as running into classmates in the elevator or around campus or making plans to study together for upcoming tests. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone by participating in fun activities because you never know where you will meet your next friend!

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

Sometimes I only have half an hour to catch up with family and friends, but recently, I’ve recognized how much better I feel when I take time to do things unrelated to work or school. Here’s some inspiration for hobbies and activities that will help your well-being during this hectic season.

By: Joshen Mantai ‘24 (USC Student Life Guest Blogger)

When I first got to USC as a graduate student at Annenberg, I didn’t know what to expect for my experience, especially at a university in the middle of such a big city. Would it be like my undergraduate experience at UC Santa Barbara, or did I have to prepare myself for a whole new environment with a separate identity? So, for any incoming or current graduate students, I’m sharing what I’ve learned through my first semester experience so far.

By: Kristen Adams ‘25

Hopped off the plane at LAX with a dream and my cardigan! After living on the East Coast for 19 years of my life, here’s what I’ve learned from attending college in Los Angeles, almost 3,000 miles away from home.

By: Hannah Skinner ‘23

Studying abroad will already be one of the most enriching experiences you have as a student, but there are ways to add even more value. Looking back at my experience at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, I felt like I adequately prepared myself to go abroad, but there was still plenty I learned along the way. Here’s some tips I implemented that helped me make the most of my time in South Korea.

By: Nancy Aguilar Sanchez ‘22

Once you finally have the time between classes, exams, and homework to go explore LA, it’s often hard to find activities that are free or affordable. Here’s some inspiration for the next time you want to go out without blowing your budget!

By: Nancy Aguilar-Sanchez ‘22

I’ve lived at The Lorenzo for two years now and can say with certainty that everyone’s experience and the value they get out of it is different. Most freshmen and sophomores live on campus because housing is guaranteed but once you reach junior year, it’s a lot less likely that you’ll get on-campus housing; lots of students find themselves living at The Lorenzo.