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?
GE Review: PHIL 254 Science, Knowledge and Objectivity
By: Kelsey Cheng ‘25
This class shreds what you think you know about the scientific world and then builds it back up again. It opened my eyes to questions I never even thought to wonder, and then it gave me the framework for answering them for myself.
Hidden Gem Classes to Take at USC
By: Kristen Adams ‘25
Looking for a fun elective to take next semester? Interested in taking a course that is outside your comfort zone? As a USC tour guide and student ambassador, I’m excited to introduce to you a wide variety of classes that will spice up your time here at USC.
A Semi-Comprehensive List of Creative Clubs on Campus
By: Lauren Liang ‘23
Following up on my article, Getting Involved in the Arts as a Non-Arts Major, this is a semi-comprehensive list of creative clubs on campus, organized by discipline.
The Off-Campus Housing Hunt and Avoiding Scams
By: Lauren Liang ‘23
The off-campus housing hunt is possibly one of the most stressful aspects of college life outside of academics. Whether you’re a transfer or a rising junior with no guaranteed housing, this article will (hopefully) help you get a better sense of where to look for off-campus housing and avoid scams while doing so.
A brief review of USC’s free vegan meals
By: Ngai Yeung ‘23
Every Tuesday from 12-1pm, USC students can grab a vegan meal from the pop-up Jubilee Vegan Cafe at the University Religious Center. I’m lucky enough to not have class during that time slot, and being a huge fan of free food, I’m there pretty much every Tuesday. Here’s my review of some of the fascinating meals they’ve served throughout this semester.
Setting Boundaries: Saying "No"
By: Sydney Fiorentino ‘24
I struggled with this, especially with friendships. I’m more of a selfless type of person, and last semester, every time I was invited to someone’s house or to go out to a party, I would say yes. In my head, this was my chance to make friends and have an exciting college experience, but internally, I felt socially exhausted and just wanted to stay home sometimes.
Seoul: A Study Abroad Diary
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
It’s the little details about daily life in Seoul that I liked the most. I miss the street food vendors and their warm snacks during the winter. I miss the long escalators down into the clean subway stations. I miss the charming streets lined with cafes, skincare stores, and cozy restaurants. To me, every street was charming. But I think when you are living in a world so far away from what you’ve grown up with, you’re more likely to see the beauty in simple things.
3 Tips to Strengthen Your Application to USC
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:
Day in the Life as a Public Relations Major (with Communication Design and Music Industry Minors)
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.
Have half of your meal swipes and dining dollars left? Here’s A Guide to Campus Dining Halls
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.
Getting Involved in the Arts as a Non-Arts Major
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!
How to Avoid Seasonal Depression as a College Student
By: Ani Antonyan ‘24
The colder, shorter days exacerbate seasonal sadness, [but] while it might seem unavoidable as you feel the darkness of campus close in around you , there are ways to help yourself. If you’re feeling extra tired, unmotivated, and sad as the winter progresses, you’re not alone—here are some tips on how we can combat seasonal depression.