Navigating your first few months in college is not an easy task. Take it from me – as a freshman, I struggled to stay motivated in classes and fully engage in university life (not to mention that my first year was 100% online). As an English major, it’s unsurprising that I turned to books for some solace. Whether it be self-help guides, literary classics, or new fiction, books have the power to inspire every era of your life. To guide you in the right direction and set the mood for your college experience, I’ve compiled a list of a few books I believe every first-year should read.

The thought of owning a pet during your college career has probably crossed your mind once or twice. Having a little, cuddly friend sitting on your lap while you're studying or having a pet to come home to after a long day of classes seems like the perfect way to beat the isolation of finals season. However, with the hustle and bustle of school and the never ending assignments, owning a pet can seem impossible.

In the new semester, you may be at a loss of how to reconnect with the USC community. You might have a general awareness that USC hosts events and activities for its students but not know where to find them. If you’re in this position and looking for events you can attend this January, I have compiled a list of notable cultural, political, and fun events you can attend for free on campus.

Last semester, I wrote an article titled “Why I Decided to Minor in Digital Studies.” Meet her older, slighter wiser sister article, “Why I Decided to Drop my Minor in Digital Studies.” I recommend reading the prior article before this one for extra context, but if you enjoy a good TLDR: I am a cognitive science major interested in working in product design. I declared a minor in Digital Studies because I thought it would include courses that would help develop skills for a career in product design, while also allowing me the benefits of being a SCA student.

Looking for a new read? Here’s a list of book recommendations perfectly tailored to your USC major.

USC’s new Sustainability Hub marks a significant stride in its commitment to the environment. This multi-use space is designed as a physical embodiment of USC’s “Assignment: Earth” initiative, aimed at cultivating an eco-friendly campus and planet.

While people often make lofty New Years resolutions that quickly fall by the wayside, there’s also more sustainable adjustments we can make to kickstart the new year. Here’s a guide to making quick, affordable, and healthy recipes to support your wellness year-round from the comfort of your dorm microwave or apartment kitchen.

The dreaded GE requirements: a set of classes in 8 different categories that every USC student must satisfy by graduation. Sometimes the GE requirement can be annoying because it takes up space in your schedule that you could use to take other classes. However, if you approach it with an open mind, GEs can help you learn about interesting topics you otherwise wouldn’t have explored and can be a much needed GPA boost. Some people are lucky enough to be exempt from some of the requirements if they took AP or IB classes in highschool, so check with your academic advisor before registering. As we enter a new semester I’ve compiled a list of some of the best GEs to take in each category. Hope this helps!

As December and Spotify Wraps start rolling out, people start talking about their New Year’s resolutions. Commonly, these resolutions focus on diets or exercise. Although these are both great resolutions, I have formulated a list of more college-related resolutions for the 2024 New Year if you’re looking to establish some better habits for the spring semester!

Here’s a roundup of my favorite courses I’ve taken at USC, as a (December) graduating cognitive science major.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to direct a film – especially a documentary? I’m here to tell you all about my experience taking CTPR 474: Documentary Production and the process of creating a 15-minute short documentary over the course of a semester.

Every semester, the USC School of Dramatic Arts puts on a variety of performances. During the first two weeks of November, they ran a production of Hit the Wall, which I was lucky enough to attend. The play follows multiple perspectives during the night of the Stonewall Uprising in the summer of 1969. Anthony Guerrise, a sophomore who played Newbie during the second week of performances, sat down with me to talk about his experience.