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?
Just Take The Class
Have you ever come across an interesting class during registration but felt unsure if you wanted to take it? USC has a wide array of electives to choose from, and many of them have attention-grabbing names. But, sometimes, there’s a little voice in the back of my head that gives me doubts on whether or not I should take that class. We’ve all been here before, but I’m here to tell you that you should always give the class a try.
Why I’m Minoring in Cinematic Arts
When I first arrived at USC, I knew I wanted to have a minor, mainly because I thought it would be cool to have a longer title when people asked me what I studied. But I also wanted to be able to explore as much as I could during my time at USC. I just wasn’t quite sure what route I wanted to go down. I am a business major, which is broad and provides a wide variety of opportunities. Since I’m not exactly passionate about my main field of study, the option to branch out into a minor was exciting.
Introducing the USC Pharmacy Vending Machine in the Village
Putting anything in a vending machine instantly makes it more interesting, so the new gold vending machine sitting outside of Trader Joe’s up against the elevator bank immediately caught my eye. Actually a revival of a project started in 2019, the USC Pharmacy and USC Student Health have installed a “wellness-to-go” vending machine in the USC Village to give students 24/7 access to over the counter medication.
How I’m Preparing for the USC Career Fair
USC’s Career Center hosts several career fairs throughout the academic year for undergraduate students, graduate students, and even alumni. In February, the Career Center will host a “general career fair” which will feature nearly 100 employers hiring for internship, part-time, and full-time positions. The benefits of attending any of the Career Center’s fairs are vast; I’m most excited to meet face-to-face with recruiters, network with industry professionals, and learn about opportunities and companies I might not have discovered otherwise.
How to Pack for Your Study Abroad Semester: The Must Have Items
While finally figuring out your study abroad plans is exciting, there’s also a fair bit of stress as the idea becomes a reality. One of the most common causes of this stress is packing. Whether you’re studying abroad for one month or six months, it can be quite challenging to assess which items you’ll absolutely need and what’s a waste of precious suitcase space. Here are a few must-haves and tips to help you pack for your time studying in a new country.
All About the Marshall Transfer International Exchange (TIE) Program
Before coming to USC, I knew I wanted to travel abroad during college, whether that be a personal trip, a semester abroad, or an internship. About half way through the fall semester of sophomore year, my transfer advisor notified me of the TIE program. I was definitely hesitant at first and did not know what to expect, but I decided to attend the info session to see what it was all about.
In Defense of the 8AM Class
One age-old piece of college advice is that you should never under any circumstances enroll in an 8 AM class unless you want to hate your life for an entire semester. Even though I’ve always been an early riser, I’ve done my best to heed this warning. Throughout my college career, I’ve started no earlier than 10 to keep a safe distance from the dreaded 8 AM. It made sense. I liked my quiet, slow mornings even though I regularly woke up early enough to make it to a lecture at the crack of dawn.
New Year, New Me: Putting Myself Outside of My Comfort Zone
Now in my last semester at USC, I’ve learned college doesn’t end all at once. Instead, college ends in stages and phases. Because of this, each new semester and every new year is a chance to start fresh and reevaluate what you want to get out of your college experience. For me, this means approaching my last semester differently; my goal is to spend more time outside of my comfort zone.
4 Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet as a College Student
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.
Why I Decided to Drop my Minor in Digital Studies
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.
USC’s New Sustainability Hub: A Beacon of Environmental Innovation
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.
Budget-Friendly and Speedy Health Eats for Busy College Students
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.