Things To Do At USC: January 2024
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.
History and Hidden Stories of USC: A Glimpse into the History of Mudd Hall
As students, it's easy to walk past the historic buildings that have been on campus for over a century without noticing them. USC, founded way back in 1880, has a deep history hidden within its grounds. We often forget to be curious about the people, events, and changes that have shaped our campus; yet, there is so much left to uncover.
10 Last Minute Halloween Costumes
It’s that time of year we’re trudging up the hill of projects disguised as midterms and trying to maintain that treasured “work-life balance.” The last thing on your mind is what three Halloweekend costumes you’ll need to scrounge together with accessories that may or may not come in time. So, here are some last-minute costumes that you can put together with clothes in your closet.
Musicians You (Maybe) Didn’t Know Are USC Alums
One of my favorite music-discovery easter eggs is finding out an artist whose work I love is a USC alum. Here are some of my favorites, straight from my playlist.
Not Sure What to Do This Weekend? Here’s Your Perfect LA Weekend Itinerary
It’s the beginning of the middle of the semester where you’re caught in the cycle of counting down to Fridays only for Monday to curb stomp you two days later. If you find yourself living in your textbooks or simply needing more local getaway inspiration for relaxation, here’s your guide to a fun day in LA.
Everything You Missed at Annenberg’s First Ever Kind Festival
On Thursday, September 14, Annenberg held its first ever Kind Fest. The event was dedicated to promoting mental health initiatives on campus and at Annenberg. The festival’s aim was to get students to be intentionally kind, not only to their peers, but to themselves.
Slice Shop @ TCC Pizzas Ranked from Worst to Best
I was somewhat surprised when TCC began selling pizza slices this school year. I understand the pasta place next to it, but when college students already get so much free pizza from club events and campus talks, pizza that costs money better be worth it. I tried all of Slice Shop’s Pizzas and ranked them from worst to best. Here’s my take:
Filone’s Pasta Kitchen @ TCC Dishes Ranked from Worst to Best
By: Ngai Yeung ‘23
There are only so many options when it comes to on-campus dining, so it’s always exciting to see a new place pop up. A few months after Filone’s Pasta Kitchen opened, I went down to the TCC and ranked each dish from worst to best. Here’s my take on what to order (and what to avoid).
Come With Me to Hecho in LA
By: Amy Argueta ‘24 (USC Student Life Guest Blogger)
This past Saturday the USC Latine Student Assembly organized Hecho in LA, an event meant to celebrate Latine culture through food, music, and artists. In McCarthy Quad, various Latine owned student and non-student vendors sold art, clothes, jewelry, and more. Various stalls also sold food from all over Latin America from Mexico to Peru to El Salvador.
Attending APASA’s “A Conversation with Stephanie Hsu”
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
For those of you who missed it, the legendary Stephanie Hsu came to campus on April 5th. During the presentation, she shared her personal story of navigating the acting industry from theater to commercials to Everything Everywhere All At Once. In light of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, the topics of the conversation included navigating the film industry as an Asian American, creative expression through characters like Joy in Everything Everywhere All at Once, and, moving forward, the expansion of storytelling in cinema to be more inclusive and genuine.
Pizza, Please Brings a New Affordable Spot to the Village
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
Like all restaurants at the Village, Pizza, Please is counter service, and ordering was easy and efficient. With six kinds of pizza (though they are customizable into more options), a few types of wings, and a couple sandwiches, the menu isn’t so extensive you’ll be overwhelmed. Given that pizza is a notorious college student staple, it’s about time the Village locked in a permanent pizza stop open for late night runs until 11 p.m.
South Asian Coming of Age Movies you should add to your Netflix Watch List!
By: Tamanna Sood ‘24
Have you been craving something new to watch lately? Is your current watch list going a little stale? Well fear not! As your resident Bollywood Movie expert (take this with a grain of salt), I’m here to help diversify your watch list. Here are some incredible Bollywood “coming of age” movies on Netflix to offer both a sense of comfort and entertainment!
What’s In My Backpack?
By: Ela Rybak ‘25
I’ve had a few different bags during my college career, but my current black Coach tote is my absolute favorite! It is the perfect size to fit all of my supplies, and I often use it for non-school-related adventures as well. I have noticed that having a tote instead of a backpack makes things more easily accessible while on the go. Ultimately, I feel like my tote fits me and my life perfectly!
List of Discounts and Free Subscriptions for USC Students
By: Amy Argueta ‘24 (USC Student Life Guest Blogger)
One of the perks of being a USC student is the wealth of discounts available to many of your favorite brands. From free streaming subscriptions to discounted or even free entrance to theme parks and museums around LA, there are many ways to save money during your time at USC.
Overnight Oats: The Perfect College Breakfast
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
I’m a big fan of overnight oats. They’re nutritious, cheap, convenient, and yummy which keeps them at the top of my favorite breakfasts list. As long as you have a few ingredients in your kitchen, the endless flavor combinations will never bore you. If you don’t know how to make them, I’m here to help. Now you’ll never have an excuse to skip breakfast!
It's PSL Season! Ranking Starbucks' Fall Limited Menu Items
By: Hannah Skinner’23
The time of Pumpkin Spice is upon us—this fall season, I took it upon myself to try the Starbucks’ limited edition fall-inspired menu. [This] is my ranking of the Starbucks fall menu items from the ones you can skip to the ones absolutely can’t miss!
The Best Food in L.A. (On a Budget)
By: Sian Salazar ‘25 (Guest Blogger)
As a current college student who’s already (more than) breaking the bank just by attending USC, I know the importance of keeping your spending under a budget. So I’ve put together a quick list of places in Los Angeles with cheap, student-budget-friendly food.
Next on Netflix: Why You Should Watch Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
This year, Jonathan Van Ness launched his own Netflix series after finding success on the wildly popular Queer Eye revival.
5 Books To Keep Reading Through The Spring Semester
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
The start of the new semester always means a major loss of reading momentum for me. I read 15 or so books over the three weeks of holiday break, but I’ll be lucky to read 15 over the course of the entire semester. I maybe get to five. We all have to do so much reading for classes that it’s easy to let the joy of reading evaporate. I’ve compiled a list of 5 books that range from romance to general fiction to essays to YA and nonfiction to hopefully inspire you to keep reading for fun even as the semester gets busy.
A Day in the Life of Trojans 360!
By: Trojans 360 Staff
Special thanks to all those who contributed: Sophia Pei, Jordan Bucknor, Celine Vazquez, Sydney Henry, Star McCown!