Step in Line: A Beginner’s Journey into the World of Line Dancing
Many people have misconceptions about line dancing due to stereotypes, both negative and positive. Some examples include this idea that line dancing is all about doing repetitive moves to cheesy songs about heartbreak and drinking, being labeled as simple or outdated, and simply facing cultural criticism. The truth is that line dancing is much more complex than people think and actually challenges social norms in the sense that it represents community and jubilation.
Last Minute Halloween Costumes
With midterms, work, and life in general, sometimes we just don’t have the time to come with an elaborate Heidi-Klum-as-a-worm costume. Nor do we even want to spend the money. So here’s a few last minute halloween costume inspirations from someone who was Snoopy with just her hair wash headband (conveniently with dog ears)!
My First Time at a Revolving Sushi Restaurant: Kura Restaurant Review
One of my favorite things to do in LA is try new restaurants. One of the unique parts of this city is how it’s home to a diverse array of eateries. Recently, my friend Branden Mendez took me to Kura Revolving Sushi Bar for the first time.
Best Bookstores in Los Angeles
As an English major, the only thing I love more than reading books is buying them. Is there anything better than spending a quiet morning browsing around a bookstore, with an iced latte in hand, looking for your next read? There isn’t.
I’ve scoured far and wide—driving everywhere from Downtown to Hollywood to the beach—looking for the best bookstores in Los Angeles so you don’t have to. Below are just a few of my recommendations organized based on the experience you’re after. Visit each store one at a time or plan out your own bookstore crawl! Whether you’re a bookworm or not, each store is worth visiting to get a glimpse at a new area of LA.
LA Day Trips: Exploring Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches
When I’m looking for something to do over the weekend but have trouble deciding, a beach day is always in the cards. Recently, my friends and I were looking to go to the beach but had already been to Santa Monica multiple times before. Searching for somewhere new, we decided to take our first trip to Manhattan Beach.
10 New Pieces to Incorporate Into Your Wardrobe This Semester
If you’re anything like me, you use the start of a new semester as an excuse to freshen up your wardrobe. After hours scouring the internet, online window shopping, I have compiled a list of the 10 pieces you should incorporate into your wardrobe this semester. All the pieces are linked, but you can find similar items at other stores as well as at secondhand shops or on Depop. Now, without further ado, here are the 10 pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe this semester.
A Guide: Holiday Activities to Distract from Finals
Finals season is in full swing and winter break is almost here. As we wrap up our last weeks of the semester and prepare to go home for the holidays, it can be a stressful time. December is a time for giving, family fun, and making memories. When you find moments of downtime, use it to take a break and have some fun. Here’s a list of festivities to do with your friends, family, a partner, or by yourself.
Staying in LA for Thanksgiving? Here’s a Guide to Celebrating Away from Home
As the fall season is in full swing, temperatures are cooling down, and Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means there are many fun festivities to take part in. Fall is the season for pumpkin spice, football, and a reminder to be thankful for our loved ones. Bearing in mind everyone has different holiday experiences, I know it’s common for students to stay in LA during Thanksgiving, so here are a few potential events and places you can visit to incorporate some holiday goodness into your busy college life.
Hot Pot and KBBQ Places I Recommend
By: Kristen Adams ‘25
Looking for a new place to grab dinner with friends? Whether you are a seasoned hot pot lover or a Korean Barbecue (KBBQ) newbie, I have compiled a list of my favorite hot pot and KBBQ spots around LA and especially Koreatown that I frequent with my friends on the weekend. Bon appétit!
Reviewing Nearby Coffee Shops in LA to Work From
By: Ani Antonyan ‘24
Tired of studying at Leavey Library? Need a change of scenery and to get off campus? Exploring LA and trying nearby coffee shops is a great way to motivate yourself to get started on that project you’ve been dreading or devote yourself to a study session. So grab your laptop, your TAP card, and computer charger, and get ready to power through a few hours of studying and crunching assignments at these great nearby coffee shops!
How to Celebrate Unique National Holidays!
By: Ela Rybak ‘25
Living in the center of Los Angeles offers USC students many opportunities to celebrate unique holidays at cafes, bakeries, and amusement parks. Here are some obscure and unique holidays and ideas for how to celebrate them when you need a random reason to party.
Trying to Read More This Year? Get an E-Card from the LA Public Library (and your guide to Libby)!
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
In my humble opinion, one of the best parts of living in the US is access to public libraries, but unfortunately, most people aren’t familiar with all the things the library has to offer. While USC has plenty of incredible libraries, they’re more suited to research or a late night study session than finding the hottest new fiction release. If you made a resolution to read more for fun in 2023 like I did, don’t overlook the LA Public Library to save on books, get free movies, documentaries, magazines, music, and much more.
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.
Kiss me, I’m a Trojan! 5 cute affordable and easy date ideas to do around the USC area
By: Tamanna Sood ‘24
The honest and terrible truth is that finding the time to plan a cute date on a budget can be extremely stressful. Suddenly, you find yourself missing out on asking out your crush because you can’t figure out the perfect place to take them. Not on my watch! Here’s five simple, fun, and affordable dates in the USC area that you can take your partner out to!
The Best Gluten-Free Food Options Around LA
By: Ani Antonyan ‘24
Being gluten-free in LA should be easy. However, gluten-friendly options are still hard to come by—even in health-nut city. Whether you’re looking for a restaurant to dine out with your friends for a special occasion or for when you’re too tired to cook, use this guide instead of aimlessly scrolling through Postmates for hours.
A Taste of the Town
By: Dara Udobong ‘23
This Black History Month, USG’s External Affairs Committee and BSA teamed up to provide students with a taste of the local community via the first ever restaurant crawl featuring Black-owned businesses. Starting at USC and traversing the length of South Central LA, the restaurant crawl featured three restaurants that followed a three-course dinner menu perfectly curated for the eager (and hungry) college students who embarked upon this mission.
Planning the Perfect Disney Trip (with itinerary!)
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
Looking to plan a fun Disney day this semester but don’t know where to start? With frequent price changes and complicated ticket policies, it’s hard to keep up, but as a Southern Californian, I go a couple of times each year and have created the perfect itinerary to tackle Disney if you only have one day in the parks.
A Hidden LA Gem: The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
If you’re looking to go back in time through art, you’ll probably struggle to find inspiration outside of the Getty or the LACMA, known for its once Instagram trending installation. Luckily, there’s another hidden gem museum much closer to USC if you’re looking to immerse yourself in fine art, take a walk around a gorgeous pond area, or grab a bite to eat at the outdoor cafè that is the cherry on top of the Parisian vibes. It’s called the Norton Simon Museum, and it’s located just north of us in Pasadena.
EveryTable: Equality vs. Equity
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
Everytable provides fresh, nutritious food at equitable prices for Los Angeles neighborhoods. Their unique business model fixes prices for their meals at different prices based on the average household income of the community. For example, an EveryTable location in West LA may sell bowls for $8 while the South LA location may have the same bowls for $5 to promote equity and provide food at an affordable cost in LA’s food deserts. Keep reading to learn more!
Mothers Day Guide in LA
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
It’s tea time! Treat your special mama to a fine evening at the American Tea Room. Located in the arts district, this modern space is welcoming with it’s minimal yet sleek arrangements with plenty of natural sunlight.