The Best Bagel in LA
Did you know the average bagel has a history as rich as its flavor? Originating in 17th-century Poland, bagels have traveled the world to become a breakfast (and anytime) staple, especially here in LA, where creativity and quality shine. If you’re craving a bagel that’s perfectly chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, look no further. This roundup features some of the best bagel spots I’ve discovered in Los Angeles, each offering something unique.
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.
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.
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.
USC Student Voting 101
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
It’s Midterm Season! Well, not those kinds of midterms…either ways, we all know the power of voting, so if you need a refresher on the process or are a first-time voter, here’s what you need to know to register and vote in the 2022 elections:
Things To Do in L.A. Before Summer Break
By: Sian Salazar ‘25 (Guest Blogger)
It’s kind of shocking to me that we only have 3 weeks left in the school year. This semester flew by so incredibly fast. Since we’re running out of time, I’ve put together a little guide on how to spend our last couple of weeks here at USC before we have to say goodbye (just for the summer, though!).
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.
The Best Gluten Free Treats You Can Find at the Grocery Store
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
When I was around 14 years old, I found out that I had a pretty severe gluten sensitivity. As a kid who lived off pasta, bread, and cheese in different variations for most of the years leading up to this moment, I was pretty upset to hear I’d never get to eat many of my favorite foods again.
Donut Friend is Dessert Heaven in DTLA
By: Lanie Brice ‘22
Over the weekend, I took a field trip over to Downtown LA to explore a new part of the city and stumbled upon the cutest donut shop. On my way back from visiting The Last Bookstore, I looked up and saw a sign for a bakery called Donut Friend.
Big New Movies to Watch This Year
By: Claire Wong ‘23
COVID-19 has been an interesting period for movies. Movies have been digitally released this year because theaters across the nation are closed. And without the theater experience, watching movie is not as appealing. Movies have been very much marketing their films differently this season and you may have missed some. Here are some of the best movies released this year!
Power to the People: A Playlist with Voter Resources
By: Celine Vazquez ‘24
The 2020 election is undeniably the most important election in American history. Because of its importance, it’s imperative that we empower people to vote! I made this election playlist that you can jam out to when filling out your ballot at home, or waiting in line at the polls. Along with each song are important voting resources you can use this election! Let’s get voting, USC!
“Wait, was that USC?”: Movies & TV Shows Filmed on USC Campus
By: Karla Leung ‘22
If you watch enough television and see enough movies, it’s likely that you’ve seen a scene filmed on USC’s campus without even knowing it. Here are a few of the most notable films and TV series filmed on campus!
Why Scooters are the Best Way to Get Around USC
By: Antonia Le ‘22
I never thought I’d be kind of person to ride around USC on a scooter. In fact, during my first semester at USC, I walked to every class. I was a transportation purist, intent on achieving my daily 10,000 steps. Everything changed when I registered for classes for the spring semester. Against my best intentions, I found myself having a class in Taper Hall ten minutes after my class in Kaprielian Hall ended. According to Google Maps, it takes 11-13 minutes to make the trek, and that’s without anything going wrong. How was I supposed to get from KAP to THH in ten minutes? So, not wanting to be late for class every day, I decided to get a scooter. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming to USC. In fact, I believe that scooters are the best way to get around campus.
Explore LA: Smorgasburg
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
Every Sunday there is a food festival with hundreds of vendors hosted in Downtown LA and New York City. Smorgasburg in LA is hosted from 10AM to 4PM at 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021. This is the perfect place for open-minded people willing to try LA’s signature food fusions as well as a great place to just browse the latest food trends and enjoy aesthetic lifestyle stands (after all, admissions is free!). This Sunday, some friends and I decided to explore. Here are some highlights and breakdown on the biggest open-air food market in America.
Oh, Y’all Different Different: USC vs. Howard As An Exchange Student
By: Alexandria Frank ‘21
As a more formal introduction, my name’s Alexandria Frank and I’m an exchange student at USC from Howard University by way of Corona, CA. I’m born and raised in California but as far as my college experience goes, it’s been East Coast and it’s been Black. That’s because Howard is a historically-Black college/university (HBCU) located in Washington D.C. In other words, it’s very different from USC.
5 Second Hand Clothing Shops to Check out Near Campus
By: Awo Jama ‘22
As a first year college student living away from home for the first time, learning how to manage my money has proven to be one of the most difficult adjustments I’ve had to undergo. In order to have more funds available to me for Ubering, getting coffee, doing my laundry (yes, USC makes you pay for your laundry), stocking up on snacks, replenishing my toiletries, and going out with friends, I’ve had to greatly reduce the amount of money I spend on clothes. As a fashion enthusiast, this trade-off hasn’t been easy, and has led to a few impulsive H&M orders. However, after exploring some local second hand clothing stores and gradually incorporating the clothes I’ve found into my wardrobe, I’ve realized that you don’t have to compromise style for affordability when shopping for clothes. Below I’ve listed the best second hand shops I’ve been to near campus, so if you’re on a budget but needing to revamp your wardrobe, keep reading!
Sin Censura Exhibit: An Experience Close To Home
By: Cameryn Baker ‘22
A limited-time addition to an exhibit at the Natural History Museum in LA is “close to home” in two ways: One, it is quite literally five minutes from the USC campus, so you can walk over and see it whenever you want. Two, the exhibit is completely dedicated to remembering the history of Los Angeles, the home city of our school!
College Road Trip: First of Many
By: Cameryn Baker ‘22
College road trips have always been something that I thought you did as an upperclassman in college; once you’ve found your tight-knit group of friends and feel like you’re ready to take on this rite of passage. I definitely was not expecting to throw pillows, sleeping bags, and USC gear into my car and embark on my first road trip only three weeks into school.
What to Do if You’re Spending Spring Break in LA
By: Alexis M Peters ‘20
So, home is too far away to justify buying a plane ticket back for only a week (or you just really don’t want to spend your break hanging out with your little brother), or your friends are all going on fun trips out of town that for whatever reason didn’t work out for you. You’re spending spring break in LA, and you have no idea what to do with your time that doesn’t include banging your head against the wall from absolute boredom. Trust me, I get it. But there are loads of fun things you can do if you’re staying in town during spring break. As USC students, we’re a little desensitized to the glamour and glory of Los Angeles. City of Angels? Yeah, yeah. Been there, studied there. But remember, LA is actually a spring break destination for other students across the country. So, if you’re thinking there’s nothing to do: think again…
I Went to a Dance Party at 6 AM and This is What Happened
By: Alexis M Peters ‘20
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is no. I didn’t stay out too late, and I wasn’t being an irresponsible college student. I was living it up on the dance floor at 7 AM on a Wednesday for the good of my health. The fact of the matter is: I hate exercise. I hate going to the gym. I hate running. I hate movement just for the sake of movement. You will never find me doing squats at the gym. You will never find me on an elliptical or a treadmill. And if you do, check up on me to make sure I’m alright.