My Tips and Tricks for Disneyland in Anaheim, CA
Disneyland in Anaheim is a magical experience, but with so much to see and do, it can also be overwhelming. As someone who grew up with a Disneyland annual pass, I've picked up a few strategies for making the most of your day at the park. Here are my top tips and tricks for having an efficient and enjoyable day at Disneyland.
LA Activities to Enjoy Before Summer Break:
For seniors, graduation is just around the corner, and for everyone else, summer break is fast approaching! That means it’s time to wrap up the school year on a high note while also enjoying all the exciting activities LA and USC have to offer.
Where to Find the Best Sunset Views in LA
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, catching a sunset in LA is a must. Here are some of the best spots to take in the magic of golden hour.
Underrated Day Trips From LA Every College Student Should Take
Los Angeles has no shortage of things to do, but sometimes a break from the city is exactly what you need. While places like Disneyland and Santa Barbara get all the attention, there are plenty of underrated day trips that offer adventure, relaxation, and a change of scenery, all within a reasonable drive from USC.
Scholarships You Should Apply to if You’re from SoCal
You often hear that there’s millions of scholarships available for college students. But most of these scholarships can have extremely niche criteria that you don’t feel like applies to you, or feel like a shot in the dark. As someone who’s successfully landed thousands in scholarships, in my experience, the more narrow the criteria to apply to a scholarship, the more likely you are to get that scholarship. And surprise, surprise, there can be one piece of criteria that already benefits a large percentage of USC students.
Latinx/e Heritage Month: USC Resources and Events Around LA
Latinx/e Heritage Month, observed between September 15 and October 15, is a time to commemorate the rich history, vibrant culture, and significant contributions of the Latinx/e and Hispanic communities in the United States.
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!
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.
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.
A trip to the Mt. Wilson Observatory with Thematic Option
By: Ngai Yeung ‘23
Like many people, I’ve never been to an observatory before, nor did I have any plans to do so. But when I saw the Thematic Option honors program’s latest field trip to Mount Wilson Observatory in the San Gabriel Mountains, I suddenly had a new bucket list item to cross off.
What I Learned From My Freshman Year
By: Claire Wong ‘23
Being admitted into my *dream school* was unbelievable and I was ecstatic to be living in Los Angeles at the best Film School in the country. Unfortunately COVID-19 ended it surprisingly early, but my freshman year met so many different expectations and helped me grow as an individual in ways I never anticipated. Here are just a few of the main takeaways I learned from my freshman year at USC!
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.
6 Valentine’s Date Ideas in Los Angeles
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
1. Perch: Enjoy a beautiful view of Los Angeles with fine French gourmet dining at the Perch. Their menu offers a variety of dishes like “Filet Mignon au Poivre” and “Steak-Frites.” They also have a variety of wines and hand-crafted cocktails.
5 Must Try Brunch Spots in LA
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
1. République: located in Hancock Park, this French Cafe, bar, and bistro is absolute goals! The communal tables and natural lighting make for a welcoming atmosphere. My favorite choice for brunch is the Belgian waffle served with fresh berries and maple syrup. Also, don’t forget to try the freshly squeezed orange juice…
Hikes In LA That You Must Try Right Now
By: Lauren Brose ‘15
Hikes are a great way of toning your body (a natural lift for your backside, ladies!), getting your suggested 30 minutes of cardio in, as well as simply venturing outside the concrete confines of USC and downtown. The best part: you get to chat to your friends throughout the entire trail and be close to nature. One of my biggest accomplishments was hiking the tallest mountain in South Lake Tahoe called Mt. Tallac. It took me nearly the entire day and I was gasping for oxygen as I literally crawled the last quarter mile. In my defense, oxygen was becoming sparse considering the increased elevation and change in altitude but I felt the greatest surge of endorphins imaginable when I finally reached the top. Never had a PB&J tasted so heavenly. Maybe you’re not about that 12.5 mile hike. Instead, I outlined a handful of hikes around Los Angeles that range from less than two miles to up to seven miles.
Getting Off Campus: Automobile Edition
By: Kelly Kinas ‘17
This second part of the “Getting Off Campus” series is for those who are lucky enough to have a car, money for insurance and gas, and enough time to travel around. Not only can you go shopping somewhere other than the pop-up places on Trousdale, you are also pretty popular with your friends if they ever need a ride to the airport.
Getting Off Campus - No Car Edition
By: Kelly Kinas ‘17
USC is amazing but at some points during the year, I need to get away. Living on campus can sometimes be overwhelming. Luckily, we live in one of the most diverse cities in the world and there are many things to do within a few miles of campus. So get out and explore!