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.
Anya Ball: Now Rising
By: Amy Argueta ‘25 (USC Student Life Guest Blogger)
Anya Ball is the next rising DJ you need to check out. After feeling uninspired and unmotivated during her first semester in college, Ball turned to DJing as a new creative outlet. Just eight months after buying her first mixer, she already has 25 venues nation-wide under her belt, and a whole lot of future to look forward to.
Watch Recommendations from a Film Major!
By: Nancy Aguilar Sanchez ‘22
I tend to be more drawn to films that are character driven, but this one is more thematically driven and does it well. It touches on themes of mental health, fame, and consumer culture. It’s an exploration and scrutiny of audience consumption, so as a viewer, you find yourself questioning why you’re watching this film and the ethics behind what you consume.
Five Easy Dinner Recipes for a Busy College Student
By: Nancy Aguilar Sanchez ‘22
I find that when I’m caught up in my responsibilities, I often neglect my body by eating ramen or frozen foods. Here are some of my favorite stress free recipes perfect for the busy school year, from vodka sauce pasta and broccoli to butter chicken and rice.
The Latinx Artists, Shows, and Films I Recommend for the Perfect End to Hispanic Heritage Month
By: Nancy Aguilar Sanchez ’22
As a Mexican-American student at USC, here are some of my favorite Latinx artists and media for you to explore in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month:
How To Mentally Prepare For Another Online Semester
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
Okay, time to buckle up for another online semester. Maybe you’re excited to start back up again or maybe you’re a bit hesitant. Either way, it’s completely fine! You’ve gotten through it once, so there’s no reason you can’t get through it again! Whether it usually takes you a few days to get acclimated or you’re looking to hop back into it full swing right away, perhaps some of these tips will be helpful for you!
Why You Should Check Out Trojan Talent
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
Short answer? To watch some films, listen to music, and check out art. Long answer? It’s a celebration of amazing student work: visual and auditory, scientific and creative — and it deserves more attention! I was pretty shocked when I checked out Trojan Talent for the first time for the sheer fact that there was just so much stuff! To top it off, everything on the site is phenomenal! This platform is a great way to explore the creations of your fellow students and honestly just keep yourself entertained. There’s too much content to tackle it all in one, or even two or three sittings — but even if it’s just a single short film or song, you should definitely check it out! After exploring all that Trojan Talent has to offer, you may even want to submit something yourself!
10 Clubs Anyone Can Still Join Virtually
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
Just because we’re online, doesn’t mean we can’t connect — especially in terms of clubs and other activities. The online semester did throw a wrench in things, but a lot of organizations still managed to make it work! Regardless of your major or minor, these are activities that anyone can participate in!
Making and Ranking Homemade Masks
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
Whether or not you’re completely sold on the effectiveness of fabric masks, in many places they are now required whenever going out in public. Right now, masks aren’t the easiest thing to get a hold of, but there’s always another option: Make your own! There are all sorts of tutorials, ranging from ten minutes to sixty, and with all different sorts of styles. All things considered, I thought it would be a good idea to try out some of the most popular designs for myself. The easiest weren’t always the best and the hardest weren’t always the most efficient, but there certainly is one for everyone, regardless of skill.
Activities To Do w/ Friends Via Zoom
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
As the semester brings itself to an end and some of us still find ourselves distanced from our friends and family, now more than ever, it’s important to get a little creative in the ways we keep in touch. Zoom can be used for a lot more than just classes, and although it may be tempting to just throw it away the first chance you get, it has a lot of other applications. Specifically, ones that could be used to keep in touch with friends! Curious as to what else you could be doing across your camera screen besides dozing off in lectures? Read below!
Surviving Self-Quarantine With Toxic Roommates/Housemates
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
Okay, so, self-quarantine/social distancing can be difficult for a lot of reasons — boredom, fear, loneliness — but can especially difficult if you are cooped up with the wrong sort people. You know, the kind that play loud music in the middle of the night, don’t clean up after themselves, and try to get under your skin at every turn. Trust me, I get it. The first step should always be to talk about it, to see if there’s any sort of resolution that could be reached. Suggest solutions, use “I” statements, and be direct. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t — but if it’s the latter, that doesn’t mean it’s completely hopeless. Even if the person you’re rooming with is a stubborn as a brick, you can still retain some semblance of control over yourself and your sanity, despite who may be around you.
COVID-19: Rumor VS Fact
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
We’re living in some pretty weird times — not only as a school, but also as human beings in the midst of a global phenomenon. A lot of things are different and that’s kind of scary, but I think now more than ever, holding on to facts (or the closest things we know to be fact) is key to getting through this.
Artists to Watch for & Listen to in 2019
By: Natalie Oganesyan ‘22
Music makes the world go round. For when you’re stressed and just want to relax, for when you’re sad and just want to simp, or for when you want to work out and get motivated — music helps with it all. It’s universal and inspiring. I have compiled a list of artists for every occasion — from parties to study sessions — and ones you should be on the lookout for 2019.
A Guide on Throwing the Best Graduation Party Ever
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
First things first, choose a theme that suits your preferred style. Whether it’s a black and white affair or a beach bash extravaganza. This first step will allow you to funnel your options for the following steps.
Sports 360: Lacrosse
By: Kelly Kinas ‘16
I’ll level with you all. I have never played lacrosse. I know it’s the one shortcoming of my sports education. But just because I have not played it does not mean I cannot enjoy it. And I do enjoy it and YOU SHOULD TOO. USC’s women’s lacrosse team is absolutely KILLING IT this season, so to get you all ready to support them at their next game, I’m here to break down the game of lacrosse for you.
Festival of Books 2k16: To Live and Thrive
By: Kelly Kinas ‘16
While the weather was not the best this past weekend, the Festival of Books was a major success, at least from where I’m standing. At that point, I was walking around campus without an umbrella with a light shower making me slightly damp. There were families, school groups, couples, the old, the young, and everyone in between. It is so special that the University of Southern California gets to host such an important event. Even better, all of the students for USC get to experience this festival and listen in on the amazing talks happening throughout our campus.
6 Disney Movies to Get You Through the Last Month of School
By: Kelly Kinas ‘16
I know what you’re thinking. Disney movies are for kids! The character’s struggles can’t be related to my personal struggles! Lucky for you all, you have me, a creative thinking, Disneyland annual pass holding, USC student who can come up with connections when you can’t.
Spring Break Diaries
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
There is something undeniably bittersweet about the conclusion of spring break. Nonetheless, the memories and experiences that resulted will last forever. From backpacking in Hawai’i to road trips along the west coast here is a look into how different USC students spent their spring break.