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!
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.
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!
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.
Creating an Easy and Affordable Skincare Routine For Busy College Students
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
While the beauty gurus 12-step super expensive routines still overwhelm me, I’ve slowly eased into researching the most essential steps to formulating a simple routine I can maintain even on the most chaotic college days. Here’s the steps I use in my morning and evening routine to offer some inspiration if you’re overwhelmed by the skincare world too.
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.
5 Classic Rom-Coms to Watch this Holiday Season!
By: Sanaa Alam ‘25
One of the best parts of the winter holidays is cuddling next to the fireplace with a warm cup of hot chocolate or cider, spending time with family and friends, and watching holiday movies! As an avid rom-com watcher, here’s my favorite 90s and early 2000s movies perfect for embracing the holiday vibes this winter season!
The Ultimate (Affordable) Holiday Gift Guide
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
With the holidays already upon us, you might be scrambling to think of last minute gifts for everyone on your list. This gift guide is focused on keeping gift giving affordable (everything is under $50) and heartfelt. Hopefully it will spark some inspiration to make your friends and family think you read their mind.
10 HBO Max and Showtime Movies to Watch during Winter Break
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
If you didn’t know already, USC students have free access to both HBO Max and Showtime! Now that winter break is coming up it’s the perfect time to flex your free accounts and have a movie night at home with friends and family. Here are 10 movies to add to your watchlist.
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.
HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls Returns for Season 2: Episode 1 and 2 Recap
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
While HBO often loves to play up shock value and larger than life plots in their popular shows, The Sex Lives of College Girls is a refreshingly down to earth, hilarious, sometimes ridiculous, honest portrayal of what it’s like to stumble through adulthood for the first time. Schedule a Thanksgiving/winter break binge session to catch up on this delightful show that’s now back for season 2.
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 To Bring (and What Not to Bring) to Your Freshman Dorm
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
It’s the summer before you move to the city of stars and into the 12ft by 12ft dorm of your dreams! Save your time and money with these do’s and don’ts for what to bring to your freshman dorm!
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:
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.