UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
STUDENT BLOG
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Navigating Your First Year as a USC Trojan
by Lanie Brice
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Navigating Your First Year as a Spring Admit
by Lanie Brice
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How to Balance Your Social Life During Finals
by Donal Buckley
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Study Tips and Habits to Get Through Finals Season
by Lauren Liang
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Navigating Your First Year as a Trojan: A Quick Guide for Spring Admits
Welcome to campus, new Trojans! As the spring semester starts off, some Trojans are heading into their second semester on campus while others are just learning their way around. If you’re a Spring Admit, you’ve made it to the right place! At Trojans360, we want to help you learn about all the best spots to grab dinner, the best study spots to chill (or work) between classes, how to use Web Reg to get enrolled in classes, and give you advice on ways to get involved in the community. From insight straight from Spring Admits themselves to general tips to get familiar with campus, let our bloggers answer many of your burning questions.
The Ultimate Meditation Playlist
By: Ellice Ellis '20
It’s almost spring break, Trojans! Many of us have taken one or two midterms, outlined key term papers, or are gearing up to take a relaxing week off from our studies. For myself, I stress more than ever before winter break, summer break, or spring break because I try to balance relaxing and being productive before the vacation period even starts. If you’ve found yourself in this boat or are just generally stressed about school, work or life — this post is for you.
My Favorite Places to Nap on Campus
By: Antonia Le ‘22
Though I thought that I had outgrown nap-time when I left kindergarten, the truth is that I savor my naps more than ever now that I’m a second-year college student. I’ve even made a habit of taking naps in between my classes, in libraries, or in classroom buildings when I can’t get back to my dorm. If you’re looking for a place to sleep during a temporary study break this finals season (or you simply don’t want to go back to your dorm), here’s the list for you! Read below to learn more about my favorite nap spaces on campus.
Using Your Winter Break for a Great Spring Semester
By: Antonia Le ‘22
This year, USC’s winter break lasts from December 19 to January 12, which gives students just under a month to rest, relax, and recharge before getting back on the grind. However, I know that I’d hate myself if January 12 came and I spent my entire break being unproductive. If you’re looking for something to do over winter break that will help you start the Spring 2020 semester on a good note, read onward for some tips that might help you!
5 Lessons for My Freshman Year Self
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
Here’s a secret about me— I’m a senior. And yes, I’m stressed about paying back student loans, finding a job after college and senioritis has consumed my entire being. Despite the beautiful mess that is the end of my college career, there is a multitude of experiences and lessons to be grateful for. So for my freshman, sophomores, and even juniors, here are some lessons you can pull from my college experience, and hopefully, you’ll come out on top.
Starting off Strong for a Stress Free Semester
By: Alexis M Peters ‘20
Here we are, already getting into the swing of things on campus! We’ve moved in, had reunions with our friends, knocked out the cobwebs from the summer and… now it’s time to actually get some work done. What? I know, I sort of miss summer too, but it’s time to buckle down. How can you start this semester off right so you don’t end up sobbing into your textbooks in the back of Leavey Library come midterms? (Unfortunately, I think we’ve all been there.) Here are some great tips that worked last semester to keep me sane.
USC Graduation Vlog
By: Jamie Wu ‘18
How does it feel to be graduated? Watch as I navigate through this crazy but momentous day!
Continuing the conversation about mental health safe spaces
By: Jamie Wu ‘18
Daniella Mohazab is a senior studying Communication, Media Economics and Entrepreneurship, and is a first year masters student studying Communication Management. Aside from her passion for communication, she is also a strong advocate for the mental well-being of students on our USC campus as well as young adults across the U.S.
The 6 Most Useful USC Classes for Life
By: Jamie Wu ‘18
As a senior, I’ve taken my fair share of classes here, ranging from linear algebra, acting 101 to Byzantine art history. But as I’m sure we can all agree, school sometimes doesn’t get us ready for the real world. Throughout my time here, these are the classes I’ve found to be the most helpful in my everyday life. If you still have time left in college, I highly suggest taking a look at some of them.
How to NOT get sick during midterms
By: Jamie Wu ‘18
Midterms season is already upon us, my friends. And with that, also everyone’s-getting-sick-season. But fear not, here are 5 easy steps you can take to stop yourself from getting sick!
How I Stay Sane During the Second Week of Classes
By: Joy Ofodu ‘18
The first week back at school is like a highlight reel - you become re-acquainted with your dorm and friends, unpack your holiday gifts, and glide from lecture to work to the gym’s free fitness classes as if in a dream. By the second week, you’ll have received some kind of rude awakening - you return from a workout and your roommate didn’t refill the Brita. Your fellow E-Board members start sending demanding texts about funding deadlines. Somehow, there are 14 assignments, readings and peer reviews due. Also, you’ve fallen sick, and your family is complaining that you haven’t checked in. Fight On! Need help staying afloat? Here’s how I’ve tackled this second-week panic for the past 7 semesters:
8am Survival Guide
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
Before coming to college, I was a morning person. I typically would wake up early and do chores, exercise, and cook. I truly thought I was the early-bird who catches the worm. My first 8am proved me wrong. My first semester of freshman year I had an 8am on Mondays and it was h-e-double hockey stick. I was constantly late, tired and cranky. I forgot assignments and even went to the wrong classroom sometimes. Eventually, I learned from my mistakes and was able to thrive and get an A in the class. I bet you’re wondering how I did it, aren’t you? Keep reading for 8am survival tips.