By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25

It’s that nail-biting time of year when you’re anxiously awaiting college acceptance letters in your inbox. If you’re ready for your congratulatory cardinal and gold confetti or if you’re a newly admitted Trojan, use this article as an expertly curated guide to escort yourself on an actually useful tour of campus. Trust me, these are the places I wish I would’ve gone the first time I visited the school. If you can’t make a scheduled campus tour or would rather explore for yourself, here’s the must-see spots from a current student.

By: Hannah Skinner ‘23

From screenings to guest speakers to performances, there’s constantly exciting things to do on the USC campus. But nothing’s worse than finding out about an event after it’s already happened. Read more about how to stay updated with USC events and find some upcoming ones to mark on your calendar.

By: Tamanna Sood ‘24

Are you a person who identifies as APIDA (Asian Pacific Isander Desi-American)? Do you enjoy writing prose/poetry or dabble in the arts? Well, Descent Magazine is made for you! I joined Descent as a staff writer at the beginning of last semester. I’ve always enjoyed writing poetry and prose, and I always aspired to be a published writer. As a journalism major in college, however, I felt myself quickly getting jaded with the staccato of AP style writing and was craving for an outlet for creative writing. Descent has filled that void for me.

By: Tamanna Sood ‘24

On February 21, I attended An Evening with Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of ‘The 1619 Project’ at the Bovard Auditorium. Being able to attend this event and listen to Nikole Hannah Jones felt like a dream come true—for young journalists and women of color, Jones is a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who seek to shatter glass ceilings and create new legacies for generations to come.

By: Tamanna Sood ‘24

Have you been craving something new to watch lately? Is your current watch list going a little stale? Well fear not! As your resident Bollywood Movie expert (take this with a grain of salt), I’m here to help diversify your watch list. Here are some incredible Bollywood “coming of age” movies on Netflix to offer both a sense of comfort and entertainment!

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!

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.

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

I always dreamed of being a Trojan. I know it sounds cliché, but I truly set my heart on it as a young girl growing up in Los Angeles. After moving into my apartment near campus, everything moved so fast: one second I was attending convocation in my future graduation gown, and the next, I was sitting in my first official university classes. I couldn’t believe all my hard work finally paid off and that attending USC was finally a reality!

By: Kathryn Aurelio ’25

It’s that time of year again where we’re all jamming our notes app with new year's resolutions, collaging magazine clippings into a vibrant vision board, and saving TikToks of new food plans (and never clicking on them again). My Fall 2022 semester was jam-packed with extracurricular activities, an internship, and work-study jobs, and while I see a pattern of the workload repeating itself this semester, I hope to prioritize—or at least hold to the same level—my physical and mental health. This semester, I’m breaking the cycle…and I’m using this article to hold me to it.

By: Aedan Henry ‘24 (USC Student Life Guest Blogger)

Doheny Memorial Library might be the centerpiece of the USC campus, but beyond its gorgeous first floor reading room, many students don’t know much about what Doheny has to offer. Exploring past the lobby, you can find nine floors of dense bookstacks, countless secret study spots, an abundance of research resources, and dozens of special collections and exhibits.

By: Hannah Skinner ‘23

It’s my last semester at USC and the ticking of my undergraduate clock is growing louder. Without the luxury of years ahead, I’ve been thinking about what I want to do (or wish I had done) before I leave. Here’s a senior’s perspective on how to take advantage of everything USC has to offer.

By: Lauren Liang ‘23

The off-campus housing hunt is possibly one of the most stressful aspects of college life outside of academics. Whether you’re a transfer or a rising junior with no guaranteed housing, this article will (hopefully) help you get a better sense of where to look for off-campus housing and avoid scams while doing so.