By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Last spring, a group of my friends and I road tripped to the desert, where people camped, hung out with an enormously stellar astronaut, and frequented food trucks that sold watermelon slices larger than my face. This place formed a memory of what I consider one of the happiest weekends ever. I loved it so much that I purchased tickets for next year an entire 10 months in advance.

By: Mark Love ‘16

With the first week of school since spring break coming to a close, I couldn’t help but ponder upon the adventures my friends and classmates have embarked on last week. One of my friends backpacked through Scandinavia while a classmate flew to Taiwan to celebrate the week off from school. While listening to their stories, I could only shrug my shoulders and smile hoping that no one asks about my spring break itinerary. Unfortunately, I had to show up to my internship during the week, so my journey towards everlasting merriment definitely hit a roadblock. But instead of mourning my stationary predicament, I decided to take advantage of the wonders that lie within the City of Angels.

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.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

My favorite aspect of spring semester isn’t the weather warming up as the snow melts (LOL, California), it’s because we are gifted with a full week to toss our books aside and grasp the first hint of freedom and zero responsibilities. This summer break teaser shouldn’t be taken lightly as it would be a sin to do so. I’m currently working tirelessly on group projects, summer internship applications and study guides for my midterms–– can the end of next week come any quicker? Alas, Spring Break is underway!

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

With consistently ideal weather and plenty of events and adventures available every single day, it is easy to forget the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with higher education. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, with the unlimited swipes meal plan freshman year, life was basically an all-inclusive resort. Until of course, midterms roll around and reality rears its ugly head.

By: Paul Samaha ‘17

Music festival season is quickly approaching us. But with so many different options for today’s festival-crazed youth, it can be hard to decide which festival is best for you. I’m going to break down some of the most popular music festivals for Trojans to attend in chronological order, so that before you dish out a couple hundred dollars on a ticket, you’ll know what you’re in store for.

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

High above the clouds at an elevation of 8,600ft. we stood in awe as we admired the surrounding natural beauty and majestic views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Last year was the first spring break I spent as the typical college sorority girl.I’d done it all— I spent 5 days in Cabo, developed a substantially complicated relationship with tequila, and came home with cornrows and a henna tattoo of a flying cat. Never having visited Mexico prior to Cabo spring break, I had a list of concerns that potentially kept me from crossing international borders.I heard that Mexico is a highly dangerous place to visit—especially as a female. I was in no position to get abducted by members of the drug cartel only to have my body parts sold on the black market. I knew that was the exact thing my parents were thinking when I told them I was going to Mexico with 15 of my girlfriends. For a solid five minutes, their faces were priceless—and then my dad started telling me of the time he and his buddy drove to Mexico when they were 18 in the early 80s and everything was cool again. Still, I wouldn’t have touched Mexico with a 10-foot pole had their been notable social and political issues occurring south of the border. Luckily for us, paradise is uninterrupted down at the southern peak of Baja California.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

The 9-0 is literally across the street from Row and is conveniently located next to Panda Express and McDonalds. What more can I ask for?

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Have you ever been stood up by your Campus Cruiser, waited a solid 10 minutes longer than expected, or was placed on hold for 20 minutes before making it through to the dispatcher? Like many, I frequently take advantage of USC’s free taxi service to save money on Uber drivers and to get from point A to point B safely when it’s late. Sometimes, however, the inconveniences of using Campus Cruiser far outweigh its conveniences. For example, if I need to be somewhere in 15 minutes, I consider walking or calling an Uber because I don’t feel as if Campus Cruiser will receive and process my call in a timely manner. I am not alone—many share these feelings toward Campus Cruiser.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Do it for the fresh air (do you even remember what that tastes/feels like?), do it to challenge yourself, do it to meet some rad new people, do it to get to know some of USC’s best and brightest professors outside the classroom, do it for the insta… I’m not going to get hung up on your intentions, so long as you take a hike with Peaks and Professors.

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.