UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
STUDENT BLOG
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Navigating Your First Year as a Spring Admit
by Lanie Brice
Trojans360 Articles
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!
Food Insecurity + Resources
By: Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20
Certain foods are important for our bodies. We know that. Yet, college students (whether community college, college/university) are experiencing food insecurity. And while we may make self-deprecating jokes about it, in the end – it’s not that funny; it’s pretty serious. In a 2016 Los Angeles Times article, data revealed that 4 out of 10 students in the UC system did not have consistent healthy foods. An earlier study (based in University of Hawai’i) discovered that ~20% of their students would skip meals. Some of you might be saying, “Well, instant ramen is the way to go.” But no. It’s not. By eating these cheap, instant foods, you’re damaging your body and depriving it of the nutrients that it needs. So, I thought it be best to share some information on where you can get help/resources to aid your/others’ food insecurity.
Productivity Tips and Quotes to Kickoff Your Spring Semester
By: Ellice Ellis ‘18
If you’re struggling to find the motivation to get things done, you’re not alone. These days I dread starting my homework, doing a reading or even waking up for class because it forces me to face the fact that there is work to be done. Here are a few motivational tips and quotes to get you out of bed and hopefully in Leavey (or your preferred study room).
Latinx Student Empowerment Conference
By: Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20
Hi, all! I hope these first three weeks have been going well for you all and I wish you the best throughout the next several weeks! I wanted to write this post about a great experience I had this past weekend with El Centro Chicano. This past Sunday, on January 21st, 2018, I went to El Centro Chicano’s Latinx Student Empowerment Conference. This conference aimed to support the research, academic success, and social justice activism of USC students. Conferences such as these, and the overall organization, are open to current USC students - both undergraduate and graduate - and welcome new spring admits! They welcome & encourage USC Alumni to attend these conferences! And if I’m being completely honest…It was the best thing I have ever attended. The conference started off with a special guest speaker, Cristela Alonzo, comedian, actress, writer, and overall amazing human being.
Events You Can’t Miss This Week
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
There is no better way make the most of your week than taking a study break and going to a cool event. Personally, I try to go to one non-academic event a week. I like to view them as mini-adventures, introduce myself to something new, meet new people, and take a break from studying. So to help you create some new memories and learn something new here are some events happening this week (Jan 23rd-Jan 27th).
Serve On! Volunteer opportunities at USC
By: Danielle Collins ‘20
With a new semester comes new opportunities for service. Last semester I shared some volunteer opportunities around LA, so this semester I wanted to share some great service orgs right here on campus. Check them out!
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.
Steps to Becoming a Better Reader In College
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
I came into college thinking I was all that in a bag of chips. Reading on point, essay writing skills on point, time management on point; but after a couple of weeks during my first semester of college…my academic confidence tanked.
Sustainability for Students
By: Danielle Collins ‘20
Once again, it’s time to make resolutions for the new year. This year, why not do more than hit the gym and drink smoothies? Why not make resolutions to do our part for the environment? We’re all college students and have a lot on our minds and a lot on our plates. But there are so many little ways to help the environment that, despite hearing hundreds of times, many people still don’t do. Let me share some of the little things I already do to be environmentally friendly, and some things I want to start doing, or do better. (inspired by USC’s Sustainable Living Guide)
How to ace your finals
By: Jamie Wu ‘18
Finals are right around the corner. In fact, it is 3 days away. Little-known fun fact huh? Although there is a lot of work to be done, studying doesn’t always have to suck. And as a senior, hopefully I can offer some studying advice. Here are my 7 best tips on how to be on your A game this finals season!
What is Motivate & Empower?
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
There are many ways students can get involved on campus, but have you heard of Motivate & Empower (M&E)? If you want to gain a sense of social responsiveness, inspire change, and help to empower local communities, this group is for you.
The Truth About Getting A Bad Grade
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
To make my intro short; college is hard. Balancing massive amounts of free time, over 200 pages of reading, work-study, projects and personal issues is a lot for young adults to deal with. Consequently, there are going to be times where you miss class, slack on assignments and are just not up to this “getting a degree thing.” Out of all of this mess and confusion, your first bad grade might pop up.