By: Lauren Liang ‘23

Before I came to USC as a Cognitive Science major, I spent the entirety of my high school career at a performing arts school. Although I genuinely enjoy my major, it’s a totally different wheelhouse from the joy I feel when I’m breaking down a script, singing my heart out, or creatively collaborating with friends. If you’re in a similar position, here are some of the ways you can get involved as an artist!

By: Ani Antonyan ‘24

The colder, shorter days exacerbate seasonal sadness, [but] while it might seem unavoidable as you feel the darkness of campus close in around you , there are ways to help yourself. If you’re feeling extra tired, unmotivated, and sad as the winter progresses, you’re not alone—here are some tips on how we can combat seasonal depression.

By: Lauren Liang ‘23

It’s that time of the semester again (or is it always that time of the semester?): exam season is upon us. While it might be tempting to just wing it, you can better prepare yourself with these studying tips.

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

Meeting new people can also be as easy as running into classmates in the elevator or around campus or making plans to study together for upcoming tests. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone by participating in fun activities because you never know where you will meet your next friend!

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

Sometimes I only have half an hour to catch up with family and friends, but recently, I’ve recognized how much better I feel when I take time to do things unrelated to work or school. Here’s some inspiration for hobbies and activities that will help your well-being during this hectic season.

By: Joshen Mantai ‘24 (USC Student Life Guest Blogger)

When I first got to USC as a graduate student at Annenberg, I didn’t know what to expect for my experience, especially at a university in the middle of such a big city. Would it be like my undergraduate experience at UC Santa Barbara, or did I have to prepare myself for a whole new environment with a separate identity? So, for any incoming or current graduate students, I’m sharing what I’ve learned through my first semester experience so far.

By: Kristen Adams ‘25

Hopped off the plane at LAX with a dream and my cardigan! After living on the East Coast for 19 years of my life, here’s what I’ve learned from attending college in Los Angeles, almost 3,000 miles away from home.

By: Hannah Skinner ‘23

Studying abroad will already be one of the most enriching experiences you have as a student, but there are ways to add even more value. Looking back at my experience at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, I felt like I adequately prepared myself to go abroad, but there was still plenty I learned along the way. Here’s some tips I implemented that helped me make the most of my time in South Korea.

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.

By: Nancy Aguilar Sanchez ‘22

Once you finally have the time between classes, exams, and homework to go explore LA, it’s often hard to find activities that are free or affordable. Here’s some inspiration for the next time you want to go out without blowing your budget!

By: Nancy Aguilar-Sanchez ‘22

I’ve lived at The Lorenzo for two years now and can say with certainty that everyone’s experience and the value they get out of it is different. Most freshmen and sophomores live on campus because housing is guaranteed but once you reach junior year, it’s a lot less likely that you’ll get on-campus housing; lots of students find themselves living at The Lorenzo.

By: Ngai Yeung ‘23

Having grown up in a city with excellent public transit, I didn’t know a thing about cars—my automobile knowledge was so lacking that I didn’t know there was more than one pedal until my first driving lesson here. Here’s what I learned from my bumbling journey to getting a license in California.