UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
STUDENT BLOG

Trojans360 Articles
A Taste of the Town
By: Dara Udobong ‘23
This Black History Month, USG’s External Affairs Committee and BSA teamed up to provide students with a taste of the local community via the first ever restaurant crawl featuring Black-owned businesses. Starting at USC and traversing the length of South Central LA, the restaurant crawl featured three restaurants that followed a three-course dinner menu perfectly curated for the eager (and hungry) college students who embarked upon this mission.
A brief review of USC’s free vegan meals
By: Ngai Yeung ‘23
Every Tuesday from 12-1pm, USC students can grab a vegan meal from the pop-up Jubilee Vegan Cafe at the University Religious Center. I’m lucky enough to not have class during that time slot, and being a huge fan of free food, I’m there pretty much every Tuesday. Here’s my review of some of the fascinating meals they’ve served throughout this semester.
Have half of your meal swipes and dining dollars left? Here’s A Guide to Campus Dining Halls
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
As the semester ends and you’re cramming a semester’s worth of information into Quizlet flashcards, food can start to feel irrelevant (here’s your reminder to nourish yourself and get your meal swipe’s worth while you still can!). Whether you have 30 unused swipes or have an unlimited plan, here’s a quick guide to USC’s campus dining halls.
The 5 Best Places to Eat in the USC Village
By: Sydney Fiorentino ‘24
Cooking and meal preparation can be difficult, especially as a college student… But if you are ever indecisive about what you want to eat, look no further! Here are my top five places to eat in the Village.
Things To Do in LA Without a Car
By: Amy Argueta ‘24 (Guest Blogger)
Thanks to USC”s Los Angeles location there are always so many fun things to do and places to visit so I decided to make a small list of them here. Even if you don’t own a car, don’t worry! All of these spots are accessible by walking or taking the metro. So if you ever find yourself wanting to travel around LA on a weekend here are some places you should visit.
The Best Gluten Free Treats You Can Find at the Grocery Store
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
When I was around 14 years old, I found out that I had a pretty severe gluten sensitivity. As a kid who lived off pasta, bread, and cheese in different variations for most of the years leading up to this moment, I was pretty upset to hear I’d never get to eat many of my favorite foods again.
Instagrammable Brunch Spots Around LA
By: Kristen Adams ‘25
Whether you’re celebrating a friend’s birthday, exploring the food scene around LA, or craving something other than dining hall food, here is a list of brunch spots around the USC area that you can add to your must-try list!
Reviewing Trader Joe’s Fall Foods
By: Kristen Adams ‘25 and Kelsey Cheng ‘25
Fall is finally here! In southern California, there’s one thing that truly signals the start of the season. It’s not the weather or changing leaves––it’s the Trader Joe’s! Starting in September and October, Trader Joe’s ( aka TJ’s) rolls out an array of pumpkin-spiced, apple-flavored snacks and pastries. Below is Kristen and Kelsey’s review of five fall products that you can purchase from the Village’s Trader Joe’s.
What I Eat at USC Dining Halls in a Week!
By: Kristen Adams ‘25
At USC, you can choose from three different dining halls: EVK, the Village, and Parkside. There are pros and cons to each dining hall, though it is important to note that the ratings and opinions about each dining hall and the food they offer are subjective; every eater has different preferences! Below is a quick rundown and analysis of each dining hall, mainly taking location and variety into consideration. Following the rundown is a picture gallery of all the meals I’ve eaten from the dining halls in the past week. Enjoy!
6 Places to Dine Outdoors Within Fryft Distance
By: Ngai Yeung ‘23
It’s safer to stay outdoors in the middle of a pandemic, especially during meals when everyone’s masks are off. Of course, students could always just eat at the Village, but that gets boring real quick. So here are a few places around campus — and within USC’s free Lyft boundaries — where you can eat outdoors with your friends.
Where to Use Your Meal Plan Swipe
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
2021 has brought many new changes to campus, one of these being the meal plan swipes! On top of the three residential dining halls, there are now other on-campus options for those with a meal plan - like some restaurants at TCC. So if you are looking to dine somewhere that is not a dining hall without spending coveted dining dollars, take a look at this list so find some of my favorite options!
LA Eateries to Support During the Pandemic
By: Celine Vazquez ‘24
As health officials work to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles, many of the precautions they’re taking are affecting eateries. All restaurants in LA County were forced to close their outdoor dining. It’s important to follow these rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it’s also important to support local businesses and the people employed there. The best way we can support these small businesses is by ordering take out! Not only is this a safe way to devour delicious food, but it also helps local restaurants stay open. Here’s a list of my favorite eateries in/near LA that you can support!