UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
STUDENT BLOG

Trojans360 Articles
Advice for Navigating Tense Roommate Situations
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
As much as university life means curating consistent health and study habits while being independent of your family, it also welcomes in living with another person striving for the same goals. While the honeymoon phase of school begins when we’re eagerly attending welcome events, debriefing afterward, bonding over coffee, and much more, it’s inevitable to have some level of conflict throughout the school year. To nip possible tense situations in the bud, here are words of advice to navigate a co-living life:
PR486: A Beginner’s Guide to Design Breaking Down The Adobe Suite
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
Once I got accepted to USC, I made it my mission to take advantage of Annenberg’s free subscription. I religiously checked my phone to look for open seats in a class that was the perfect marriage of strategy in PR and beginner’s design, PR486: Multimedia PR Content: Introduction to Digital Design Tools. I knew this 2-unit class every Wednesday afternoon would be a welcoming experience and a reliable home base for my interdisciplinary (PR, design, and music industry) interests. After a semester kick starting my Adobe design journey, this class inspired me to pursue a minor in Communication Design at Roski and helped me establish a foundational skill set that I can list on my resume and a solid piece for my portfolio.
A Self-Guided Tour to USC’s Campus
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.
What I’m Doing Differently This Semester
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.
Day in the Life as a Public Relations Major (with Communication Design and Music Industry Minors)
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
Four ignored alarms later, I finally roll off my foam-topped mattress, brush my teeth, and apply skincare and make-up all by 8 am I throw my homework, laptop, charger, sketchbook, pens, keys, water bottle, AirPods, and a Clif Bar into my tote bag. The past two semesters, I’ve had the unique experience of taking classes in four of USC’s schools–dabbling in Annenberg, Roski, Thornton, and the School of Cinematic Arts. It’s extremely fulfilling being a “Renaissance Woman” of sorts–educating myself in different fields of study and striving to enhance creativity through several outlets.
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.
What To Bring (and What Not to Bring) to Your Freshman Dorm
By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25
It’s the summer before you move to the city of stars and into the 12ft by 12ft dorm of your dreams! Save your time and money with these do’s and don’ts for what to bring to your freshman dorm!