ESA is a free-to-attend organization, run entirely by students, that’s committed to advocating for sustainability in the USC community. From clothing swaps to panels with special guests, attendees are constantly learning how they can live a more sustainable life.

Trojans of all kinds converge on the USC subreddit for advice, a chance to laugh, and share news. I’ve found it to be a place full of resources, something to quickly provide me with authentic information that would be difficult to find anywhere else.

Starting college can feel like stepping into an entirely new world, full of opportunities, challenges, and unknowns. When I first arrived at USC, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I quickly realized that the key to making the most of my experience was learning to say yes.

Studying abroad is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. But what people don’t always talk about is the culture shock that can come with it.

Now, let’s talk about the Trojan Heartbreakers. These are the friends who have been through it all, literally all of it. The ghosting, the late-night “wyd” messages, and the soul-crushing what-are-we-even-doing? Moments and of course their own “that was mean” moments. They’ve emerged from the wreckage with their dignity (or at least some of it) intact and their hearts just a little bit wiser.

Anthony and Avery are two good friends of mine, and also two friends I’ll unfortunately be losing soon due to early graduation. As juniors, we’d typically have one year left at USC. But Anthony’s graduating this spring, and Avery’s graduating in the fall. I had them tell me about the pros and cons of their unique experience.

Whether hopping on the Tube, catching a bus, or taking a train beyond the city, knowing how to navigate London’s transport like a local can make your journey smoother and stress-free. Here are some key tips to help you master the system.

As some consider me to be a “film person” – which mainly stems from my parents showing me a lot of old movies when I was younger – people occasionally ask me for film recommendations. Additionally, since I was once in SCA, some of these are pretentious and annoying choices! You can add them to your Letterboxd and proceed to act better than everyone else, you have my blessing. 

London is an incredible city, but sometimes a quick getaway can be the perfect way to explore more of what the UK offers. Fortunately, there are plenty of charming towns, historic landmarks, and stunning countryside destinations within a short train ride from the capital. Here are some of the best day trips from London that you can reach in under two hours.

Looking for a more fulfilling way to procrastinate than doom scrolling? Luckily, USC provides free HBO Max (now just Max) specifically for these situations! Perfect for midterms or finals season when you’ve already cleaned your whole apartment/dorm, and now there’s nothing else to feasibly rationalize not working. As a professional procrastinator, here are some of my recommendations for shows to binge watch deep into the night and early morning.

Are you a pre-med student struggling to memorize anatomy terms? Do you read your notes but find it difficult to remember them when it’s time for the test? One tool that I’ve used all through college is Remnote. Remote is a note-taking software that automatically creates flashcards as you type. Remnote makes it easier for you to retain and recall information when it matters most—on test day.

December is the month of changes—winter beginning (with 80 degrees weather, but so be it), grades coming to a close (scarier in the short-term than climate change), students returning home (although this is probably less exciting if your home is nearby) and the year coming to a close.