Getting Off Campus - No Car Edition
By Kelly Kinas ‘17
USC is amazing but at some points during the year, I need to get away. Living on campus can sometimes be overwhelming. Luckily, we live in one of the most diverse cities in the world and there are many things to do within a few miles of campus. So get out and explore!!
In case you too need something to do, here are some ways to get off campus and where to go!
First off, become comfortable with the public transportation system. The Expo line train is your friend and can get you into downtown in 5 minutes. Once you’re in downtown, you can walk around, go to that restaurant.
Places to go downtown:
FigAT7th
Take the expo line to 7th street station and then just walk to Figueroa (which is only 2 or 3 blocks). There’s shopping (Target, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, etc), there’s food (Sprinkles, Mendocino Farms, etc), and so much more. This is a close shopping center so you can get off campus without going really far away.
Downtown Art Walk- Next one October 9th
The free, self-guided, public art phenomenon known as The Downtown Art Walk brings together art lovers and community friends to the ever evolving downtown Los Angeles. With exciting and unique offerings around every corner, downtown celebrates the arts each and every month on the second Thursday (TOMORROW) downtownartwalk.org
LA Live
People have probably been here before but with it’s movie theater, 19 restaurants, and being right next to the Staples Center, it is a great place for a fun night with friends to see the new Superhero movie. You can take the Expo line to Flower and walk 2 blocks and can get there without the hassle of traffic.
Also just keep in mind that a lot of places are accessible by public transportation. You could ride one train from USC to Knotts Berry Farm. It will take 90 minutes but you can do it!
Tips and tricks:
Use Google Maps to Find the shortest route to get somewhere
This will help you not to get lost. You go to www.maps.google.com and there is tab for public transportation.
Download the Transit App for Los Angeles
This will allow you to check times on the go. And who doesn’t love another app on their phone?
Explore LA! While the USC Campus is beautiful and rather active, Los Angeles is amazing as well!
Fight on!
