Places to Go That Aren’t the Row
By Joy Ofodu ‘18
I remember dressing up in wacky costumes every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night as a freshman (yup, throwing it back to Fall 2014, folks) jumping from house to house, looking for adventure and hiding from trouble. 28th Street and I were new to each other then: I graciously tied hair, passed out water bottles and ushered giggling floormates away from the ragers, the comforting blue glow of DPS Emergency light-posts guiding us home.
Over the next three semesters, visits to The Row came fewer and farther between. I found community, meaningful (audible) conversation and good vibes in so many other places on and off campus that I didn’t need to lean on The Row anymore. As a Sober Trojan and non-Greek, we simply grew apart. If you or someone you know is looking to get away from 28th Street, I have a few ideas:
Tommyoke at Traditions
Traddies (or Traditions, found below the Tutor Campus Center) hosts these karaoke events on the fourth Thursday night of every month; you and your friends are welcome to take the stage and rap, lip sync or belt anything your heart desires. ($0)
Cardinal & Gold Events
If you’re living in USC Housing, take advantage of ResEd’s Cardinal & Gold events! There’s no other organization on campus that offers free tickets to haunted hay rides, museums and Thor Ragnarok. Don’t sleep on these. ($0)
Ground Zero Open Mic Night
From a horribly unfunny comedian to a piano-playing man in a phallus costume - GZ’s tiny, unpredictable stage has seen it all. Swing by on Monday nights with friends, or nestle into a corner with Tuesday’s homework. Pick-me-up guaranteed. ($0-5)
Trojan Fever Games
Those Trojan Fever emails you get are worth looking into! As a student, you can attend games, rallies and warm-ups with the promise of free food and free SC swag! It’s worth it to watch the games you usually might not; I got to sit courtside at a Basketball game and dance for pizza at a Volleyball match! Victory in every bite. ($0)
USC Photography Club Excursions
Sometimes they’re shooting fashion editorials on campus, other times they’re hiking their gear out to Joshua Tree - Photo Club excursions happen monthly and always have colorful results! Varying levels of experience are welcomed!($0-20)
Film Screenings
USC area could easily be re-named the Land of Free Films; try Alex Ago’s Movies We Love series at SCA, African American Cinema Society screenings, asking a friend about CTCS 466 invites, signing up for Gofobo and looking out for films screened by various USC orgs! You could be watching unreleased movies (and premieres) every week. ($0)
Visions & Voices Events (Like HAMILTON!)
Sleeping on Visions & Voices is one of the most egregious mistakes you can make during your undergraduate career here. Take advantage of the amazing ballets, discussions, plays and concerts offered by V&V - some Experience L.A. events will take you off campus for free, and serve dinner! I’ve seen Sound of Music, Trip to Bountiful and Mojada among others. Getting to speak to the folks behind these productions was incredible; only USC can do that for you! They just closed the raffle for Hamilton at the Pantages… if this sounds like you, visit now! ($0)
Improv Shows
Between Second Nature, Spoiler Alert! and Comedus Interruptus, it’s difficult (and hilarious) to discern which is the reigning improv troupe on campus. Catch a free lawn show on campus, or join one of the troupes for their weekend shows/fundragers. ($0)
Da Poetry Lounge
From USC athletes to RA’s, there’s no telling who you might spot at Da Poetry Lounge’s Open Mic events on Tuesdays. Located in LA, there’s a time-warping, dimension-traveling element to this space that can only be experienced by attending. Snap (or cry, or laugh) along at their special events. ($5-10)
Roller Skating
Haven’t been roller skating since 6th grade? Even more of a reason to get out there! The Trojans I know favor World on Wheels in LA and Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale. MR is farther out, but also has far out rainbow colors and theme nights. ($10-15)
Tapings and Award Shows
This may be my best kept secret; I’ve been able to attend award shows like the iHeartRadio Music Awards and MTV Movie Awards, seated with artists like Tinashe, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas thanks to 1iota! This became my residents’ favorite resource and it could be yours, too: 1iota offers free invites all week to premieres, shows, concerts and late night talk shows. Say goodbye to dry weekends in the dorms, and hello to James Corden. ($0)
Restaurants, Delis, Markets & Sweet Shops!
Once you’ve eaten at every restaurant in L.A. Live (a rite of passage, truly) take your pick of some of the trendier places around! My favorite include Gresescent and Wurstkuche (both started by SC alums), Howlin’ Rays, With Love LA, The Commissary, The Bird’s Nest Cafe, Katana Robata, Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, El Cholo and Spudnuts. How’s that for good eats? ($8-50)
House Party Your Heart Out
Sometimes, good, old-fashioned partying is the way to go. Screenshot social media invites from 3021, Pink House, PartyCat and IgnitUS when scrolling through your social feeds. Non-IFC fraternities like DKA, SDA and AΦA may have your plug on Saturday moves. Remember: party smart, not hard. ($2-5)
Just Go “Club”bing
Finally, getting involved in various clubs at USC is a surefire way to unlock weekend plans. Say ‘yes’ to everything first, and RSVP ‘Maybe’ later!
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