By: Sophia Pei ‘22

Did you know that every semester you pay for up to 18 units with your tuition? Most students take 4 classes (16 units), but there are a bunch of fun 1 and 2 unit courses you could take to supplement your experience. The add/drop deadline is January 21, so go ahead and try out some classes. Keep reading for a list of worthwhile 1-2 unit courses!

By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22

This is a great time to be alive. No, not because of modern technology or vaccines or Bird scooters. The Expo line running from downtown to Santa Monica has connected the beach to the city since May of 2016. That makes it only the third ―the third!― year that USC students have been able to take advantage of all of the fun destinations now available to us. It’s a great time to be alive. But there’s a lot of city in between the beach and downtown. Here’s what I found…

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

Looking for great Japanese food and cute plushies but don’t want to deal with Little Tokyo tourist traps? Visit Sawtelle instead. Just 10 stops heading west on the Metro Expo line from USC is West LA’s “Little Japantown.” This mini center of East Asian food and novelties is located on Sawtelle Blvd. As a West LA resident, this was one of my go-to spots growing up. Here are some of my favorite things to do at Sawtelle.

By: Camila Grases ‘21

I am by no means an expert in the art department. Creativity is something that everyone has but few are experts at expressing. This semester, in particular, has given me plenty to reflect on. Taking black and white film photography and my first writer’s workshop, there are some surprising things I have learned about the creative expression and the artist. Here are just a few things that I would like to reflect on, coming up on mid-semester.

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

You’ve all heard of and been to the over-crowded Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade, and Main Street strip. While these places are fun to explore, you won’t find them on this list (but if you do want to the stereotypical Santa Monica things, I guarantee there are hundreds of sites that can recommend you activities). The following are some less touristy places in Santa Monica that y’all should visit. Here’s a quick guide of some really amazing attractions and food places sorted by Metro stop!

By: Camila Grases ‘21

This past Thursday, November 1st, was the opening reception to the small yet wonderful exhibition of Roski senior Ankita Mukherji. As an artist that specializes in clay sculptures, Ankita is able to transform her medium into art that is deeply meaningful to herself. Part of her statement at the reception spoke about the ways in which she used her memory and her feelings to create “the objects and spaces that we call home.” From the moment you walk into her exhibit, you are immediately impacted by her work. Suddenly, her intentions are clear.

By: Danielle Collins ‘20

Got art? Got essays? Got creative writing? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider submitting your work to one of USC’s many student publications. Whether you write creatively on the side, create art to destress, or put together killer essays for class, there is a publication for you to showcase your work. USC has a wide range of student publications across multiple fields and art forms that are open for submissions now!