Our Favorite Summer Things
Summer at USC has a slightly different feel than does the rest of the year. Campus is a little quieter, the weather is hard to beat, but there’s still plenty happening. Whether you’re taking a summer class, working on campus, completing an internship, or just visiting to see what life as a Trojan is like, it’s a great time to experience both USC and Los Angeles.
One of my favorite parts of summer is slowing down and enjoying campus. Grab an iced coffee or lunch in the USC Village, take a walk down Trousdale Parkway, or spend an afternoon reading in Alumni Park. If you want to get off campus without going far, Exposition Park is right next door and home to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Science Center. There are also lots of restaurants and food options walking-distance from campus. With three metro stops around campus, students are able to easily get around and spend a few hours exploring without ever needing a car.
One thing that’s unique about spending the summer at USC is how many students are balancing work with fun. You might be working an on-campus job, conducting research with a faculty member, or interning at a company somewhere in Los Angeles. One of the perks of being in LA is that opportunities are spread across the city and, when the day wraps up, it’s easy to meet up with friends for dinner, catch a concert, or head to the beach. Summer has a nice balance of being productive while still providing time to enjoy everything around you.
Speaking of the beach, it’s hard to pass up a summer afternoon by the water. Hop on the Metro E Line and you’ll be in Santa Monica before you know it—where you can walk the pier, bike along The Strand, or simply watch the sunset. If you’re looking to explore even more of Los Angeles, spend an afternoon at The Grove and the Original Farmers Market, hike up to Griffith Observatory for incredible city views, or check out a neighborhood you’ve never been to before. There’s always something new to discover around LA.
One of the best things about attending USC is that your college experience doesn’t stop when you leave campus, and summer is a reminder of that. Between classes, internships, campus jobs, and weekends spent exploring Los Angeles, you’ll quickly find your own favorite spots and routines. Summers in LA are special, and USC students can take advantage of all the city has to offer during the best months of the year.
Written by: Jaelin Robin, Assistant Director, USC Office of Admission