Student Perspective: Exploring LA

Hi, I’m Katja Stambrandt and I’m a current junior majoring in Environmental Studies! As a Transfer Ambassador, students often ask about things to do near USC and the best ways to get around the surrounding Los Angeles area. I always love these questions because I feel like there are so many options and, as an Angelina, I have tried quite a few of them!  

If you are new to campus or just starting to research USC, you may not know that USC has hundreds of clubs and student organizations that host regular events. A few of my favorites have included a Virtual Reality for Language Learners event hosted by the Center for Languages and Cultures, a Pupusa Night at La Casa (one of the Latin cultural organizations on campus), and study sessions with friends at the Sustainability Hub (a place for eco-conscious students to study or attend environmentally-focused events)! However, if you are looking to leave campus and explore the city, below are a few of my favorite easily accessible ways to get to know Los Angeles as a transfer student!  

Within Walking Distance  

First off, within the USC vicinity, you have the USC Village, which offers a lot of shopping and dining options, as well as a gym and student living. The Village is across the street from campus, so I’ve even managed to run and grab a snack here between classes. Just be aware: certain popular spots, such as Starbucks and Dulce, might have a 20 to 30 minute wait.  

On the other end of campus, just a quick walk across the street, you have the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, where you can show your USC ID and gain free admission! I have visited this museum multiple times over the years and even visited it earlier this semester to collect water samples as part of a class trip!  

The nearby Exposition Park and Exposition Park Rose Garden are also pretty spots to get your daily dose of vitamin D and maybe even have a picnic! Also close to the Natural History Museum are the Galen Center and the Los Angeles Coliseum, where we frequently hold USC games and other events.  

In addition, but in the opposite direction, you’ll find The Shrine across the street from campus. It has regular concerts and awards shows (where you can watch celebrities arrive on the red carpet). 

Along the Metro Rail 

USC offers free student U-Passes which offer free use of all LA public transportation, such as metro trains and buses. The university is in a wonderful location with numerous bus and subway stops nearby. There are two Gold Line (E Line) metro stops near USC, one that is a block from the USC Village, and another across the street from the south side of campus. There are also bus stops located on nearly every side of campus, which many students utilize on a regular basis. Although I have taken the bus, I prefer the subway, as it tends to be quicker and takes fewer stops. Here are a few easy locations to get to by train: 

• The E Line train can be taken all the way West to Downtown Santa Monica. Here, you can visit 3rd street for shopping, dining, and a movie theater or just spend the day at the beach! 

• The E Line train can also be taken East to Downtown Los Angeles. Here you can explore Grand Central Market (a large open-plan market with food kiosks inspired by a variety of different cuisines), as well as Grand Park, Little Tokyo (which has a multitude of Japanese restaurants and shops) and Mariachi Plaza (home to many authentic Mexican restaurants, street vendors and Latin wares).  

• If you want to transfer trains from the E Line, the A Line (Blue Line) will take you to Chinatown and Los Angeles Historic Park, which are great spots for picnics or for occasional music festivals or concerts by artists such as Zedd. 

• The B Line (Red Line), which you can transfer to from the E Line, will also take you directly to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, if you’re looking for a touristy day out or some fun nightlife. 

This is, by no means, an exhaustive list, but just a little taste for some of the wonderful things that Los Angeles has to offer! You can also often join off-campus events hosted by USC student organizations, including concerts, nature hikes, and movie nights! 

Happy Exploring and Fight On! 

Written by: Katja Stambrandt Class of 2025