Student Perspectives: Los Angeles
I’m Melissa, and I’m a rising junior majoring in Health and Human Sciences and minoring in Occupational Science. As I reflect on wrapping up my second year, I’ve come to realize I’m halfway through my undergraduate journey at USC and I feel incredibly grateful for the moments I’ve created here. Many of these cherished moments are thanks to being in Los Angeles. From incredible service opportunities to fun outings, Los Angeles provides many activities that I have taken advantage of and built a work-life balance that has made my time as a student more fulfilling. L.A. definitely has a lot to offer, and as a first-gen student myself, navigating it my first year was definitely a learning experience of its own. As you think about embarking on your own journey in L.A., below are a couple of my own experiences that I welcome you to try as well!
Service and Work Opportunities
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my student life in L.A. has been the chance to engage in meaningful service opportunities. Whether you’re looking for volunteer or work opportunities, the USC Involvement Fair and Career Fair are great places to start. These two events, hosted at the beginning of each semester along Trousdale, feature many student organizations inviting students to join. During my first year, I joined the ReadersPlus through USC’s Joint Educational Project, which allowed me to make a difference in my community. As a tutor, I had the opportunity to work in the Los Angeles Unified School District mentoring elementary school students. Having a platform in which I could support students in achieving their own math and literacy goals by finding creative ways to engage them has been incredibly rewarding. Fostering their own excitement for learning, connecting with them, and witnessing their own growth and development as they demonstrate their strengthening capabilities and skills has been one of the most fulfilling opportunities I’ve been a part of. Of course, my experience is only one opportunity among many. I know other students who have had internships at companies ranging from Spotify, Saturday Night Live, and Chevron. With Los Angeles as a major hub for just about any industry imaginable, there’s no shortage of internship opportunities.
Exploring LA with Clubs and RAs
Student life in LA isn’t just about academics and service; it’s also about exploring the city through various clubs and Residential Assistant (RA) programs. USC offers a wide range of clubs, from social and service clubs to pre-professional organizations. One club I joined at USC is Hermanas Unidas, as I was looking to connect with other Latinas such as myself. While we've participated in service activities such as blanket and kit making for donations, there have also been social events like a trip to Plaza Olvera, known for its Mexican architecture and shops, and a picnic at the Rose Garden, just a crosswalk away from campus! I have also recently joined QUEST (Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology), which hosts game nights and pasta nights, along with socials that include visits to the Downtown Farmers Market, Santa Monica, and Little Tokyo. If you live in USC housing, Residential Assistants also organize events to build community within your floors. Among boba and food nights, they’ve hosted trips to Santa Monica and a Museum Day to visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, famous for its Urban Light display.
Overall, joining clubs where I can connect with other students as we explore L.A. has in turn strengthened my sense of belonging at USC as well.
Must-See Spots in Los Angeles
One of the highlights about living at USC has been the opportunity to explore L.A., which has been made possible because of its location. As a USC student, you can get a U-Pass, which is a tap card that allows you to ride public transportation for free and with which you can explore even more of L.A. Some of my favorite spots to explore include:
Museum Row: Just a crosswalk away from campus lies the California Science Center, California African American Museum, and the Natural History Museum. You are able to visit these museums for free using your USC ID as well! I personally loved being able to see the different dinosaur fossils and gem exhibit in the Natural History Museum, not to mention the rose garden right in front.
Santa Monica: With the U-Pass, just a 40-minute metro ride away is Santa Monica. Whether you're looking to explore the different shops in the pier, enjoy the amusement rides and arcades, or relax on the beach, it’s a great destination that has something for everyone, especially on hot days.
The Getty Museum: Last semester, I visited the Getty Museum during its College Night event. Not only did we get to see stunning artwork, exhibits, and gardens, but we also got to enjoy live music, free food, and activities such as candle making.
Griffith Observatory: If you enjoy hiking, the views on the hike up to Griffith Observatory will make your hike worthwhile. Not only can you get a great view of the L.A. skyline, but also the Hollywood sign. Griffith is a popular spot as it has been in films such as Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land. It also has beautiful exhibits and a planetarium show that takes you through the stars.
Little Tokyo: If you are looking for a bite to eat, Little Tokyo has you covered with many dining options. You can find your favorite restaurant and then explore its unique shops. My personal favorites include the Sanrio Store and Kinokuniya bookstore. Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat from one of the many shops, such as my favorite, SomiSomi ice cream.
Parting Words
In my own journey, I’ve found that balancing academics, work and leisure is crucial to making the most of student life. I struggled adjusting to USC my first semester, as I simply didn’t know what opportunities were present. Once I began to learn more of the opportunities and resources available, I was able to make USC and L.A. a place I could call home. Being involved in campus and student life has been transformative, as I’ve been able to form my own community. I’m grateful to have been able to meet such incredible people who have made exploring L.A. and trying new things that much more incredible. I can’t wait to make the most of it during the rest of my time here. Whether you're a prospective student who would be new to Los Angeles or you’re already familiar with it, it has so much to offer. Fight On!