Student Blog
Living in LA

My Favorite Hidden Study Spots at University Park Campus ⟩
November 5, 2025, by Avery

Community Life Hacks Living in LA School/Life Balance

Happy Midterms season, Trojans! As I am now in my third year living and studying on USC’s University Park Campus (UPC), I thought I’d share some of my favorite, and often overlooked, spots to study. Whether you’re gearing up for midterms, catching up on readings, or squeezing in those final essay pages, finding the perfect study spot can completely change your productivity (and your mood). Here are some of my favorite hidden spots at UPC to hunker down and knock it out.

Category One: Coffee shops
My favorite way to study is with a fresh iced latte and a good friend across the table. My two favorite spots near UPC for just that are Ministry of Coffee (MOC) and Eruta Nature.

Ministry of Coffee is tucked right next to the Trojan Catholic Center. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, plus plenty of coffee, matcha, and pastry or lunch options to power you through the afternoon.

BONUS: Right above Ministry of Coffee is the Trojan Catholic Center library. It’s the perfect spot if you need a quieter, more peaceful place to focus. I like to take the stairs up to the library when I need to switch things up.

Eruta Nature, located inside Rock & Reilly’s in the USC Village, is another gem. By night, the space transforms into an Irish-themed pub and sports bar, but in the mornings, Eruta Nature serves up freshly baked bagels and excellent lattes. You can almost always find a table to sit at, and their coffee-and-bagel combo deals are hard to beat.

Category Two: Library Hidden Gems

Everyone already knows about the big two (Leavey and Doheny Library). These two huge libraries hold hundreds of students studying every day. However, there are some lesser-known hidden library gems on campus too.

The USC Hoose Library of Philosophy sits on the north end of campus, just above Mudd Hall. It’s hard to describe this library as anything but magical. Whenever family or friends visit campus, I always make sure it’s on the must-see list. It’s that beautiful. If you want to romanticize your study session and feel like you’ve stepped into a Disney movie, the Philosophy Library is the perfect place.
Be warned, though: it’s small, has limited hours (9 a.m.–4:45 p.m. on weekdays), and is closed on weekends. Plus, no food or drinks are allowed — so plan accordingly!

The Doheny Memorial Library Bookstacks are one of USC’s best-kept secrets. While Doheny is known for its grand, ballroom-like study rooms featured in movies and TV shows, few students venture into the quieter, hidden side of the building (where the books actually live). Just past the front desk, you’ll find the entrance to nine floors of low-ceilinged, maze-like stacks. Tucked among the shelves are secluded desks and tables that make perfect hideaways when you need zero distractions. Just don’t get lost on your way back out!

Category Three: Miscellaneous

Many students don’t realize that when classes aren’t in session, you can use empty classrooms to get some work done. I especially like studying in the classrooms in Taper Hall and DMC. It’s a bit of a gamble, as you will get asked to leave if a class starts up, but it often works well in the afternoons or evenings when the buildings are quieter. There’s something nice about having a whole classroom to yourself to focus, spread out and bring a study group, or even practice a presentation.

The Tutor Campus Center (TCC) sits right in the heart of campus, next to the bookstore and the Tommy Trojan statue. The first floor is home to several popular lunch spots that accept dining dollars, as well as the Admissions Center. But the real hidden gem is upstairs — take the grand staircase (or the elevator) to the second floor, where you’ll find several student lounges. These spaces are sometimes reserved for events, but when they’re open, they make for a perfect mid-day study spot or a comfortable place to relax between classes.

Happy studying, Trojans! I wish you the best of luck!

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Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Our PP-MA Journey ⟩
October 2, 2025, by Global Initiatives Team

Beginnings and Endings Classes Community Diversity Getting Involved Housing and Transportation International Living in LA School/Life Balance What are OS/OT?

Hi everyone! We’re Angel and Haemin, international students in the 2025-2026 Post-Professional Master’s (PP-MA) program at USC. Coming from the Philippines and South Korea, we are starting this new chapter in Los Angeles! We’re excited to meet new people, explore new places, and grow together as OTs.

Angel’s Journey

My name is Angel, a pure-blooded Filipina and current PP-MA student for 2025–2026. I earned my OT degree in the Philippines and worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for three years—a role that brought me so much joy working with children and their families. In 2023, I got married, and by 2024 I had moved to the U.S. to be with my husband, first living in Chicago before deciding to continue my OT journey here in LA.

When I began exploring further studies, USC stood out immediately. Its Post-Professional MA is one of the few programs in the U.S. that can be completed in just one year, allowing internationally trained OTs like me to deepen our skills, discover new ideas, and connect with people from around the world—all while returning to practice sooner. I also heard wonderful feedback from colleagues who studied here, describing supportive faculty, a vibrant community, and an environment that pushes you to grow. Most of all, I was inspired by USC Chan’s mission to optimize people’s engagement in the ordinary and extraordinary activities of life—a statement that perfectly reflects why I chose OT in the first place.

Life in Los Angeles has been a big adjustment after Chicago and the Philippines—new city, new culture, and no familiar faces. At first, it was daunting, but having my husband’s support made the transition easier. Together, we’re slowly building our rhythm, exploring neighborhoods, and enjoying small routines that make LA feel like home. Lately, we’ve started visiting local cafés for matcha and coffee, and Little Tokyo has quickly become a go-to spot for food and culture.

So far, the PP-MA program has been both exciting and humbling. One of my favorite courses is Foundations in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, where we explore and challenge diverse perspectives on both OS and OT. Because our cohort includes students from many different countries, I have gained a deeper understanding of how culture and society influence a person’s occupations. I have also come to appreciate the importance of language in our work as occupational therapists when connecting with patients.

What I value most about this program is how it encourages us to think critically about OT while equipping us with practical tools to grow as clinicians and leaders. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about shaping how we want to contribute to the future of the profession.

Looking ahead, I see this year at USC as a stepping stone. My immediate goal is to gain licensure in the U.S. so I can continue serving people in healthcare. Beyond that, I hope to bridge what I learn here with my roots in the Philippines, finding ways to give back and strengthen OT globally.

Haemin’s Journey

My name is Haemin, and, like Angel, I’m a PP-MA student, class of 2026. I graduated from my home university in South Korea this year and moved to LA to attend USC Chan’s Master’s program. Being a PP-MA OT student at USC has been one of the most exciting chapters in my life. When I arrived in LA to start my journey, I had mixed feelings of both excitement and being overwhelmed. I moved into a new apartment, met new people and classmates, and tried to make a new daily routine. Even though there were a lot of things to take in on my own, I found myself becoming more independent and confident.

Back in 2022, I joined the Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) program as an exchange student. It was such a memorable time to interact with people from all over the world with warm and supportive instructors. I loved exploring various OT fields through guest lectures and field trips, and it made me want to reflect more on the kind of OT I’d like to become. These experiences inspired me to deepen and broaden my own view of occupational therapy and to find the areas of practice that truly align with my interests and passions. Finding that USC provides strong support and resources to help international students achieve these goals gave me the confidence to come here for my master’s program.

Even though I have experience of living in the US before, moving to LA for graduate school was still a new adventure. I set up a new apartment and established daily routines like meal prep, errands, and transportation to balance my work and studies. It took time to adapt to a new environment, but I was able to figure it out thanks to so much support from my family, friends, and professors at USC Chan. As I figure out step by step, I find myself having done so many things, which makes me feel confident and mature 😊

One of the best parts of the PP-MA program is having classmates from all over the world. We share our OT experiences and cultures from our home countries, which makes every discussion richer and exciting. The atmosphere is so friendly and supportive, and the Global Initiatives team always makes me and other international students feel welcomed and connected. Working as a GI team member, I’m supporting students who want to celebrate their meaningful holidays, which is especially valuable in that I can learn about important cultural meanings from my classmates.

As for classes, Foundations of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy has been my favorite! At first, OS felt a bit philosophical and abstract, but it helped me see what occupation truly means and what the OT’s role is from a global perspective. Having discussions with international classmates adds so much fun and depth 😊

Even though we may have grown up in different countries and started OT in different ways, the PP-MA program at USC has brought us together. We’re learning, growing, and cheering each other on as we chase our own unique dreams as future OTs.

Outside the classroom, I love spending time at Hoose Library, which has a Harry Potter vibe. It’s so aesthetic and makes me focus on studying better.

Preparing for what’s next, one of my biggest goals during this program is earning the Sensory Integration (SI) certificate, which will be valuable for working with children. After graduation, I hope to continue working in pediatrics, especially with children and adults with ASD, and to expand into community-based practice. I’m excited to face my future clients with a richer perspective on occupation by everything I learned and grew from my time at USC.

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Grad School in LA… WITHOUT A CAR?!?! ⟩
September 19, 2025, by Trinity

Fieldwork Living in LA

Hello all!

New fieldwork assignments are about to begin, and with that in mind, I wanted to write about navigating the program without a car.

One thing about me is that I HATE driving, especially in Los Angeles. Beyond the actual driving part, paying for parking, finding an affordable gas station, and dealing with car insurance are extra stressors that I have chosen not to take on for the four years I have lived here.

Being able to make this choice is an incredible privilege! While the public transit in Los Angeles does have a bit of a negative reputation, I know I am lucky that this is even an option for me since a car is essential in most American cities. That being said, it does take flexibility, time management, and willingness to make things work to rely on this option for everything.

Here in Los Angeles, most of the public transit does connect to major attractions. For example, I can take the light rail right to famous museums, restaurants, and Union Station. The light rail as well as the Metro buses are covered by USC’s UPASS program, so students can ride for free. Students also get a discount on Metrolink tickets, which connects all of southern California.

Because I have been here for four years, I have gotten fairly used to public transportation and USC shuttles as my main means of getting around. Since most of my life exists on a college campus, this has not been too bad.

However, the fieldwork component of the occupational therapy program has made relying on public transit a bit more challenging (but not impossible). Fieldwork placements can be anywhere within the vicinity of USC, which can mean up to a 2 hour commute away depending on where you stay. Most people get placements that are near their homes, which makes it a better commute.

Still, most people have cars in the program because of the commute and the potential distance to the fieldwork sites. I have gotten really lucky, and I still have not had to bring a car for fieldwork or any other obligations I have here. This is because of my willingness to put location of site as my number one priority as I make my fieldwork wishlists, as well as the generosity of my friends in the program.

My first fieldwork location was a mental health site in Long Beach, California. I was going to take the train, but my lovely fieldwork partner, Angela, picked me up every week. I will be forever grateful that she helped me get to fieldwork, and I definitely owe her one for life! Carpooling is one option that has saved me from getting a car in the program.

Next, I had my pediatric fieldwork in a children’s mental and behavioral health clinic. This location was within walking distance, and I was able to get there with ease every week. It was a huge blessing. Of course, this is not very common. I am not sure anyone else ever had a site as close as mine was to me.

This semester I am doing my geriatrics fieldwork at an assisted living facility in Sierra Madre. I will be taking a combination of public transportation options to get there. I was paired with one of my good friends, Joseph, in the program for this rotation, and we are going to take public transit together.

I still know several other people in the program who do not have cars, so it is definitely possible! There, of course, are elements of compromise. Sometimes, you won’t get your first choice of a site or it may take a while to get there. For me though, it is worth it financially and emotionally to not have a car. This might change with my next rotation, but I am so grateful this has been an option for me thus far. My biggest piece of advice is to make the most out of every fieldwork experience, even if it was not your first choice or if the commute is long. There is always something to learn at every place. Truly, I have been so incredibly lucky in this program!

TLDR: While it can present challenges, it is absolutely possible not to have a car in the program, especially if you are willing to be flexible and lean on others for support.

 

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Climbing, OT, and Me ⟩
July 25, 2025, by Katelyn

Community Living in LA School/Life Balance

Even before starting OT school here at USC Chan, rock climbing was my escape. It was a place where I could disconnect from the noise of my life and simply move. The walls were puzzles, and my body was the solution. I loved the physical challenge, the focus it demanded, and the way climbing left me grounded and at peace.

So, where did my love for climbing come from?

Since I was a child, I’ve always loved the outdoors. My childhood best friend and I spent hours in our backyards. We dug for worms, chased lizards, collected rolly-pollys, and climbed the wall that separated our houses. Once we reached the top, we triumphantly ate unripe fruit straight off a tree. While I cannot pinpoint the exact moment my love for rock climbing started, I know I’ve loved the art of climbing, whether it be a tree, a backyard wall, or even a boulder. Climbing felt like a dance: hauling my body upwards, finding handholds I could trust, and shimmying my toes into the tiniest of footholds. It felt intuitive. Natural. Joyful.

Naturally, as I grew older, I explored opportunities to rock climb. At community fairs, I would scramble up plastic rock walls, catching fair technicians off guard as a scrawny little girl climbed up the wall as if her life depended on it. I loved climbing.

My eyes were opened in my freshman year of undergrad. My RA happened to be an avid rock climber and decided to invite a group of her residents to a rock climbing gym. The irony? We visited a climbing gym in my hometown of Arcadia, CA. I was stunned. My life was changed. Since that instance, I have bought a membership to Hangar18 and have climbed on and off for the last 6 years.

Climbing has become my outlet, a time when I can be fully present in my task. It has become a time for stress relief, to build confidence, and for me to nourish myself. Alongside these wonderful perks of climbing, it has also become a time when I connect with others. Whether it be sharing beta on a route, encouraging newly made friends mid-climb, or just laughing with friends during a bouldering session. I’ve come to appreciate climbing. Like many occupations, climbing holds many layers: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social.

Since beginning my program here, climbing has taken on multiple layers of meaning. In class, we often discuss “occupation” as more than what people do; rather, it’s who they are. Suddenly, I see climbing in a new light, not just as a sport, but rather a powerful occupation that shapes my identity, supports my mental health, and brings community into my life.

I’ve started seeing others at the gym differently. The people I interact with are not just climbers; they’re occupational beings. I’ve noticed how people adapt quickly when they fall, they self-regulate when frustrated, and how the climbing gym fosters inclusion. Ultimately, these are the same lenses I bring to fieldwork as a future clinician, observing, participating, and providing meaning all in real time.

Especially in such a demanding program like USC Chan’s E-OTD program, holding onto meaningful occupations like climbing has reminded me why I chose this path. Because at the heart of Occupational Therapy, there is a belief that what people do matters. And for me, climbing does.

Ta-ta for now!

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In My LA Era: I had the Time of My Life ⟩
July 3, 2025, by Trinity

Living in LA

Hey all! Today I will be talking about life in Los Angeles! Coming to USC and the LA area from a small town was pretty daunting. There are less people in my hometown than there are students enrolled at USC! Although I am still close to home, just about two and a half hours away, the difference between Joshua Tree and Los Angeles is vast! They are both in California, but that is where the similarities end. While Joshua Tree is still my first home, Los Angeles has become my home away from home!

LA is AMAZING! The rich history and cultural diversity in addition to the sheer number of activities here make LA a one of a kind place. I have been here more than four years, and I have barely scratched the surface of activities to do here. Still, I wanted to provide some highlights of my favorite things I have done here. I am not a travel blogger or a trip advisor, so I encourage you to do your own research.

To preface, I am a BS-OTD student, so I got my undergraduate degree at USC. I am now getting my graduate degree here too. That is how I have gotten to do so many great things here! During my Freshman year, I got to go on an art tour led by a street artist. LA has some of the most beautiful street art ever including this piece: (Unfortunately, I do not know who painted this. I also took this photo, and photography is NOT one of my occupations. Sorry!!)

On that same adventure, which I did with other awesome OT students, I also went to Urth Caffe for the first time. The food was delicious!

One of the great things about being at USC is that we are right by the LA Metro (at the main campus! The health science campus is different). I ride the Metro, specifically the E-Line right to Santa Monica to hang out on the pier and enjoy the beach vibes. There are also so many other beaches nearby! Of course, in the spirit of honesty, everything in the LA area takes at least 20-30 minutes to get to by car and a bit longer on the train or bus. USC does offer a shuttle right to Marina Del Rey, though, which could be a good option to get to some of the other beaches. Check this link for more information!

USC also has a regular shuttle to LA Union Station from the main campus and the health science campus, and from there, you can get anywhere. I know I was planning on only talking about things in LA, not things to do away from here, but I have to talk about Disneyland. I am a huge Disney fan, and from Union Station, I can get to Disneyland via the train! I regularly go, and while it is not in LA (it is in Anaheim, and people will get upset if you claim Orange County is LA), it is one of my favorite places!

OKAY… Now back to LA. I swear there is more. Griffith Observatory is a must, even if it is really touristy. There are some great hiking options from there. I did not even know there were hikes in LA until I came here. There are also great hikes near the Hollywood sign for everyone with all skill levels. (Remember what I said about my photography skills or lack thereof.)

LA has great shopping and dining, including at Century City (near Universal Studios) and at the Grove. Since I am very food motivated, I recommend Voodoo Doughnuts at Citywalk (they have a location in Melrose now, too!).

I can’t forget Dodgers stadium! There is a shuttle from Union Station that takes you right to the stadium. The games are electric!

One of my favorite things to do here is explore different museums! There are fun ones near the Walk of Fame, but my favorite ones are actually close to USC. Just a quick train ride away is The Broad. Hosting really cool modern art, The Broad is iconic on social media.

I also like the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum, and the California African American Museum. You can walk to all of these from USC’s main campus in less than 15 minutes, and all of them have free admission to the main exhibits for USC students! There is a path through the Rose Garden, another LA beauty super close to USC. (Bones the TV show was filmed here, irrelevant but fun). A few years ago, the California Science Center had the coolest exhibition ever: Lego Art! (I am a Lego nerd!)

Beyond just LA, USC offers a wide variety of fun activities, which I talked about in my last blog. This includes sporting events, plays, dance recitals, showcases, residential hall activities, and of course the iconic LA Times Festival of Books. Something fun happens almost everyday all mainly within the bounds of campus!

Los Angeles is a wonderful place to explore! I am excited to see even more in my last year here! If you have any suggestions for me, I would love to hear them. There is always joy in the journey!

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