Laura Hartman, MCM Candidate, Class of 2015
Take advantage of our year-round Southern California sunshine with this top 10 list of on-campus locales to catch up on your MCM reading or host your next group project meeting. Charge your laptop, pack your book bag and don’t forget your shades…it’s time to step away from the hustle and bustle of Annenberg and explore the beautiful outdoor spaces of USC.
1. Robert Wood Plaza (Between Little Galen and Heritage Hall)
What you can expect: Lots of open table and couch seating, great spot for group project meetings, located next to hidden gem Little Galen Café where the Trojan athletes eat.
2. Epstein Family Plaza (Engineering Quad)
What you can expect: A peaceful fountain and lots of sunshine, rub shoulders with the next generation of engineering leaders or ask a friendly Computer Science student for some help with your Excel files.
3. Queen’s Courtyard / Musician’s Park (near Bing Theatre)
What you can expect: Grassy park near the original Annenberg building , great for a lunchtime picnic, frequented by music students who might treat you to an impromptu violin concert.
4. Martens Plaza (Leavey Library)
What you can expect: Lots of patio seating steps from the on-campus Starbucks, take breaks by the reflecting pool and catch the Trojan Farmer’s Market on McCarthy Quad Wednesdays 11am-3pm.
5. Cinema Courtyard (Coffee Bean at the School of Cinema)
What you can expect: Bustling atmosphere frequented by future Hollywood filmmakers, satisfy your caffeine fix at USC’s better Coffee Bean, or perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of guest lecturer James Franco.
6. Argue Plaza (Alumni House Rose Garden)
What you can expect: Fragrant rose garden adds some color to your cram session, park bench seating and steps from Doheny Library.
7.Nekter at Shop Café (Roski School of Fine Arts)
What you can expect: Busy courtyard with artists creating masterpieces, grab a Chocolate Dream smoothie from Nekter Juice Bar or take a stroll to the Fisher Museum of Art.
8. Mudd Hall Courtyard (near George Tirebiter)
What you can expect: Impressive architecture, steps from the Metro Expo Line, look out for an occasional bridal photo shoot as this is a popular wedding locale for USC alums.
9. Nazarian Pavilion (Literatea at Doheny Library)
What you can expect: A cool patio located on the east side of Doheny Library, seating can be limited so stake out your space early, try a chai tea latte at Literatea or check out the current USC Libraries Exhibit.
10. Bridge Hall Patio (Marshall School of Business)
What you can expect: Shady spot under the trees with lots of picnic tables (if you don’t mind cement), a short walk from Expo and Figueroa corner eateries like Pizza Studio.