Weekend fun, all week long

College keeps us preoccupied with schoolwork and clubs throughout the week, but there is a whole world outside of academics. One of my favorite things to do when I have spare time is to explore different places in Los Angeles. Going to USC has its perks in that there is always something to do or see in L.A., even during school days when you only have a couple hours. Below is a detailed list of activities that can be done on the weekdays:

Movies
 Broadway was born in New York; movies were born in Hollywood. It’s no question that the film scene has a very prominent presence in Los Angeles. The myriad of theaters in the area provide a variety of different types of movies for people to watch every night. Movies are ideal for when you want something more casual on any given night. Watch the latest box office masterpiece at L.A. LIVE (located right next to Staples Center) or catch a film noir at the New Beverly Cinema (owned by the director himself, Quentin Tarantino). You can even save money by going to movies during the week. Tickets at L.A. LIVE are only $8 on Tuesdays. Tickets at the New Beverly Cinema are $8 every night.

Art Museums
If you’re looking for a more low-key activity in the afternoon, art museums offer inspiring pieces that reflect the diversity of cultures represented in the city of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Getty Center all contain sculptures, paintings and other art mediums that attract numerous visitors every day. Student tickets are $10 at LACMA and $7 at MOCA. Admission is free at the Getty Center.

Brunch
 Don’t have class until the afternoon? Forget the dining hall, this is the perfect opportunity to dress up and organize a brunch date with your close friends. Plus, eating brunch on the weekdays easily beats waiting in long lines and struggling to find parking on the weekends. Popular brunch places in Los Angeles include Blu Jam Café, The Pantry, The Ivy, Eggslut and Jacks N Joe.

Coffee Shops
One thing that I have learned in college is how I like my coffee. As an avid coffee drinker, I’ve discovered many coffee shops in the L.A. area that serve a wide assortment of coffees, ranging from your standard cold brews to extravagant lattes and espressos. Not only are you guaranteed quality coffee, but coffee shops are also great alternatives for study areas and hangout spots. Some of my favorite coffee shops are Graffiti, Intelligentsia, Blue Bottle Coffee and G&B Coffee.

These are just a few of many places in Los Angeles that are easily accessible on the weekdays. Feel free to venture out and see what else the city has to offer!