10 Instagram-Worthy Places on Campus
USC has a specific type of architecture characterized by its red brick and arched windows. However, there are several places on campus that boast underrated beauty. They can be found in front of, behind and sometimes between the buildings we see day in and day out. If you’re looking for a new place to enjoy some scenery or are simply looking for a new place to take #ootd (outfit of the day) pictures, here are 10 Instagram-worthy places on campus that are worth taking a look at:
1. Bloom Walk on the south end of Trousdale Parkway
When I lived in Parkside as a freshman, I loved walking back to my dorm this way because it was so still with only the sound of the fountains running and trees rustling. While the fountains are turned off at night now, it is still a nice place with more than enough light for a thought-clearing, nighttime stroll.
2. Seating area facing Literatea
I came here once for a Writing 140 conference with my professor, and I remember sitting here afterwards and working on my paper for a while because it was just so pretty. There is something about the typical coffee shop sounds in Literatea that made me want to stay. Also, being outside to enjoy Southern California weather created a memorable atmosphere. Not to mention, it is pretty hidden, so most times it is not very crowded.
3. Viterbi School of Engineering Plaza (E-Quad)
Right after the Engineering Quad was revealed, my dance team moved our evening practices over here, and I fell in love mostly with the changing lights of the fountain. It is a very spacious area with a lot of seating where you can work, even as a non-Viterbi student. You can also socialize with friends over a cup of coffee from Tutor Hall Café.
4. Sculpture Garden behind the School of Architecture
This is another area I used to frequent as a freshman. The path behind the School of Architecture provides an additional alternative route to Parkside. The sculptures alone are interesting enough to capture your attention, but they are also placed in a wide, green, grassy area perfect for pictures or picnics.
5. “Crouching Bather” by Antoine Bourdelle behind Roski School of Fine Arts
Adjacent from the Sculpture Garden lies this beautiful fountain. I captured this one for its simple beauty since it stands alone on the backside of Roski. Not shown in this photo is a long stone bench to the right where you can enjoy the outdoors during short breaks or find the calmness in the flow of the fountain.
6. Anna Bing Arnold Plaza between Bing Theatre and Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre
Since I work at the old Annenberg building, this is the area where I spend most of my time. When I walked through the plaza late in the evening one night, I noticed its beauty so much more than I had in the daytime. Anna Bing Arnold Plaza can easily be one of those places where you sit with your friend and have a long talk about life when you just need to get out of your room.
7. Carolyn Craig Franklin Library Garden Courtyard between Doheny Library and McCarthy Quad
Believe it or not, I never took much notice to this particular sight until a friend of mine from out of state visited and stopped me to ask if USC’s campus was “real life.” Since then, I have always stopped to appreciate the fact that we casually have palm trees in between the two of the most popular areas on campus: Doheny Library and Leavey Library.
8. Grace Ford Salvatori Hall
I spent a lot of time here during late-night dance practices so it holds a soft spot in my heart, but I have always found the interior structure of GFS incredibly interesting. I think the below ground set up pictured here makes this stand out from other places on campus to do work, and the open space makes it feel less stressful than a fluorescent-lit room with a bunch of people sitting at big tables. There are also lounge chairs and couches to make everything that much more comfortable.
9. Grassy hill facing the Virginia Ramo Hall of Music
It is arguable that this area is underrated since I see people setting up their hammocks here every day. However, it is one of those spots on campus that everyone recognizes, and no one has any idea what it is actually called. This is the perfect area for relaxing because you won’t find the rush of students that we find in closer to the Campus Center. The best part about this area is that it is always shaded too so it makes power napping a lot easier. Just beware of the squirrels if you are bringing food.
10. View of Von Kleinsmid Center from McCarthy Quad
This was simply one of those “can’t pass this up” pictures. Considering we’ve been in a never ending heat wave, I absolutely had to take a picture of a part of campus that was not only green, but that also featured trees with different colored leaves, as our only proof that fall is a real season.
