When my first-year academic advisor looked over my course plan, she told me that I might need to add a “fun” class to fully enjoy my time at USC. Three years later, I can attest that the plethora of non-major related courses can truly enhance your time here at college. 

These electives offer the same structure and connection that most academic classes do, without the pressure of needing to perform well or get As. Instead of testing you on your essay writing and test-taking abilities, non-academic classes enhance your skills while fostering connections between peers and professors who are united by a passion rather than a major. 

USC students are known for being go-getters. We join a myriad of student organizations and ensure that our Google Calendars resemble an abstract art painting, with multiple colorful blocks dictating our daily activities. And don’t get me wrong, busyness feels “right,” full schedules make us feel accomplished and our resumes boast the executive board positions as well as projects that we hope will land us that prestigious internship. 

However, with the prioritization of professional growth, we often forget that college is the period in time where we get — and are meant — to truly explore ourselves. Personal exploration should not be neglected for prodigious achievements, and our personalities shouldn’t only be a composition of rigorous classes and pre-professional clubs. So, why do some of us face a moral quandary when we choose an exciting elective over one that looks better on the resume? 

Students at universities, especially elite institutions, tend to be chronic overachievers. On paper, this appears positive, but it comes with its costs. The relentless pursuit of academic excellence and professional perfection sets us adrift; we don’t know who we are because we don’t do anything for ourselves. The race to the top is disguised as a drive to excel, but we must learn to put ourselves first. 

Next semester, the first semester of my senior year, will be my first time taking classes that go beyond my academic discipline and professional goals, and I encourage you to do the same, if your units and schedules permit. USC offers multiple introductory courses to learn new skills with no D-clearance required, ranging from one to four units that students can choose from depending on their schedule. 

The following are just a few examples of the electives available for the Fall 2025 semester; a comprehensive list can be found on Web Registration.   

For those interested in learning dance, Kaufman offers a variety of courses that can be taken consecutively to improve your performance. Students can dabble in different dance forms, from “International Style Ballroom Dance,” which focuses on partner connection and rhythm, to “Pilates Mat Training,” which emphasizes balance and movement. More traditional dance styles, such as ballet and jazz, are also offered.  

Under Physical Education & Mind Body Health, students can learn sports such as golf, badminton and soccer. They can also opt for one-unit classes, including some unique options such as surfing, archery, which includes an introduction to the bow and arrow, and self-defense, where students can learn a vital skill for their safety. 

A popular elective hailed as one of the benchmarks of USC is “Theatrical Film Symposium,” which is offered every semester to students from all majors and allows for the unparalleled experience of watching films before they release in theatres.

These courses are just a few examples of how you can incorporate more fun and prioritize self-growth throughout your time at USC. 

College is more than just learning about Aristotle’s three appeals or discovering the structure of some microorganism; it can be a place to explore passions that we did not previously get the chance to. We can build non-academic electives into our schedules to ensure we get a reprieve from the strain of the week. Their functionality in improving mental health and making us well-rounded should not be understated.