How to be a real Trojan

New to the campus? Haven't attended your first rally or football game yet? Want to make sure you're not mistaken for a Bruin? Then pay attention to the following list of must-have's and must-do's for real Trojans. Remember, you don't have to accumulate or do all these things within the first month, but by the time you leave, you should have a majority of these items.
* USC clothes -- You'll need hats, sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, shorts, jackets, baseball caps, socks and boxers. But don't stop there. People often sell shirts illegally on the way to the Coliseum and in the dorms, which are sometimes funnier than the average ones you'll find at the bookstore.
* Nike gear -- Any of the above items with either "SC" on it or the swoosh are considered appropriate attire.
* USC paraphernalia -- Besides clothing, every real Trojan has stickers, mugs, pennants, pens, notebooks, folders, binders, shot glasses, blankets, lunch pails, spoons, napkins, invitations, ties, tie pins key chains, stationery...anything with USC on it will do.
* Athletic sticker -- How can you be a real Trojan unless you attend home and away games?
* License plate frames --There is no better way to advertise going to the University of Southern California than frames proclaiming your school number one, unless the plates themselves do it already. Ex: GO USC or SC NO1
* Hanging bruin bear -- These little bears are sold mostly during the week before the UCLA game. The little bruins are dragged through the dirt and often mutilated.
* Heritage Hall visit -- Everyone must see the famed heroes of the past. Check out four Heisman Trophies, highlight films and medallion tributes to all USC olympians.
* Learn the fight song -- Trojans are known for the fight song. If you don't know it, you're not a Trojan.
* Know the victory sign -- Another way to tell if Bruins have infiltrated the ranks. Know how and when to use the victory sign and what it means. A poor attempt leads to ridicule.
* Know the So-Cal spell-out -- A favorite at rallies, football games or just about any occasion, this cheer really gets `em going.
* USC Trojan Marching Band CD -- This CD is a great way to get familiar with all the songs the band plays. Favorites include "Tusk," "Frankenstein" and, of course, the band's rendition of the national anthem.
* Name your pets -- Name your pet Traveler or Tommy.
* USC lore -- Acquaint yourself with the history of the campus and know the stories. Do you know what five words are written at the base of Tommy Trojan? Or who the eight men are at the top of Bovard?
* Attend a weekender -- Every Trojan will tell you one of their fondest memories comes from these fabled trips up north. USC and Trojans invade the Bay Area by shouting "Fight On!" to anyone sporting Cardinal and Gold on the drive up Interstate 5 and once they reach San Francisco.
* Tommy's run -- A classic destination spot for all freshmen and newcomers to USC, this burger joint has been dishing out chili burgers and chili fries en masse to students. Don't forget to bring the Tums.
--from staff reports