as the title says! going back to school at 29 and hoping to get in for spring term. are there older ppl on campus or will i be unc?🥲

** lol just noticed typo. *there 🥴

Hello!

I am a prospective student in my senior year of high school and I was heavily considering Oxy for college, and I have plans to visit in the next month, and here are something I was wondering:

Party culture? Is there stuff happening on campus/shows people go to? (I know, LA, big place)
Perhaps local gathering spots plus stuff like venues the DIY or hardcore scene, places people that my age group would gather in, local music venues, etc.
Are they strict about what you have in your room?

What is the community like? As a smaller liberal arts school, it is obvious that the school is smaller but i’m wondering if that can equally correlate in such a big place like LA; mainly, meaning can it feel hard to meet people? or meet other people that go to Occidental?

What is the sports situation? Since Occidental is small, I know they have D-3 sports but they also offer intramural sports. Is it common to walk onto D-III/Varsity sports, or do most stick to intramural?

My current high school is roughly the size of Occidental, and that makes me wonder if I may feel a little too back at home, which would ultimately be the antithesis of what I want.
However, I ask these questions so I don’t try and overcompensate. I don’t know California well, I am touring a lot of other schools in California as well, as I have never been. I come from a rather undiverse state I would argue.

Should I apply Early Decision?

Hopefully this is digestable, and comes off as listening and understanding. I would love to be a part of the community.

Thanks so much!

I honestly don’t really like talking to straight people too much. Are there enough LGBTQ people at Occidental? I tend to feel isolated when I’m in a group with a bunch of normies, and I get easily frustrated with people are very ignorant and not thoughtful.

The pedestrian gate at the back of Yosemite Rec Center to Campus Road provides a vital non-vehicular community connection between Yosemite Drive and the Occidental College campus - please sign TERA's petition to help get it improved.

My son is an athlete and being recruited for his sport by both Occidental and Carleton. Anybody consider both schools and leaned one way or another for academic reasons? He is undecided on what he wants to do, and is more of an introvert. I know the obvious difference in weather and location, and we have visited both schools. Looking at stats and career paths, undegrad teaching etc, Carleton seems to be the stronger school. With the trimester system, is it really a lot more work than traditional semester classes at other schools?

I’m visiting LA for the next three days. I would really like to see this happen, does students still do that at Occidental College? If so, when does it happen? Like timewise

Hi!

I am a current first-year at UVM studying neuroscience and film. I have so many interdisciplinary interests. I love science, but I also have such a passion for the arts and could see pursuing a career in film, music, dance, acting, PA, doctor, scientist, etc. I love UVM's campus, and my professors + research opportunities are great. I pay about 20k a year out of pocket through merit scholarships. However, a part of me feels off here. It's a very big school, and the social scene is not great for me. I have a couple of friends, but Greek life has a strong presence (which i hate), and I feel overwhelmed all the time and very isolated. While I consider myself very liberal and outdoorsy (which i thought UVM would match well with), I still feel so off here. Plus, most of my family has gone to college in New England and has pursued science careers, which i like, but part of me wants to break free from that.

I am an independent student since I've lived with my grandparents most of my life. I almost applied to Oxy when I was in high school but thought it was too far. Part of me wants to go to college close to my hometown, but not for my family but for my friends. But I also want to put myself first, and I think that the part of me that wants to stay close is just the comfort I have with it already; change is scary for me. I live in Maine, and even 4 hours seems like a long time, but I think it's mainly the odd amount of time, like I could go home for the weekend, but it's a lot of work, and knowing I'm close also feels odd, like, oh well, I might as well be home.

The arts scene and science combination is considered so weird in New England (maybe everywhere), but when I visited LA, I saw so many different types of people with different interests. I want a school environment where I feel safe, listened to, and supported. I struggle with mental health and a rough childhood, and I feel very disconnected from resources and other people here with similar struggles. I feel so out of place. I have accommodations that I did not have in high school that help a lot, but still, the discipline here is not good. Nothing has been done about assault allegations, and they treat harassment like it's something to push under the rug.

From what I've seen, Occidental looks pretty tightly knit with so many different interest opportunities. Am I correct? Could Oxy be a good fit?

I realize this post was a bit everywhere; I just have a lot of factors that are playing into my decisions and outside factors both for me and against me.

Thinking of applying for spring term, but that could be soon?

If anyone has any advice or input, lmk!

I took 10 APs in HS, lots of extracurriculars, and an unweighted 3.79. My grades are average right now in college. We haven't done many exams yet, and I haven't been as motivated here as I was in high school, so the rest of the semester is a bit up in the air,

Hi guys,

I was wondering what the black community looks like at Occidental. If possible, can anyone let me know about Muslims at the school and Somalis?

Any info on this would be appreciated thank you!

My son has some learning accommodations (mainly needing extra time). He sometimes needs writing and math tutoring. How is the learning support at Occidental (apart from teacher office hours). How easy is it to get peer tutoring from older kids? Is there drop-in times for this or needs to get scheduled? Did you feel you had enough support?

Currently preparing my app and was looking to see if you guys have any fun / unique aspects of the college I could add in TIA

Does anyone know if the berkus triple is three beds or two bunks and one bed?

Not an admissions question.

I yelled FU at an orange Subaru full of athletes while I was on a run earlier turning onto campus rd.

I crossed not exactly on the corner of the street and they rolled through a stop sign taking a right turn so I ended up in front of the car, I gave one of those sort of “pardon me” waves and the driver stopped for me. I wasn’t upset about it, I was basically J walking and they rolled through the stop sign (and don’t we all) so if anything we were both at fault!

But I think the student in the passenger side seat joked to me that his friend (driver) was stupid and it was very quick and I had an AirPod in so I thought he called me stupid… so I said a not nice thing 😂😂

Anyway a few seconds later I realized he definitely wasn’t calling me stupid and here I am feeling pretty bad about it. If one of those guys happens to see this I just wanted to say sorry! I’m not that kinda dude I swear 😭

I’m a recent grad and I live in the area so I run up to oxy all the time.

I am currently being recruited to Occidental College for Cross Country and Track and Field. While I do love everything about the school the only concern I have is that if Occidental does give free gear to athletes. I would say since its a Division 3 school I would say they might offer some gear but I guess just the basics like just a pair of shorts and a t shirt. This question doesn’t apply to just cross country and track and field so if any student-athletes at Occidental had their experience getting gear, I would love to hear what you guys got!

Hello, I'm an incoming freshman at Oxy, and I'm wondering if Oswald's essential is really necessary. I'm going as pre med so I know I would need a lot of textbooks and course materials, but at the same time I feel like $27.5 for each unit is a bit too much, especially because each course is usually 4 units. I also heard that there are ways to find cheap online ones, so I don't really know what to do. Currently, I'm planning on taking german film for FYS (as far as ik no textbook required), chem 120 (gen chem 1), cog sci 101 (intro to cog sci), and something else. This is only 2 science classes for the first semester, so I'm not sure if I would actually need it. Thank you!

Has anyone here auditioned for the Symphony Orchestra? I'm psyching myself out, so it would be nice to have a run down of how the audition will go. Is it high stakes or more casual?

when do they disburse?

Hiiiii! I want to hear your most unhinged college stories for a social media interview show coming to LA. Any story will do but if any of these questions spark a thought lmk.

• What's the craziest scandal of your class?
• What are you infamous for?
• Have you ever crashed out on an ex?
• What was the wildest thing that happened at a party?

Hit me up here with stories and I'll reach out with more deets

Demographics: Hispanic, first-generation college student, immigrant background

State: Texas

School Type: Public high school (small town)

Intended Major(s): Engineering

SAT: 1420 superscore (790 Math, 630 EBRW) (school average is 930)

UW/W GPA: 3.52 uw and 3.8 w (school doesnt have standard scale so ill say this: unweighted average was a 95.8/100 and weighted is 98:100)

Rank: top 12 percent
Coursework: 9 AP classes. AP Scores: AP Lang (4), AP Physics 1 (4), AP Precalculus (5), AP Government (4), AP Literature (3)
Grade Trend: Strong upward trend — freshman (~3.2), sophomore (~3.5), junior (~4.0), senior (~4.3)
Extracurriculars: NHS (2 years), Student Council (1 year), UIL Academics (2 years), Peer Tutor (multiple years)
Awards: AP Scholar with Distinction, College Board First-Generation Recognition, Rural & Small Town Recognition, school-level top academic award

Ill be applying for full need based aid

Hi yall, as we start to get close to move-in I know there are probably a lot of freshmen (or transfers) who have some questions about life on campus, move in, or anything else. I know entering college or making the switch to Oxy can be daunting, so I'd love to help anyone out who has any questions! Feel free to comment or DM with any questions you might have!

A little about me:

I'm a Rising Senior who transferred into Oxy, as well as a Student-Athlete Politics student on a Pre-Law track.

FAQ:

Just a few basic questions I figured I might get!

- Is Oswald's essentials worth it?

No! Basically everyone I know opts out. Textbooks are expensive and professors know that. They usually provide or allow for students to use free online textbooks which can be found quite easily...

- Do people typically study in their rooms or the library?

It's personal preference at the end of the day, but I'd day it's a pretty even split. The school is small enough to where you'll meet people and then see them again at the library so it's a fun social environment, but there's plenty of great study spots for really focusing. Another place people study is empty classrooms at night, the buildings stay open till late so that is a very underrated spot in my opinion.

- What is the best thing you got for your dorm room?

A pretty cheap ice maker off Amazon went a long way for me. Cold drinks, and especially as an athlete needing to ice the occasional injury or more common aches/pains made an ice maker super valuable for me. Plus only about 40 dollars on Amazon so not expensive

Hi! I'm an incoming freshman and am curious if this is worth it? It's $27.50 per credit so about $440 per semester with 4 classes. How many books are available online for free or through used/thrifting options now? Not trying to spend money when I don't need to, but also don't want to have to scramble and spend hundreds on books each semester.

Down the street from Oxy!

Clothing Yard Sale Saturday 7/11!

Starting at 10am Saturday til the evening!Everything must go!

Dresses, Platform Shoes, Heels, Jeans, Skirts, Sweaters, Jackets

Largely sizes XS-M and Shoes 6 1/2-8

Almost all items priced between $1-$10

Clearing out my wardrobe before I move!

Come check it out 🙂

1749 N Avenue 46 Eagle Rock

Plenty of street parking

Hey! I am looking into Occidental as an out-of-state student and wanted to hear from students about their experiences. I am interested in policy and Spanish. I am looking for a school with civic engagement where I can learn about fellow students’ cultures. I have looked at the diversity stats and am excited about the high population of students of color, but I want to have more information. Is it easy to have cross-cultural experiences both in and outside of the classroom? Similar to civic engagement, is it easy to be involved in social justice on campus?

Finally, what does the access to merit aid look like whether it’s academic or other? Only 75% of Oxy students receive aid, but I’m not sure if that only encompasses need-based aid.

Hi everyone!

I am a student researcher doing an independent policy study. I am investigating how federal F-1 visa work restrictions (like the 20-hour on-campus limit and the off-campus work ban) interact with the high cost of living right here in Los Angeles County.

If you are an international student, could you please take 2 minutes to fill out my completely anonymous survey?

Important Note: This study is strictly non-political. The survey focuses entirely on economic logistics, campus job availability, and local cost of living. It does not collect names, student IDs, political opinions, or legal statuses.

Your insights will directly help me build a comprehensive regional policy brief to deliver to our local U.S. Congressional district offices and college leadership.

Survey Link:  https://forms.gle/VnxjhNdewRpJs6q96

Thank you so much for your time and for helping a student researcher out!