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Occidental College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Occidental College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Occidental College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Occidental College reviews, or contribute your own Occidental College review if you're a current student there.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Zoë from Simi Valley, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    The professors here really care about their students and offer as much help as they can. Doors are almost always open, and since each student receives an advisor, the relationship between professor and student is on a more equal level than most schools.
    Will enjoy being here

    The small size of the campus leads to a close-knit community of students who really enjoy learning and each other's company. Shyer students may be forced to open up more to new people, but it is all for the best. Clubs are very active on campus, and hall spreads lead to much bonding.
    Bang for the buck

    This school is very, very expensive. Applying for outside scholarships will be necessary.
    Tips for prospective students

    Speak up! Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to someone, or speak your mind in a class. The whole point of the Oxy experience is to improve yourself and further your education.
    Great for these types of students

    Those interested in liberal arts and humanities. People who enjoy a small, close-knit community should research Oxy.

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Morgan from Kent, OH

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Beverly from Canyon Country, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am a Biology major and I am entering my last year at Occidental, or Oxy, as many call it. The knowledgeable professors and small class size really make the difference. I have gained hands-on experience in laboratories and undergraduate research, which is possible here because of the size of the student body. There is always someone available if you have a question or just want to get to know a professor more.
    Occidental has several programs to help students build and expand their learning. The Summer Research Program lasts 8 weeks and sponsors students with research proposals from all majors. There are weekly seminars and meetings that introduce students to potential careers and global events. Each major usually has department-specific talks that cater to students and possible careers that they may be interested in.
    Oxy has academic support, including tutoring in many subjects, student-led study groups, and professional staff that can help you with essay organization and improvement. Be aware of all these resources as a student as they are very beneficial!
    Am enjoying being here

    Occidental is a wonderful campus because of its diversity and energy that the students, faculty, and staff bring. There are numerous events and clubs on campus so that everyone can find someone who shares an interest with them. Living on campus is fun and a great way to meet new people! Going to school in Los Angeles allows for multiple opportunities and experiences if you like city-life!
    For example, you can dance in the yearly Dance Production, audition for Glee Club or the Occidental/Cal Tech Orchestra, or volunteer at a local homeless shelter. You can enjoy cultural events, student performances, dances, and weekly events on the Quad to help brighten up your day! The opportunities on and off campus for Oxy students are endless and really up to you!
    Bang for the buck

    Being a private college, Occidental is expensive. However, there are many financial aid opportunities available. It is possible to attend Oxy because of institutional scholarships and outside donor scholarships.
    However at times the food, rent, books, and other on-campus items are over-priced, which happens at many colleges! Don't forget that you can buy toiletries, school supplies, and books off campus! Living off-campus is less expensive, however, Oxy requires students to live on campus for at least 3 years, which is one downside.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be proactive! Take multiple classes that interest you to start finding a major you would like to focus on. Join clubs and local organizations to become involved in the community and causes that inspire you. Do research, study abroad, and above all, make connections! There are so many wonderful professors and students at Occidental that you can make long-lasting friendships with.
    Keep on track! Don't forget that college will get harder every year. Multiple people told me that too, but I didn't realize what they really meant until coming here. Don't be scared, but just make sure you are on top of your classes. If you ever need assistance there are staff members and professors that can help. Start to think ahead about career options and definitely visit the Career Development Center as they are extremely helpful and kind!
    Great for these types of students

    Occidental is great for students who are self-motivated and are looking for a smaller campus lifestyle. You have the ability to participate in smaller classes and organizations. Wonderful for students who want to get involved in campus life, whether it is joining a club or working in an office! Great for students who love the city-life: Los Angeles is such as diverse and large city!

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Alex from Stevenson Ranch, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    I have already learned so much in my short time at Oxy. I am now an International Relations major and Latin American Studies minor, which is a path I never expected but am very excited about.
    Will enjoy being here

    I absolutely loved the school on my visit
    Bang for the buck

    The school is very expensive, like any other private school, but I was offered 20,000 in scholarships and a no-interest student loan. In all would have cost me about the same as a UC school and quite a bit more than a Cal State.
    Tips for prospective students

    Really go into detail for every aspect of a school. Don't immediately write off a school because it doesn't have the name recognition as some of the larger schools. Decide what kind of school is right for you, for me that was a liberal arts school. Work hard throughout high school so you can be competitive and have no regrets.
    Great for these types of students

    All types of students can succeed at Oxy.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Janet from Glendale, CA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    A small liberal arts college in southern California, Oxy is great for anyone looking for a personal college experience. I loved knowing almost everyone on campus, from students to professors to facilities workers. Also the quality of instruction from professors in classrooms of 15 people or less is fabulous.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early decision and talk about what makes you unique in your application. Oxy especially values well-rounded individuals who will take advantage of the liberal arts atmosphere-someone who will study hard, play on a sports team, and remain passionate about a cause.
    Academic Rigor

    Oxy requires a high GPA to get in and continues to expect high quality work from its students. However, they realize that some students have high potential that hasn't been tapped (especially in students coming from public high schools). They make every effort to help students improve basic writing skills in their first year if they are struggling with college-level writing assignments.
    Dorm Life

    Oxy invests heavily in making on-campus life lively and enjoyable. Just last week they put on a founder's day carnival with free games, food, and a Ferris wheel. Events like this happen all year!
    Food and Dining

    This is no all-you-can-eat low quality buffet. The marketplace serves truly delicious food all day long. You can come and go as much as you please, because you only pay for what you want to eat. There's no way to gain the freshman 15 if you don't feel like you have to gorge yourself only once a day to save on meal money like at all you can eat schools! Plus, the marketplace workers are the friendliest people on campus, and they'll work to make you the food you want to eat!
    What to do for fun

    You're in LA! You can go to the beach, the mountains, and the desert all in one day! Or you can stay in Eagle Rock and shop the boutiques, eat at the Oinkster, and catch a show at the Echoplex. The Eagle Rock/Highland Park area is very up and coming, and there are tons of art galleries and cafes opening nearby. Not to mention all the events happening on campus all the time. A great part of Oxy's campus culture is that you have options: there is more to do than just party.
    Bang for the buck

    I think Oxy was worth every penny. They made sure to meet my full financial need. I was even given a no-interest loan.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Everyone gets thrown into the fountain every year on their birthday.
    Great for these types of students

    Intellectual, introspective, hard working, outdoorsy, friendly, open-minded, and involved. Oxy is a great place to come if you don't want to disappear into the crowd.
    Clubs and Activities

    Lots of clubs and activities all year long. There is always something going on!
    Greek Life

    Very small presence on campus. There are maybe 6 greek organizations, with less than 5% of students participating. With 2,200 students total, there really isn't a need to join a frat or sorority to make friends. It's easy to get to know people!
    Campus Safety

    Despite being in a semi-urban setting, campus safety is a constant and reassuring presence. Once, when I was living off campus there was an intruder in our yard. We were very frightened and called campus safety. Not only were they at our house in less than 3 minutes, but they thoroughly checked the property and made frequent drive-bys for several days after.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Morgan from Tarzana, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The campus is really nice ( a bit small) but self contained). The baseball coaches are informative and well rounded.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Masha

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    As a private liberal arts establishment, Occidental College's main focus is on undergraduate study and research. With a smaller student body of under 2,000 students, there are many opportunities to become leaders and participants in cultural clubs, abroad programs, independent studies, and other programming. However, diversity does not suffer from these numbers, but rather equally thrives and is nourished, since Occidental College values voices of different perspectives and encourages communication of all types.
    Tips for prospective students

    Prospective students will thrive on this campus if they are engaged with their community. They should be open to discussion, and free from bias if they truly want the Occidental College experience. If learning leadership skills is a priority, then prospective students will find no better place than this institution.
    Academic Rigor

    Class sizes of a maximum 16-40 students are strictly enforced to support Occidental College's promise of individualized learning. However, instruction could be a little more challenging and more comprehensive. Many departments struggle with keeping a relevant and logical succession of topics within their class offerings, leaving students overcome with information without a general structure of foundation on which to build.
    Dorm Life

    Students are required to live on campus for the first three years, with exceptions given to those who display strong academic achievement. The dorms are great places to build community at Occidental College. There are weekly events with snacks and fun activities which are organized with the residents' interests in mind. The funding for dorms are better put to use to cater to residents' needs, since smaller populations in each building mean a more intimate and friendly surrounding.
    Food and Dining

    Organic and healthy living is a priority at Occidental College. Several vegetarian/vegan options are set aside each day in order to ensure that all students have a diverse menu from which to choose. The servers are always friendly, get to know you as a person, and will even talk to you about your weekend plans. Occidental College is a top institution for food and dining with local and fresh-grown ingredients.
    What to do for fun

    Students can take rides to local Los Angeles hotspots on the Bengal Bus, or walk to nearby Eagle Rock eateries and venues. On-campus life is also thriving, with movies features weekly and regular dances like Toga. By visiting the Student Activities Center, students can buy discounted tickets for places like Six Flags or the Laemmle Theater. Sports are also encouraged, with a public pool, tennis and basketball courts, as well as other intramural activities.
    Bang for the buck

    Very expensive as a school, but Occidental College's Financial Aid department is always ready to answer questions and concerns on a personal level. With the recent economic crisis, however, funding has become more scarce and tuition may be rising even more than its current $50,000 annual fee.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Mount Fiji is one of the highest peaks on campus, and just a 20 minute walk from the furthest point. Students can go there to enjoy the beautiful Los Angeles view and breathe fresh air.
    Great for these types of students

    Self-motivated, curious, and engaging leaders will love Occidental College. To make the most of the experience, and all the opportunities available, students who enter this school must be wiling to take charge in their education.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are over a hundred different clubs at Occidental College, including cultural, academic, and service types. Each club can choose an advisor, and has several mediums from which to apply for funding. All activities from all backgrounds are supported, and programming is easy with the help of various offices on campus who are enthusiastic about creating diverse options for student involvement.
    Greek Life

    Although Greek Life at Occidental College is not as thriving as in other public universities, a majority of students choose to enlist in any one of our 10 fraternities and sororities. Members of these societies are not in any way exclusive or derisive, but rather include and invite non-members to join their efforts, whether through volunteer services for the community or off-campus parties.
    Campus Safety

    Campus Safety is top-notch at Occidental College. Each officer will get to know you by name, and engage in friendly conversation. They escort students to and from parties without judgement or a heavy hand, and are willing to take the time to listen and understand a situation before they take action. They are attentive to the goings-on of the campus, and are aware of each vehicle so that they are better able to recognize strangers or threats. Campus Safety is one of the best resources on campus.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Alexandra from Arcadia, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Alexander from Sacramento, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Dylan from Prescott, AZ

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Jake from San Marcos, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 10 out of 20 people found this review useful.

    Omar from Paterson, NJ

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 4 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Kaylynn from Daly City, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 0 out of 3 people found this review useful. 2 people found it offensive.

    JOE from LOS ANGELES, CA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    aweful, but very pleasing
    Tips for prospective students

    dont wear thick sunglasses
    Academic Rigor

    none really
    Dorm Life

    dont get one
    Food and Dining

    superv
    What to do for fun

    sports
    Bang for the buck

    no
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    water fountain throw in!
    Great for these types of students

    sure
    Clubs and Activities

    passion group
    Greek Life

    salad!
    Campus Safety

    abusive

  • Katelyn from Carlsbad, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Occidental College has given me not only a unique liberal arts education, but also the opportunity to play Division III NCAA Women's Basketball. This college encourages students to pursue both academic and extracurricular interests and grow within a tightly-knit community.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of small class sizes and seek one-on-one counseling and advice from your professors. My sophomore year I did this and was able to obtain an internship at the U.S. Attorney's Office with the help of a professor. I am also doing summer research currently on a stipend under the mentorship of another professor.

    Take advantage of clubs, greek life, and intramural sports programs. They are a great way to stay active and involved on-campus.

    Also, take advantage of the schools study-abroad programs - nearly 50% of the student body will go abroad at some point during their college experience at Oxy.
    Academic Rigor

    The more work you put into your academics, the more you will get out of your overall college experience. All majors are intense and require a good deal of studying, and it is especially important to be prepared for every class for smaller, seminar-style courses. Occidental does have a great library that is open 24/5 and also on weekends. The library has group study rooms, quiet cubicles, and comfy lounges to meet a variety of student study needs.
    Dorm Life

    Occidental requires students to live on campus the first three years. The dorms are all good, but most rooms are triples. Rangeview dorm is the newest, and I really enjoyed living there last year (all rooms were either doubles or singles and each room had its own shower and bathroom).
    Food and Dining

    We have a make-your-own omelette bar in the mornings, and pasta bar for lunch and dinner. There is a grill that always serves tasty chicken, salmon, or steak with an array of sides (e.g. veggies, potatoes, beans, rice). Occidental College also works diligently to provide a vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free option at every meal time. The food here is above and beyond the standard cafeteria-style meals at most other schools
    What to do for fun

    Explore the eateries in Eagle Rock, and head over for shopping or movies in Pasadena or Burbank. The Griffith Park Observatory, Venice Beach, and Hollywood are close if you have a car. Students should take advantage of living in Los Angeles because there is always something to do!
    Bang for the buck

    No college is perfect. Every college has some flaws. Occidental is no exception. However, it cannot be denied that this college offers its students a more than exceptional academic opportunity. It has been a privilege to learn and grow from this institution the past three years. I feel more than prepared to graduate and continue my education at law school. This is because I took advantage of every experience I could. Playing college basketball, working on-campus, interning for the government, and making close friendships have given me new perspective and excitement about my future.

    So, essentially, you will get your money's worth from Occidental if you remember the phrase carpe diem.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Watch out on your birthday because there is a huge campus-wide tradition to throw students in the fountain on your birthday!
    Great for these types of students

    - Students who want to play division III college sports
    - Students who want to study abroad
    - Students who want to go to a small school (Occidental has under 2,000 students) or like small class sizes (30 max students in a given class)
    Clubs and Activities

    With more than 80 student-organized clubs, there’s a group to appeal to almost any interest, from sign language to the stock market. Each club is organized around shared interests such as culture, sports, languages, intellectual pursuits, or political and social issues.
    Greek Life

    We have a small greek life - only three sororities and two fraternities.
    Campus Safety

    You will always feel safe on campus. Occidental has a 24/7 escort service that shuttles students to and from campus if you don't feel safe or if it is late at night (works for locations up to five miles from campus). We do have a strict alcohol and drug policy.

  • Oswald the Tiger

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Extremely liberal-leaning liberal arts college. Very small class sizes, passionate teachers, less than passionate administration, which in turn impassions students to get passionate.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do an overnight stay, the school will fly you in if you let them know you want to.
    Academic Rigor

    You will find at least one professor who inspires you, and if you choose, you can work your butt off. You can also find a way to do as little work as possible, but then why bother paying a buttload of tuition?
    Dorm Life

    Most dorms are in bad need of facility updates, but usually kids find a way to bond and make it through.
    Food and Dining

    After four years, I'm pretty sick of the food, but it is certainly better than most schools. Always vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and the kitchens even make an effort to buy from local farmers once a week.
    What to do for fun

    GET OUT. It's so easy to stay in the Oxy bubble but LA awaits! Go somewhere!
    Bang for the buck

    Educational-wise, absolutely. Bullshit-wise, I don't understand where my money goes.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Throw your friends in the fountain on their birthdays!
    Great for these types of students

    Strongly-political minded, engaged, want individual attention from teachers, want a liberal arts education.
    Clubs and Activities

    Runneth over.
    Greek Life

    Very small, but those involved take themselves very seriously.
    Campus Safety

    Crime doesn't exist on campus, maybe because campo kicks out anyone who looks like they don't belong.

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