* The most popular groups are the debate team, the Claremont Democrats, track and field, and swimming.
* I preside over Psi Chi, an organization for psychology majors. We hold events where students learn about faculty research, bowl with professors, attend Dr. Phil tapings, and watch psychology-related movies.
* Students in dorms leave their doors open if they're in their rooms. Otherwise we lock them.
* Athletic events are mildly popular for a third division school. Guest speakers come on a regular basis, and they are very popular because students can have a banquet dinner at the Atheneaum and then hear an interesting lecture. Theater is not very popular, though students will gladly hop over to the other campuses for Rocky Horror performances.
* Most students date other students from the 5Cs. Some long-distance relationships work. Random hook-ups are common and encouraged.
* I met most of my closest friends within the first few weeks of freshman year. Most either lived in my dorm or were friends with people who lived in my dorm. I also met some people before school ever started, because we exchanged AIM screen names and chatted.
* If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I am either doing data analysis in the computer lab or watching videos on Youtube.
* Annual events: the foam party (half-naked dancing in a pool of foam), Monte Carlo (gambling and dancing to jazz music), prom, 6:01 (the first hour after the no-drinking rule ends after the first week of classes), SYR (Screw Your Roommate - hook your roommate up with a partner for a dance), a big-name musical act in February/March, the Madrigal Feast (7-course meal with choral entertainment and liquor), getting thrown in the pond on your birthday, drinking champagne in the pond after completing thesis (seniors only)
* There are at least 2 parties every weekend, and many regular attendees. Beer is free and plentiful.
* There are no fraternities or sororities at CMC.
* Last weekend I ate out with my friends, and we drove up to the snow at Big Bear Lake.
* There is live entertainment in Claremont Village on a Saturday night. Some students like to play pool, cards, or videogames. Others watch movies. Still others attend the established parties but don't drink anything.
* Off campus, there are tons of things to do. Clubbing in West Hollywood is a favorite of mine. The greater L.A. area has its share of fantastic beaches, including Venice and Santa Monica. I also enjoy driving up to the mountains during snow season, or taking road trips to San Diego and Las Vegas. It's important to get off campus every once in a while to experience the real world. Claremont is not the real world.