Occidental College Top Questions

Describe the students at your school.

Cynthia

ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY (was not on the list of choices) My classmates, the ones that I spend the majority of my time with, are super energized & focused with high academic aspirations and standards while remaining patient, open, kind and full of laughter. They are also fierce and passionate about social justice issues and urban sustainability. They are inspiring.

Susan

The students are eclectic, diverse, accepting, driven, and passionate.

Anna

Students at Oxy are open minded for the most part and accepting of a very large range of personalities and backgrounds.

Henry

You could not put any of the students here in a box. It is a very eclectic group of students from a wide ethnic/political/socio-economic background.

Ann

A lot of my classmates are tolerant and accepting of differences. Many are pretty wealthy, but there are lot of kids on scholarships.

Jesse

Studious.

Alex

They are diverse, helpful, fun and lasting.

alex

achievement-oriented

Sarah

Friendly, intelligent, creative

Noel

Very acdemically capable, friendy, socially/ politically active, and driven.

Sarah

My classmates are vocal, active, and tolerant.

Kendall

I think most people fit in at Occidental, there definitely isn't a large artsy/ creative community, but there are peopel from all over the country. Msot students come from middle to upp income families. Student's are very active in their co-curriculars, but not every student is very active.

Harper

What student body? It's just a bunch of students who think they are making a difference when really they yield no power whatsoever. The administration, and board of trustees run every aspect of this school and they don't care about anyone but themselves and making Occidental some higher institution. I think they are aiming for ivy league. They will never get there.

Brenan

The big issue is always diversity. The campus itself is diverse-- there are people from all over the country, the world, and from many different backgrounds. The campus is eager to make issues of tolerance and diversity public matters, but has yet to find the right way to do it. There so far exists a formula for "dialogue," which manifests in many ways-- shouting matches, presentations, tentative public conversations (literally into a mircophone in the quad)... and many other things. I must say that none of these public venues have ever inspired honesty, confidence, open-mindedness, or compassion in me or anyone I know. I think the school needs to find new ways to address these legitimate and important issues. The best conversations I've had have been with friends. My friends and I joke that the most common phrase used in a "dialogue" situation resembles: "I agree with everything you just said, but I completely disagree with you." Oxy talks itself in circles as it is. I'm afraid of what I can and cannot say just walking down the quad. However, I do love that the issues are out there and that at least Oxy is TRYING-- so many other campuses are not.

Jay

The student body is as diverse a group as one could imagine. Personally, I love that! I have learned so much from countless people from different background than my own.

Lily

There is some racial diversity at Oxy, but it doesn't seem like there is very much socio-economic diversity. Most Oxy students are upper middle class. It is a layed back campusl. You rarely see girls carrying designer bags or wearing big chanel sunglasses, but there are a fair amoutn of uggs. It is totally comfortable wearing sweats to class, but if you like to wear real clothes thats cool too. Most people at Oxy are very active and participate in sports or work out regularly. Since it is a small community all different kinds of students interact. But recently there seems to be a lot more participation in greek life which seems to be sucking some individuality out of the school. Students are generally politically aware and active, but there are some ignorant people there who are more concerned about popularity. Sad but true. It is a very liberal campus, and people generally want to make a difference in the world.

John

If there is any group you desire to be a part of, you can find it on campus. One thing that the commitment to diversity of the college brings is the ability to find other people with the same beliefs as you, even though there may not be hundreds with the same stance, you are garunteed to find someone. The great thing about this is that the different students (for the most part) interact, and bring different views etc. to everyone. There is no dress code, so students wear whatever they want to class. As a matter of fact, during one stressful week in the first semester of junior year, I wore pajama pants and a t-shirt to all my classes, at Oxy, you do whatever makes you comfortable. As for the politics of the school, many people fall on the left, and are pretty politicallt active.

Harper

As mentioned above, Oxy is a diverse school. The environment is very accomodating for racial, religious, LGBT...etc differences. Students really wear anything they want to class. There are a lot of athletes on campus so sporty clothes are common. I personally usually wear jeans and t-shirt (pretty typical...). There was a surge of political activism for the Obama campaign..and I'm sure the enthusiasm will continue through November. The campus has a liberal slant (that is almost an understatement). Most students seem aware of political issues and a lot are involved in one way or another.

Laura

somewhat diverese...could be better but it is a small school...you have your uper white middle class students...then everyone else on financial aid

Andrea

A mix of everything really. My hometown was predominantly Caucasian and I come to Oxy and LA and am blown away, in a good way, by all the variations of people.It is impossible to feel out of place at occidental unless you don't want to make friends, because then you won't. If you do want to meet people and make friends though you are in luck because that is what oxy is all about; setting up connections and working with each other.

Jessie

The student body at Oxy is small, yet varied. In general, the students are accepting, positive, and forward-thinking. Many are environmentally conscious and active. Diversity is prevalent and highly emphasized. with just above 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} caucasian, the students at Occidental are exposed to people of many backgrounds (racially, religiously, and socio-economically). There are organized groups open to everyone, but focusing on a certain ethnicity. These groups allow for a group of students, all passionate about a certain history, to join and discuss. Most students are ambitious and have certain goals with their lives. Their goals, however, are not all focused on making the most money. Many students want to better the society, whether it is financially favorable. Students enjoy open discussions about controversial issues, including our highly debated "mulit-cultural" residence hall, which houses a majority of the minority students (out of the student's choice).

Andy

meet as many people as you can. never be satisfied.

Molly

As a transfer student living off campus I struggled with connecting with students my first year, but this had more to do with my choices than any sort of rejection. Students were always very nice, conversational and open. My connection to the student body changed dramatically when I decided to join the sorority Delta Omicron Tau. It was through this experience that I was able to develop strong friendships and a closer bond to the student body.

Blake

Oxy has all types of students but the majority of the people are your average middle-upper class white folks. you'll be able to find your niche.

Kristin

Oxy prides itself on diversity, but there are small groups of various ethnicities. Students are from a range of economic backgrounds, but since Oxy is expensive, many are on either financial aid or can afford to attend. While there is some conflict between groups, people generally interact well. People are very casual in attire. I have seen some students wear pajama pants to class.

Chelsea

Mostly upper-middle-class white kids. It's funny that Occidental preaches about diversity because most students of color (myself included) tend to group together anyway and many live in the Multicultural Hall (Pauley). The student body is way too small, giving it a high school atmosphere and making it difficult to meet new people and get out of the "oxy bubble." I'd say about 60-75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students are from the West Coast, specifically Northern California and Washington (Seattle). I've only met like 5 students from the midwest.

Alex

A lot of Oxy students are from CA and the west coast, but there is a good representation from across the US. Students are really active in a wide range of causes. Politics is a major topic of conversation, but skewed heavily to the left. I think students of all socio-economic backgrounds are welcome. For a private college, Oxy is very welcoming to all types of students.

Beth

Politically, religiously, and culturally I would say Oxy is very liberal. I don't think any student would feel particularly out of place at Oxy. Most students wear jeans, flip flops, and a sweatshirt or tank. Because of its size, Oxy can be a bit cliquey. There are students that come from wealthy backgrounds and flaunt it, but there are also average students who earn scholarships and work through school too.

Jody

I've interacted with a couple groups on campus like QSA and Intervarsity. I found them extremely welcoming, even though I don't necessarily fit the profile of the usual person to participate. I'm agnostic, but the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship welcomed me into a program called "Mark Study" (a in-depth study of the book of Mark). They were open to hearing my opinions and discuss their own. I don't think there is a particular kind of person who would feel out of place at Oxy. If you're willing to step out and be open to other people there will be a group for you. The first week you can approach anyone and ask to sit down, and you're more than likely to get a positive response. We have such a diverse range of people that it doesn't matter what you are politically, financially, geographically, or otherwise, you probably will find a welcoming group.

Christina

Occidental's student body is varied. That is the best way to describe it. There is lots of activity in cultural clubs, and Oxy hosts themed weeks, for example, exploration of blackness and exploration of whiteness week. Since Oxy is so small, different types of students are often interacting in classes, clubs, planning events etc. The student body as a whole is generally very ideologically liberal, and it would be hard to fit in here if, for instance, you were against gay marriage or affirmative action. However, there are fiscally conservative students but generally they keep their views to themselves. Students are from varied backgrounds, however, since it is a private liberal arts college, upper middle class is the norm. But, over 70{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students do recieve some sort of aid which is much higher than comparable colleges, allowing for greater diversity. Occidental's location in LA creates an urban sense of style on campus in that people wear different styles of clothes and the look changes frequently. Generally though, students do have a personal style and reflect that in what they wear everyday.

Harper

One of the coolest things about Oxy is that the kids here come from everywhere which helps to create a really diverse group. A lot of social scenes around campus develop around geographic identity, but there is plenty of interaction as well. Students here tend to be pretty left leaning and are open and accepting of all. There is a rather large economic background disparity among students. Most seem to come from either fairly wealthy or fairly poor backgrounds.

Laura

Student body is amazing. We take a lot of pride in our multiculturalism and all difference groups are represented. People intermingle with one another, although one could say there are definite groups of friends. All financial backgrounds are apparent as Oxy has an amazing financial aid program ensuring a variety of people come to the school. Most students are very left, like most college campuses i'd say, which leads to little political adversity. But everyone for the most part takes an interest in politics which is important.

Molly

Oxy works hard to maintain a level of political correctness that is mind boggling to me. We pride ourselves on our mission to cultivate a diverse student body, whether' that be racial diversity, economic diversity, sexual orientation diversity, diversity of interests, etc. Sometimes, it's like you are walking on egg shells, afraid you will upset someone. That said, we are all respectful of our differences and are very socially aware and active. Service is HUGE at Oxy and the campus is generally left leaning. That said, you've got the Birkenstock wearing hippies, the kids out to change the world, the L.A. girls, the jocks, etc. It's kind of like a bigger high school in that there are many different groups. Although, those groups are not hostel toward one another.

Vicky

lots of emphasis on diversity most students are democrats. at least the more outspoken ones.

Erik

One of the things that really stands out about Occidental is how diverse the student body really is. It wasn't a major factor for me when applying, but I sure see it now. Half of my friends are students who have spent a significant part of their life abroad; even within the faculty there is a considerable amount of variation in terms of their backgrounds, gender, and race. Most students wear what they would even if they weren't going to class: California Casual (T-shirts & Jeans). Occidental is certainly diverse in socio-economic terms as well. Even within my circle of friends there is everyone from the god daughter of Warren Buffet to students who make just as much money as their parents, and many in between. Occidental consistently dedicates a large portion of their budget to student aid so that they can sustain a diverse student body. In terms of geography, a large block of Occidental students seem to come from Northern/Central California, and an unusually high proportion of Hawaiians (relative to their population representation in the US). However, there are many international students from around the world, and students from nearly every state in the US. Because Oxy students are so diverse, you're bound to interact or even become close friends with someone who comes from a significantly bacground from yourself. That being said, many students are very politically active and the school is definitely strongly predisposed towards the left politically. Occidental is a small school. I know everyone in my major, and nearly all of the students in the sciences (in every class year). Although I don't know everyone on a first name basis, I really don't come across an unfamilliar face frequently.

Elizabeth

There's a lot of talk about diversity and being politically correct. Occasionally there are instances of miscommunication about "isms", but for the most part the campus is a very safe, caring environment for all students. If you're super conservative, just be prepared to be in the minority. Most students wear pretty casual clothes; they don't get really dressed up for class, but most people look pretty well put together. There's a lot of Southern California style. Different types of students do interact, but peope with similar backgrounds are more likely to hang out together. Aside from the black students having a certain place to eat lunch, everybody else is pretty mixed. And there are a good amount of non-black students at the "black tables". There are a lot of students at Oxy from the Pacific Northwest, a good amount from Hawaii and the East Coast. There are far less from the South. There are a good amount of very affluent students at Oxy, but there are also a lot of people from different economic classes.

Ryan

Most people tend to be priveleged. This is definetly a liberal campus that is generally politically aware but everyone once in a while you get that idiot football player who doesn't know a damn thing about a damn thing. There's some really ignorant people here, but that's going to be a problem absolutely anywhere in this world. There's also the problem of students being SO politically active that it gets out of control. It's hard to find a balance here.

Leigh

People who want to be out and proud Republicans would face a lot of opposition at Oxy. There's actually a terrible atmosphere surrounding race. Pauley Hall is supposed to be a diverse dorm, but it's more like a fortress into which students of color and a few radical white students can go to talk about how much they hate white people, especially rich white male Republicans. Most Oxy students are from the West Coast, like Oregon, Washington, California, Hawaii... but there's people from all over.

Kendall

Every type of minority group is represented on campus. Diversity is extremely encouraged. Student that would feel out of place is a very right wing, conservative person who has never been in a socially diverse setting. All different types of students interact, sports team greatly help this cause. Students are very politically active and aware. Predominantly left.

Jennifer

Diverse, outgoing, driven. Politically aware, predominately left. Always open to debate and discuss.

Max

Lots of different groups and cliques. Athletes, artists, activists, musicians, Greek peoples, intellectuals, religious folks, intersections between them, etc. But if I were to sum up the idea of a typical Oxy student, I'd say he/she would be relatively leftist, progressive minded bu may or may not do something about it, and then they could either be really into school or sports or a frat, etc. There remains a lot of sugar coated bigotry on campus, but for the most part, everyone is pretty tolerant and easy going.

Emma

Very liberal people and most republicans feel very out of place. Not many highly religious people. A big LGBT community that is very accepted by others.

Daniel

all races and ethnicities are represented at oxy. we have religious groups, LGBT organizations, etc. i think that everyone could find people here who share experiences, histories, and morals with. We are mostly democratic/liberal, but there are a few republicans too. everyone at oxy is very easy going about most things, so we don't pick on the republicnans too much...as long as they know they are a minority and are wrong. HA. And people are EXTREMELY politically active. every single day at lunch in the quad there are tables set up where people are representing their causes and beliefs, handing out flyers, promoting events on campus, etc. The politics department is prolific in bringing speakers and guests to campus. most of those lectures are great, too.

Erin

As a member of the LGBT community on this campus, I mst say that it is not the most welcoming campus for LGBT issues. While very few people here are out right homophobic, the majority of the campus is very unconcerned and unresponsive when it comes to LGBT issues and events on campus.

Grace

Occidental strives to be diverse but like many small liberal arts schools is a majority white, middle class students. There are great cultural clubs on campus and many students who identify as LGBorT. Many students are from California (LA and Bay area) but there are people from all over including many Hawaiians, people from Seattle and the East Coast. The campus is predominantly liberal.

Virginia

The student body is extremely liberal, so there are a lot of awareness weeks and social/racial/etc events year-round. We joke that every week is a different theme-"Asian-Pacific Islander Week," "Save Darfur Week," "Take Back the Week (Night)." There are also lots of cultural events on campus, from dance performance groups, speakers, comdians, a luau, asian-themed night market. Everyone is pretty chill-you are constantly meeting new people and eating with friends of friends. I interact with lots of different people on a day to day basis. It's also cool because although it's a small private school, a lot of people come from out of state or northern California. I've met lots of interesting people at Oxy, whom I will keep in contact with for years.

Ashley

As mentioned before, Oxy is all about diversity. Additionally, it's four cornerstones of excellence, equity, community, and service are grounds to help mediate the different backgrounds and experiences that students bring. I think the most salient identity that could make some feel out of place is one's socioeconomic status. Oxy isn't cheap, but they provide amazing financial aid and scholarships to deserving students. With that said there are students who are paying the full tuition while others have a completely free-ride because of the awarded monetary aid. Los Angeles can be pretty expensive depending on your hobbies and interests and money can be a touchy issue at times. Otherwise, I think the school is relatively open to all forms of experiences as long as the individuals keep an open-mind to potential contradicting points of view. Dress ranges from heels and coach totes to shoe-less and pj's. For the most part, the standard SoCal jeans, flip flops and a summery top or t-shirt are the commonly seen outfits. Over the seasons you'll see uggs, sweatshirts/pants, summer dresses, and the like cycle through. Most students come from the West Coast with a large group of students from Hawaii. There's also a sizable group of international students who come for a year-long abroad program. I remember living in a dorm with a kid from Toyko during my frosh year. On the political spectrum, campus is fairly left and students are moderately to highly aware and active. Though there are Democrat and Republican Student Groups, there's room for more acceptance in this realm.

Kevin

Oxy's student body is an interesting mix of people. I think we are known worldwide for our diverse students, and I know that a lot of people here think we aren't yet diverse enough and a lot of people here think its all a scam. The point is, there's a lot of discourse going on regarding these issues which makes it an exciting time to be here. With so many different types of people around, I don't think you can really feel out of place here any more than you would anywhere else.

claire

Most students just wear jeans and a t-shirt but sweatpants are obviously seen around campus. Four tables: 1. football 2. sorority/fraternity 3. track 4. anyone Most students are from NorCal, Oregon, or Washington. Something like 60{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} are out of state, most of my friends are all from different places. I think every student is politically aware and most are liberal.

Tess

Most students at Occidental are very liberal. We have a very diverse campus and I wouldn't want to give any wrong statistics about the types of people that go here. One of the most pleasing things I see is that all different types of students interact. There also isn't this feeling of having to dress a certain way or be a certain way that might alienate certain groups. I would say that everyone can be who they and they will be accepted. Actually, I would say that people just need to be themselves and that is how they will be accepted.