It is hard to write a "Big Picture" just about Scripps and not about the undergraduate Claremont Consortium overall. The five colleges are so integrated that it feels more like one big campus than five separate ones.
While Scripps has less than 1,000 students, the Colleges have over 5,000 people. This contrast is perfect because it makes for small classes and tight-knit communities within Scripps, but also allows for the diversity and social scene of a bigger school. If knowing everyone at your college, making best friends with your professors, and being able to walk across campus and back in 10 minutes excites you - Scripps' small size allows that. If you need a few thousand more people and other perks that a medium-sized school offers, the Claremont Colleges as a whole will still meet your needs.
The best place to hang out on Scripps is the Motley Coffeehouse (progressive, feminist, student-run, fair trade, eco-friendly, supporter of the arts, etc. It represents Scripps well) or anywhere outside since our campus is beautiful.
Claremont is very small. It's downtown is called the "Village" and it is within walking distance of the schools. It is quaint with several expensive restaurants and boutiques - not very student friendly. But while you won't find the college town - typical row of bars, burrito joints, and Urban Outfitter stores anywhere nearby, there are basic resources like a post office and pharmacy, and some sweet locally-owned places that are well worth checking out. If nothing else, the train station is located in the Village. It will take you to LA in less than an hour.
Since Scripps is so small, it is easy for students to get to know administrators. Some stand-out offices are Career Planning and Resources, the Office of Off-Campus Study, and the Student Activities and Residential Life Office (particularly the Office of Off-Campus Study,I just can't say enough good things about them. If you want to study abroad, Scripps is a great place to do it).
Some of my favorite things about Scripps are the quirky traditions that have been in place since the early 20th century. Scripps does not take its traditions lightly. We still have tea on Wednesday afternoons and "candlelight dinners' a few times each semester. Even if you're not into the nostalgia overload, you will learn to love these events because they provide you with excellent (often free) food.