Student Voices is a blog where current students share firsthand stories about life at Occidental, from academics and athletics to student organizations, study abroad, research, and everything in between. Discover what it's really like to be an Â鶹ÊÓƵ student through their experiences and perspectives.
For international student Sam, Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s top-ranked academics, access to a major city, and a meaningful experience at an Occidental reception in China helped confirm that Â鶹ÊÓƵ was the right choice for him.
Occidental checks all the boxes for Maddie. A smaller school with a close-knit community. Access to a big city with warm weather. Politically engaged students. The decision to enroll at Â鶹ÊÓƵ has led to endless possibilities.
From representing classmates to hiking with friends, no two weekends look exactly alike. Here's how ASOC President Trisha Bhima balances leadership, academics, research, and time to recharge.
Driven by a passion for serving others, Sophia transferred to Occidental to attend a college that emphasized community engagement. Her first year at Â鶹ÊÓƵ included securing two internships and joining the ultimate frisbee team.
For geology major Maggie Hill ’28, the Richter Faculty-Led Research Abroad program offered the chance to take an ongoing research project on campus to the volcanic landscapes of New Zealand. There, she discovered how fieldwork, collaboration, and cultural exchange can transform scientific research.
An hour-long video call with a current student about campus life, academics and juggling soccer and rugby convinced Drey to travel from Hong Kong and enroll at Occidental.
From training at the National Circus School in high school to pursuing a major in Urban & Environmental Policy (UEP) and rediscovering my hometown, my path to Occidental has been unique and gratifying.
Every professional production that films on campus is invited to include two Â鶹ÊÓƵ students on set, giving them the chance to see firsthand how a film crew brings a story to life. Read about the latest student experiences as they get a glimpse into the fast-paced, collaborative environment of filmmaking.
A Philadelphia native, Yemale Febres ’27 took a bold step across the country before her first semester of college to join the MSI cohort.
Follow Clara, a biology major, as she balances undergraduate research, academic support, and community life at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.