Oxy, which is how many refer to Occidental College, is a lovely campus in the Eagle Rock section of Los Angeles. The campus is spacious and located on a gentle hillside. Spanish architecture predominates and is mixed with more modern buildings. The landscaping is lush and includes many inviting outdoor spaces for gathering and relaxing. The students were a diverse group and I sensed that politics and activism were clearly a part of the campus culture here. The library was busy on a Friday afternoon although our tour guide thought it was a sleepy Friday. Half the students study abroad during their four years. Classes are under 25 students and our guide reported getting to know her professors well. Except for a graduate program in education, Oxy is an undergraduate liberal arts college with strength in most majors. There are fraternities and sororities but only 10% of the student body joins. Oxy has a reputation for being in an unsafe area of Los Angeles but I think this is really a matter of opinion. I thought the campus felt very safe. Our tour guide said she frequented cafes and stores in the neighborhood, but my limited driving in the area did not reveal places that I thought would draw students. In summary, Oxy offers a very strong education and if that’s what you’re looking for, check it out and make your own decision!
Susan
