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Student Voices

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 Oxy student through their experiences and perspectives.

 

an occidental student poses for a picture in the Academic Quad with Gilman Fountain in the background.
Why I Chose Oxy: Welcomed into the Community

For international student Sam, Oxy’s top-ranked academics, access to a major city, and a meaningful experience at an Occidental reception in China helped confirm that Oxy was the right choice for him.

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an occidental student sits on a bench with a book smiling on the los angeles campus.
Why I Chose Oxy: A Perfect Decision for Endless Possibilities

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 Oxy has led to endless possibilities.

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ASOC President Trisha Bhima standing in the ASOC office at Occidental College
My Oxy Weekend: Trisha B.

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.

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Occidental Student posing for photo on the Los Angeles Campus holding a Frisbee overlooking the Quad
Why I Chose Oxy: Finding a Community That Cares

Driven by a passion for serving others, Sophia transferred to Occidental to attend a college that emphasized community engagement. Her first year at Oxy included securing two internships and joining the ultimate frisbee team.

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Occidental student Maggie Hill '28 hiking through the mountains in New Zealand
My Research in New Zealand

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.

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an occidental student sits a directors chair in the Remsen Bird Amphitheater
Why I Chose Oxy: One Conversation Made the Difference

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. 

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Three female Occidental students with ultimate frisbee jerseys, standing together
My Transfer Student Story

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.

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an occidental student stands outside of Johnson Hall on the Occidental LA campus
Why I Chose Oxy: When Destiny Leads You to Occidental

Burch knows destiny lead to Occidental. The authentic community, ideal access to Los Angeles and exploratory benefits of a liberal arts education have created a fun and enriching college experience.

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Film crew and others preparing for Liberty Mutual commercial shoot at Occidental
Set Life: Behind the Scenes of On-Campus Productions

Every professional production that films on campus is invited to include two Oxy 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.

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Yemale Febres '27 with the 2023 MSI cohort, standing together and smiling in the sunshine
From Philly to L.A. for Occidental’s Multicultural Summer Institute

A Philadelphia native, Yemale Febres ’27 took a bold step across the country before her first semester of college to join the MSI cohort. 

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