Harvey Mudd College
Reviews

The People Are Awesome

One of the main reasons I picked this school over other intensive science schools is the atmosphere and community. The people are friendly and helpful, and there is rarely ever any competition between students since we are encouraged to work together. Everyone is very supportive, which is essential in surviving the challenging workloads of Harvey Mudd.

Awesome Campus

Most Mudders live on-campus for the first two years. Everything is very close by: walking to the academic buildings on-campus from dorms takes about 10-15 minutes if you're from Outer Dorms, 2-5 minutes on a skateboard or unicycle. A wide number of living arrangements are available, depending on which dorm building you pick during the room draw process. There are doubles, singles, and suites of various sizes. Each dorm as a distinct social atmosphere.

The food at the dining hall is...

The food at the dining hall is generally pretty good but rather repetitive. To break the monotony, most people occasionally go to one of the other five dining halls on the 5Cs, which have varied strengths. Jay's Place is definitely a favorite spot for evening study breaks and snacks.

We share the facilities of the all...

We share the facilities of the all of the Claremont colleges, so overall, we have lots of pretty good options. Platt Campus Center is a particularly nice place to relax and do work in comfortable couches among friends.

The school does not really...

The school does not really participate in sports, but dorms do engage in cross-campus IM sports. These can be a lot of fun, such as inner tube water polo.

Since it is a small school, the...

Since it is a small school, the facilities are limited but adequate. The academic buildings are all cramped together, but the scientific equipment makes up for this.

Nightlife is decent. On the...

Nightlife is decent. On the weekends, there are sure to be students partying hard to make up for the lost time during the week. The small community results in small parties, but the campus has a relaxed policy on partying.

Parking is fine on campus. You...

Parking is fine on campus. You won't be driving to class because the campus is so small, but it's nice to have a car for grocery runs and such. Freshmen can bring cars.

Parties on campus are pretty good....

Parties on campus are pretty good. Mudd throws some of the best parties of the colleges in the immediate area. A lot of people come here to party on the weekends.

Varsity sports aren't huge at...

Varsity sports aren't huge at Mudd, but they are definitely present. We have combined sports teams with Scripps College and Claremont McKenna College. There's a pretty good amount of swimmers, and a lot of track and field people at Mudd. Intramural sports have a presence, too. We divide into teams based on dorms. Participation varies from dorm to dorm. There's a pretty big array of sports, which is fun.

There is no Greek life, but each...

There is no Greek life, but each dorm has its own community and personality.

There is usually adequate parking...

There is usually adequate parking on campus for everyone. It is easy to register your car at the beginning of the school year. You only need to use a car to run errands since the campus is so small and everything is within walking distance.

Mudd loves to spend money on...

Mudd loves to spend money on student facilities. We've got a really great study lounge with ridiculously comfortable couches and a free coffee machine. There's also the Activities Center where you can play pool, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, and watch TV. It has a gym with all the basic machines. If you are looking for a larger gym, the other four Claremont Colleges allow us use of their facilities as well.

Most people stay on campus because...

Most people stay on campus because Mudd guarantees four-year housing for everyone.

There is absolutely no Greek life...

There is absolutely no Greek life at Mudd. Although sometimes it feels like each dorm is its own Greek house, it is not distinctively so.

There are a few good restaurants...

There are a few good restaurants in the area. Most are in the Village at Claremont, but they can be quite costly. There are also a few places in the surrounding area.

For the most part, the parties at...

For the most part, the parties at Mudd are good and considered some of the best ones from the 5Cs. A lot of parties on campus are Mudd-only, but there are a few 5C parties scattered around. There's not much nightlife outside of the 5Cs in the surrounding area.

Parking can be tight. Since...

Parking can be tight. Since everyone lives on campus, the need for a car is more dependent on your external activities. Most things in Claremont are accessible by foot or bike. However, you sometimes feel the need to go to the mall down the way or need some way to get to that interview down the freeway.

That being said, I would guess 1/3 to 1/2 of the students have cars on campus and most are willing to lend you a ride.

Varsity sports are something I...

Varsity sports are something I don't pay much attention to. We have some good D-III teams, but it's background noise to me. The intramurals are pretty intense. We have events for all the typical sports and some dorms even send out multiple teams. However, we also throw in a few non-traditional competitions, such as hot dog eating. Even more fun is when the professors send out the Geezer team for a sport. They're very good at soccer.

For some reason, we're known as...

For some reason, we're known as the party school. It's not that we always have parties, although they are fairly common. It's not that we always drink, our average drinking rate is lower than the national average. It's because the parties are themed and incredible. For example, one dorm hosts Wild Wild West, a party where they even rent out an electric bucking horse and spread hay across the courtyard. Plus, since everyone lives on campus, everyone can come to the parties.

There aren't too many off-campus bars and such. Most of the time you can find enough booze on campus.

People go join CMC varsity sports....

People go join CMC varsity sports. On campus, there are lots of random sports like unicycling, ultimate Frisbee, and capture the flag.

Drugs are available if you want...

Drugs are available if you want them, but few people actually use them.

The computer network is fantastic....

The computer network is fantastic. There is 24-hour access to at least four labs on campus with more available for those who have need. Labs can be full if there is a big assignment or tutoring going on, but generally it is easy to get a computer. Many students bring a computer or laptop, and it can help as professors send a lot of announcements through e-mail. However, one is not necessary.

There is no Greek Life on campus....

There is no Greek Life on campus. Most socialization and parties happen through the dorms on campus.

The Village, within walking...

The Village, within walking distance just south of Pomona campus, offers plenty of affordable off-campus dining from nice restaurants to pseudo-fast food places and sandwich shops. There are plenty of other restaurants and fast food places within driving or biking distance. There are pizza and Thai places that deliver to campus. Bua Thai is one of the best restaurants in the Village.