Pitzer College
Reviews

Safety

I don't ever recall feeling unsafe on campus. However, when I was a Junior, while sleeping in my dorm (my roommate in the next bed) and our room was visited by an intruder. Nothing happened to me physically, but my purse was stolen, along with my wallet and keys (including car). Campus safety took a report, but nothing came of it. After that we kept our door locked.

I didn't walk alone after a party in the middle of the night, but when I would walk alone from evening classes, I didn't feel like my safety was threatened. Still, there are always issues of safety no matter where you are, just use your common sense at Pitzer and most likely you'll be fine.

On another note, I receive a lot of parking tickets from campus safety. I ended up using the tickets as my wall paper. It was a nice pink and yellow wall by the end of the school year. Thanks campus safety!

Pitzer, 5-Cs and Claremont

I went to Pitzer in the early 2000s, before the new refurbishment. When I was there the campus was half arboretum-esque/half SF style inner-city with cinder block walls covered in murals; perfect for the neo-hippy mentality. The other 4-C's were gorgeous in comparison to Pitzer at the time, However, I hear Pitzer has become the leader in leed certified buildings and I assume the campus has improved (and I have learned the neo-hippy mentality is slowly fading out). Claremont is like a small, clean, safe 1950s-type of suburban community (small music venues, restaurants, clubs, bars, etc) which is situated inside a Pomona lower-income community (more restaurants, bars, shopping malls, cinemas, etc). Once outside the immediate areas (typically by car, but can take train to certain parts) you can venture off to LA or spend time exploring the desert on camping trips. The Claremonts are proud of being situated in the proximity of all these options.

Freshman Frenzy

As a freshman at Pitzer trying to major in Psychology, it was very difficult to get the upper level classes to fill my pre-requisite. They make the introductory courses open for freshman which is convenient.

Academic Freedom -- Pitzer's Double Edged Sword

Pitzer is great at allowing the student to take charge of their own education. Whether you want to take upper-division courses as a freshman, create your own major, or even survey a wide variety of introductory courses, your academic career weighs on your own shoulders. This, however, can be a double-edged sword. I find that because of the higher-than-average academic freedom, there is a lack of faculty support in advising. It takes a confident, assertive student to take charge of their education here.

Good Memories

I've had a great time at Pitzer. It's a great place that really helps you grow and develop as a person. I don't know if I would do the whole college thing at Pitzer again, but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything.

Aid

Financial aid has been wonderful, they really work with what you need and are always understanding if you fall a little behind with payments.

Facilities at Pitzer

Because we are a consortium, we share a lot of facilities, including the library and the sports complex, which is located on Pomona's campus. The library is top-notch, a really great library with tons of places to study, though it is impossible to find a place to study during finals. The sports center is pretty set, obviously great for athletes. The gym for the regular folk is OK. Pitzer has a workout room, but it is too small for the school.

Extremely Safe

I have walked back to campus with friends at around 1 am. There is always security passing by making sure everything is okay and, no, they will not ruin your party. Unless you have a severe drinking or drug problem, there is no need to worry about feeling unsafe. Always make sure you have a buddy system! What I most worry about is my bike getting stolen. That, you do need to watch out for.

Rules Vs. Reality

There are policies in the handbook that are definitely not substance friendly but basically the policies are to know your R.A.s and to not do anything stupid enough to get you caught. YOu can also do what most students do and do anything you're afraid of getting caught for at Claremont McKenna College because frankly that is a place where there are no rules. Some students view this as a bad thing but I'm definitely not opposed to their free flowing environment. Once again, the consortium is a life saver.

Off Campus Food

The off campus food is pretty good. The only thing is the discount is like 10% sooo...its basically the California state tax. There also aren't very many delivery places, so East coasters used to eating delivery Chinese food will have to settle for Mix Bowl.

Pot

A lot of people smoke weed. I feel safe on campus and while a lot of people do choose to do drugs, I feel no pressure to do them. Our campus safety staff is very good and people are encouraged to find help for their friends if they need help.

Best of Both Worlds

There is a great social scene at Pitzer College because of the Claremont Consortium. It is the best of both worlds because while there isn't always that many parties at Pitzer, you can easily go over to CMC or Mudd and can also choose to have a quiet night inside without worrying about noise.

Athetics

Sports are not very big at Pitzer. Mostly just students and their friends are involved. Parents also attend.

I Don't Like the Metrolink

If you're trying to get to LA, the Metrolink is kind of a pain. However, there is really no need for transportation to hang out in the Village. Everything is within walking distance.

A for Pleasant Lack

There is basically no 'Greek Life' which I prefer.

Friendly Professors

I've never been confronted with a professor who either didn't have adequate responses or was disinterested in finding some.

Comfortable, Friendly Housing Situation

People are always friendly and welcoming. The dorms aren't new, but they serve their purpose well. There are various options for housing, including the new dorms which feel like a hotel, up to 8 person suites for developed friendships. The dorms are very close to the academic buildings at Pitzer, and no more than a 20 minute walk from any building on any of the 5Cs. The housing process is not as streamlined as it could be, but the assisting staff are friendly and helpful.

Quiet and Safe Campus

I've walked around campus at all hours of the day and night, and never felt unsafe. Campus Safety is available and helpful, but not strict. There is some petty theft, but mostly due to people's own faults.

Useful but Not Pretty

The buildings at Pitzer are useful and practical, though not modern. All of the buildings have a style that match Pitzer's ethos. The majority of the facilities are fine, but the central facilities for the 5C's are much better.

Ehh

off campus parties are generally more fun because most of the themed/sponsored parties are pretty trashy. some are really fun though

None Needed!

The Claremont Colleges only equal one square mile combined, so walking, biking, etc. are very reasonable options. In addition, Pitzer Transportation Coalition provides a tram that runs from Pitzer to Pomona.

Minimal

Only upperclassmen are allowed to have cars on campus. With that in mind, there is plenty of parking. However, there are only two lots near the dorms and they often get pretty crowded.

Ample Warnings Given

Rules are not overly enforced. Students are given ample warnings before being written up and RA's and other rule enforcing positions are generally very lenient.

Times Are Changing

When I initially attended Pitzer (2002-2005) off-campus housing was limited and very costly. As a working student on financial aid, I could never afford to live off campus as student aid covers on campus housing much more generously. However, upon my return to Pitzer (Spring 2011), I was pleased to discover that several new apartment complexes had been built in the surrounding area and seemed to be marketing to students. However, I don't have any personal experience with these new housing options, so I'm afraid I can't be of much help on this topic.

A Comfortable Environment

The campuses of the Claremont Colleges have a small, community feel. They are well lit and security call boxes are readily available. I never felt unsafe walking alone at night through the campus. As with any college campus, the occasional incident does occur, but with much less frequency than most campuses and anytime something does happen, the colleges are quick to respond and keep the student body informed.