Pitzer 101: Advice for New Students & Families

New students and their families have many questions about starting life at Pitzer College. Current students and parents have answers. Check out these four tips from our campus community! 

Tip #1: Practice (and Encourage) Boldness

For Students: 

“Join clubs … and try new things, because you never know where you’re going to find yourself.” 

“Keep that top half of your hatch-style door open, so when you’re hanging out in your room, you can say hello to people who pass by.” 

“Say yes to as many invitations and activities as you can in those first few weeks; it’s the easiest and most natural window to find your people.” 

Putting yourself out there can be scary, but Pitzer’s welcoming community makes it easy! You have many opportunities to make friends: 

• Join a Pitzer club or organization 
• Check Engage for events at Pitzer and the other Claremont Colleges 
• Drop in for jam sessions at the Grove House 
• Make yourself cozy at the Pit-Stop Café or Shakedown Café 
• Lounge at the pool 
• Hang out at The Mounds 
• And more! 

According to Princeton Review’s 2026 student surveys, Pitzer ranks #9 for “LGTBQ-Friendly,” #4 for “Most Active Student Government,” and #7 for “Great Outdoors: Students Get Outside.” Get involved in the thriving campus life and make yourself at home on campus—it belongs to you. 

For Parents: 

“Let [your student] own their college experience. Encourage them to navigate class registration themselves, advocate for their own needs, and lean into their academic advisor and Pitzer’s support systems. It can be hard to step back, but watching them figure it out and thrive is the whole point.” 

You have raised a wonderful human being. Your student chose Pitzer—a place that encourages leadership, community engagement, and fearless experimentation. Look forward to seeing them flourish here! 

Pitzer’s staff, faculty, and students are ready to provide resources to new students. Students can support their learning through academic coaching and accessibility services. They can also access various mental health and wellness services. Remind your student that it’s good to ask for help. 

According to Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’ 2026 Best U.S. Colleges list, Pitzer ranks #4 for “Best Schools for the Student Experience.” Encourage your student to make the most of their Pitzer experience so they can tell you all the fun stories. 

Tip #2: Explore Campus and Beyond

For Students: 

“Bring a bike! The Claremont heat is real, and having wheels makes a big difference, whether it’s getting across campus or exploring the Village.” 

“Go to some grocery stories nearby and cook a fun meal with your friends.” 

“Explore all the campuses. Grab a matcha at the Motley [a coffeehouse at Scripps College]. Go to the rose gardens at Scripps. Go to see the statues at Pomona. There is a lot to see.” 

Checking out a bicycle from the Green Bike Program or cooking at the Demo Kitchen in West Hall are just a few ways to have fun at Pitzer. Learn more about student life at Pitzer and try whatever piques your curiosity.  

As a member of The Claremont Colleges, Pitzer offers the resources of a large university while maintaining the personal experience of a small liberal arts college. Pitzer’s Southern California location is also ideal for year-round exploration in Claremont and Los Angeles. 

For Parents: 

“The farmer’s market on Sundays has been great for my son (and us when we visit).” 

“My favorite place to get matcha off campus is Iron & Kin in the [Claremont] Village.” 

Sunset Magazine and U.S. News & World Report call Claremont a “peaceful oasis” away from the buzz of Los Angeles. The Claremont Village is a short walk from campus and features restaurants, bakeries, cafés, shops, and hangouts. It’s the perfect place to treat your student should you visit them. 

Pro tip: save the date for Pitzer’s Family Weekend from November 6 to 8. You can experience the Pitzer community firsthand and see the world through your student’s eyes.  

Tip #3: Keep in Touch

For Students: 

“Give [your family] a call after your first week of classes. Because even though they’re not here, they’re gonna want to hear.” 

“My tips for staying connected with family from afar is messaging, calling, checking in, and sharing exciting news.” 

Sending proof of life is good. Sharing a laugh and recounting adventures with your family is even better. If your family doesn’t live in Southern California, you can also make them jealous of the sunny weather. 

For Parents: 

“My son and I will sometimes just exchange photographs via text of what each of us is looking at. That has been fun. Being part of Family Leadership Council has been a nice way for me to hear what is happening more broadly at Pitzer.” 

“Set a regular FaceTime day and time, not to check up, but to stay genuinely connected… Texts are great, but seeing their face matters.” 

Empty nest syndrome is real. Establishing a routine call with your student can help you stay connected (and sane). If you’re missing your PTA days or want to be more involved, you can also join Pitzer’s Family Association or Family Leadership Council.

Tip #4: Exercise Self-Compassion

“It’s a lot coming into a new space and learning how to navigate a whole new environment. But just remember to take a breather and remember who you are and what you need.” 

“I wish I had known how weird the first few weeks of not having [my student] at home would be, and that I would find myself feeling a bit guilty when it stopped seeming as weird.” 

This advice is the same for students and families. You’re in an adjustment period, and it’s natural to feel uncertain. One of Pitzer’s most popular murals is called “you are of this place—it is changing you.” These words are true whether you’re a student or a parent. Pitzer is a place of transformation, and we can’t wait to see how you grow as a member of our community.