First-Year Experience
A menu of activities designed to help you get oriented, prepared, and settled into college life
Your Pitzer Adventure Begins...
The transition from high school to college is a moment of transformative growth, and we understand that completely.
From easing into community living and becoming accustomed to college-level intellectual inquiry, to creating the friendship support networks that will see you through your time at Pitzer and beyond, your first-year experiences will have a lasting impact.
From the moment you arrive on campus, you'll be supported by residential and academic programs to help set you up for success and welcome you into the Pitzer community.
These include:
Explore First-Year Experiences
Orientation Adventure Trips
Your college experience won't start in a classroom, but amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Southern California or the bustling culture of Los Angeles on an Orientation Adventure trip.
Explore Orientation Adventure Trips
First-Year Seminar (FYS)
Your First-Year Seminar is specifically designed to kindle your scholarly curiosity and hone your academic writing skills. These intimate classes of approximately 15 students pave the way for a college experience rooted in active learning, self-expression, and collective inquiry.
First-Year Seminar ProgramPitzer Voices
"My first-year seminar (FYS) totally shaped the trajectory of my college experience. Taking a course Exploring Natural Disasters allowed me to consider the interaction between society and science in such a tangible way. This is something I continue to seek out in all of my classes."
Mariah Jenkins '20
Geology major
Dorm Living
Pitzer, Atherton and Sanborn (PAS) Halls Living
All first-year students are required to live on campus in Pitzer, Atherton, and Sanborn Halls. In addition to a supportive community environment, you can take advantage of study rooms, outdoor spaces, and the Gold Student Center swimming pool located just steps away.
Explore PAS HallsContact Us
New Student Orientation Office