Five Things You Must Do at Scripps College

As a Scripps College student, I found myself exposed to a wealth of activities and events. Women’s colleges are known for having unique rituals for their students, and Scripps is no exception. Scripps’ traditions foster a powerful sense of sisterhood and build connections among the student body. Here are five things that you absolutely must participate in before you graduate.

1.) Go to a candlelight dinner.

Candlelight dinners are a longtime Scripps tradition: in the early days, Scrippsies were treated to these luxurious meals nightly! Now the college holds special candlelight dinners 3-4 times a year, including traditionally for Halloween and Valentine’s Day. All of them are great, although my personal favorite is the Halloween dinner, since everyone dresses up and participates in the costume contest (with prizes!). Because candlelight dinners are only open to Scripps students, they promote a strong sense of sisterhood and have incredible food. Be sure to go to at least one before you graduate.

2.) Hang out at The Motley.

Scripps is home to the Claremont Colleges’ only coffee shop, and it’s a great one. The student-run Motley has a wide range of made-to-order drinks and delicious snack items. There’s something to eat or drink for everyone, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or a carnivore. The Motley has a fun atmosphere, with funky, often changing murals on the walls, and music blaring from the speakers.

They also host bands and events periodically throughout the semester. Make sure you spend at least some time hanging out here, whether to hang out with friends or to get that early morning or late night caffeine fix.

3.) Learn all the ghost stories.

Your time at Scripps is not complete without hearing stories about the ghosts that are rumored to haunt the dorms. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, these tales are spooky fun for all. You can hear many of these stories from other students, but the best way to get them all is from the Scripps Librarian, Judy Harvey Sahak. She’s an alumna herself and gives a can’t-miss talk on Scripps’ paranormal lore every year around Halloween.

4.) Join the community at afternoon tea.

Every Wednesday afternoon, Scripps College hosts a mid-afternoon tea. It takes place in the beautiful Seal Court (or occasionally indoors when it’s raining) and features tea, lemonade, and delectable snack foods. What you get here goes beyond food, though; it’s community. Afternoon tea is an opportunity to mingle with faculty, staff and even the Scripps president in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

Scripps tea is such an important community event that any time I had a Wednesday afternoon class, our professor would make sure we had a break to go to tea together as a class.

5.) Attend the Life After Scripps Conference.

Thinking about post-grad life can feel like a drag when you’re immersed in college life, but it’s important to start to plan for it as early as your freshman year. Scripps’ excellent Career Planning and Resources Department puts Life After Scripps on every year to prepare you for the future. This event includes several days of sessions to help you prepare for your professional future, plus networking dinners and panels by Scripps alums, some of whom may be interested in hiring you.

When I attended this event my senior year, it helped me make a plan for graduating and demystified much of the mysterious work world. I only regret not taking the time to attend Life After Scripps during at least one of my earlier years as well.

Kacie Berghoef, MSW, works as a Certified Enneagram Teacher and a writer. She received a BA in Philosophy from Scripps College. Connect with Kacie at linkedin.com/in/kberghoef and at BerghoefBell.com.