Clubs & Activities
More than Science
At Caltech, our students are not just scientists. They are athletes, actors, musicians, artists, and more. We make sure our students have opportunities to explore their passions.
Clubs & Organizations
Caltech has over 100 official student-led clubs and organizations. Alpine Skiing, Quizbowl, cultural identity organizations, robotics, and the Cheese Society are just a few of our offerings. There's even a Turtle Club. And if you don't find something that interests you, you can start your own club. It's easy to explore your interests with peers here on campus.
Connecting with Community
Students at Caltech work hard in the labs to make global change, and they look for ways to make local change in our community. The Caltech Y, offers opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, from tutoring to conservation work to holding community events. They also rent out all kinds of equipment for your off-the-grid adventures!
If you're looking to find community and explore your own identity, the Caltech Center for Inclusion & Diversity (CCID) is a safe space to connect with those who share your identities and to learn about ways you can advocate for yourself and others. The CCID holds regular affinity spaces and provides workshops, programs, and training for all members of the Caltech Community to promote education, advocacy, and allyship.
Performing & Visual Arts
We know you're not an "all science, all the time" kind of person. Or maybe you are! Either way, we want you to be able to explore other aspects of yourself. Caltech students understand that science itself is an art form, and they have a strong appreciation of the fine arts. Our Performing & Visual Arts department engages students in a deeper appreciation of music, theater, and visual arts. Caltech students can take classes and get involved with performances to connect with their creativity outside of the Lab. We want you to be able to continue to create music, art, and theater while you're here. Whether your jam is classical, jazz, or chamber, or something else, our music department has you covered. Visual arts offers ceramics, painting, and silk screening. And Theater provides the opportunity to learn all aspects of the theatrical craft and work with professionals in areas of theater design.
Athletics
Got sports? We do. The Caltech Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation gives you the chance to enhance your physical, mental, and social development through movement and exercise. About 25% of our students compete in NCAA III sports. That's a lot! We also have several club sports teams. And if you were wondering, Caltech is a member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (SCIAC).
Our recreation can't be beat! (I know you got that pun.) Our athletics department provides terrific facilities for all Caltech students: athletic centers, fields, tennis courts, pools. There's something for every level of fitness. And classes! From aerobics to yoga, we've got you covered.