California Institute of Technology

Caltech students can choose to opt into the house system, where they are placed into one of the eight UG houses. Each house has a family-style dinner every weeknight during which they sit together in their dining hall and are served by paid student waiters. Each UG house has its unique customs. For example, Dabney House stages a liquid nitrogen pumpkin drop from the top of the Caltech Hall every Halloween. Furthermore, these houses host one ‘inter-house’ party during the year. These are elaborate events, where members of the house plan food, music, décor, and other parts of the party for the UG student body.