Ever wondered where the hilariously relatable drama of The Sex Lives of College Girls unfolds? It's not *exactly* on a real college campus, but the locations are pretty darn convincing!
Not Actually a Real College...But Close!
While the show portrays the fictional Essex College, you won't find it on any college brochure. So, where's the magic happening? Get ready for a little Hollywood secret!
A lot of the exterior shots, those picturesque scenes of campus life, are actually filmed at the Greystone Mansion & Gardens in Beverly Hills, California. Yep, that gorgeous building with all the history? It's a stand-in for Essex!
Why Greystone?
Greystone offers stunning architecture and sprawling gardens. It's a perfect backdrop for establishing that quintessential "elite college" vibe. Think ivy-covered walls and majestic fountains – the kind of stuff that screams "prestige!"
Plus, it's a popular filming location! Greystone has appeared in countless movies and TV shows before. You might have seen it without even realizing!
Inside Essex: Soundstages and More
For all the interior shots, like the dorm rooms and classrooms where most of the chaos (and heartfelt moments) happen, the crew heads indoors. These scenes are filmed on soundstages.
Soundstages are basically giant blank canvases. The production team can build and decorate sets to perfectly match the show's aesthetic. It's like creating a mini-Essex College, brick by simulated brick.
Think about it: controlling the lighting, the sound, and every little detail is much easier in a controlled environment. This allows for consistency and a more polished final product.
California Dreaming for a Connecticut College
It's kind of funny to think that a show set in Connecticut is largely filmed in sunny California! The contrast between the fictional setting and the actual filming location adds a layer of behind-the-scenes intrigue.
The show does film some scenes in and around Los Angeles. This helps to establish the fictional town surrounding Essex College.
So, next time you're watching Kimberly, Bela, Leighton, and Whitney navigate college life, remember that their adventures are brought to life by a mix of real locations and Hollywood magic.
A Little Bit of Trivia to Impress Your Friends
Want to sound like a true Sex Lives of College Girls expert? Here's a fun fact:
Did you know that Greystone Mansion was once home to the Doheny family, who were incredibly wealthy oil tycoons? Talk about a place with history!
Knowing where a show is filmed can add a whole new layer of appreciation. It's like getting a peek behind the curtain and seeing the hard work and creativity that goes into making our favorite shows!
So, the next time you’re binging The Sex Lives of College Girls, you can also be on the lookout for the impressive architecture of the Greystone Mansion or appreciate the perfect lighting created in a studio!