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College of San Mateo Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See College of San Mateo reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending College of San Mateo. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free College of San Mateo reviews, or contribute your own College of San Mateo review if you're a current student there.

  • Min from Belmont, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    CSM is a good school to prepare for a 4 year university. The class sizes are great for student-teacher interaction. They've built new facilities as well!
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of the resources.

  • Kana from Torrance, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    CSM is a clean and refreshing campus to be on. The professors there are amazing (at least the ones I've had) and work with you for whatever needs you might need. It's a community college in the San Mateo County College District (SMCCD) so if you take classes at Cañada College or Skyline College too, all of your classes will be bundled into one transcript... How convenient!
    Tips for prospective students

    Have fun with your classes! Don't be afraid to ask your professors or peers for help/advice. We don't bite!
    Academic Rigor

    People I've been surrounded by mostly know their stuff, or work to be up to par with the professor's standards. Personally, I love it! I can strive to achieve while making friends and (if I need it) getting help without feeling bad.
    Food and Dining

    I haven't eaten on campus due to the fact that most of my classes are in the evening here, and the food choices nearby aren't that great.... You'd have your run-of-the-mill McDonalds and similar you-can-find-everywhere food joints.
    Bang for the buck

    It's great education for community college pricing!
    Great for these types of students

    Students at other campuses who can't get classes at the other college & need to transfer classes and People of the community who want to learn more, at their own pace.

  • Reina

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    csm is the best of a community college and a commuter school. people go here to take classes, which are $36 a unit, and often have part-time jobs they drive to after class. campus has a couple things to offer, like the college center, which has food and wifi access.
    Tips for prospective students

    as long as you show up for your classes and pay attention, life won't be too hard for you.
    Academic Rigor

    the teachers are well-versed and direct with what they expect out of you. homework isn't too challenging. midterms and finals are usually an essay, or a (sometimes take-home) project.
    Dorm Life

    there aren't dorms at csm, so no comment.
    Food and Dining

    the college center has all of the basics, from a coffee shop with the pastries, and a grill which has its specials, to a deli with home-made sandwiches.
    What to do for fun

    most people drive off campus, or maybe take the bus to hillsdale shopping center for fun. on campus, there are several clubs whose meetings you can attend, or simply hang out with friends in the college center which has a floor for seating.

  • Kathryn from San Mateo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    College of San Mateo is one of the greatest campuses on the Peninsula. As a returning student after being laid off three years ago, going back to school has given me new purpose and direction in my life. I would recommend going to this college for anyone searching in their life as it is a great place to start!
    Tips for prospective students

    Never give up!
    Academic Rigor

    I thoroughly love going back to school! It is a great adventure and I am going at it with gusto!
    Food and Dining

    The new college center at CSM is fantastic! The views are incredible and they have a wide variety of great foods and drinks!
    Bang for the buck

    Getting help with financial aid is a cinch with the staff at CSM. They guide you through the process and help you get the most out of your educational experience!

  • Vincent from San Mateo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning as much as a communituy college would have to offer
    Am enjoying being here

    Its not bad... Very secular campus...with overpushy liberal ideals at times...and there isnt a lot of shade anywhere!
    Bang for the buck

    Duh....$26 a unit....what could be better?