California State University-Chico
Chico, CA, USA

Reviews

California State University-Chico

Jessica from Victorville, CA

a current student here
31 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Every class that I have taken at Chico State has taught me something I am able to refer to in other classes. The professors teach you above and beyond the class subject you picked including subject material and how that material can be applied to your everyday life.
Am enjoying being here
Chico State is beautiful inside and out. Everyone here is active and on their feet; they're friendly and the town is kept going by the students that attend.
Bang for the buck
This town is green friendly. So you get more for your buck if you invest in an environment pollution-free form of transportation. Walking and riding a bike is the norm, is good for your health and great for your wallet.
Tips for prospective students
Keep positive about your work load! Get things done when they are assigned and schedule around what you need to get done rather then what else you could be doing. Once you create a well organized schedule, everything is much simpler from there.
Great for these types of students
This school is a great experience for those that are interested in enriching their minds and their environment.

Bruck from San Carlos, CA

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a business student at Chico State, it is very competetive and i feel that the teachers are there not only to teach you the information required, but also give you real hands on experience with the subject matter.
Am enjoying being here
I have only met the best people and friends at Chico. It is easy to get into that party scene, but with the challenging academics, focusing on school is just as easy and way more important. Everyone always says people only go to Chico State for the partying, but I always say that im there to get one of the best buiness degrees in the state of CA.
Bang for the buck
Chico is not just a wonderful campus with the most knowlegable professors, it is also a beautiful town and great place to live. There are really nice dog parks to go to and the local swimming holes that are popular as well. All colleges are going to be expensive, but it feels better to be paying for an education AND a great local community and town with the same check!
Tips for prospective students
Chico is the school to go to if you have a good head on your shoulders and you can focus on why you are really there...to go to school!
Great for these types of students
Chico is a well rounded school and community, but it is the best for those who are really serious about school and love the beauty of country living.

First Year Student

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is a green campus and is full of open-mined people that are kind and caring. The city surrounding the school is beautiful and though it is considered a 'party city' you don't have to be a party person. Their is almost no pressure to do something your not comfortable with and much of the focus of the school is based on your academics.
Tips for prospective students
Look at the facts. Don't listen to what other people say because every one is different and no one know you better than yourself. Be prepared and be open-minded about the many people you may meet. Be friendly but don't lose yourself trying to impress others.
Academic Rigor
DO NOT be fooled into believing that the class is easy just because the title looks simple! It will probably be the hardest class you may have! The teachers are great whenever you need help and they will actually take the time to show you step by step but they will NOT baby you. You must in the effort as well.
Dorm Life
Truthfully it depends on which roommates you can get. They can be awesome like mine or they can be hard party animals like my friend's. you can enjoy dorm experience with your roommates or you can make some new friends and hang out with them. Your resident adviser will be your biggest help whenever you have a question and will keep you informed of most of the activities going on in your hall.
Food and Dining
There really isn't that much variety when it comes to food because Sutter Dining serves almost the same thing every week. For example ,Italian sausage sandwich Monday ten the next Monday again. It can get tiring. However you are allowed to use your meals in Sutter Cafe and every semester you can get flex cash which allows you to eat in the Marketplace and any of the participating cafe, which is awesome.
What to do for fun
There are many activities that you can do for fun and some even benefit the community. You can go to the WREC which has an indoor track and an indoor pool as well as an outside pool. you can go to any event going on that night or you can do some good and apply for volunteer position at CAVE. this program has extremely fun programs trust me you'll love it.
Bang for the buck
You have to manage your money well because no one else manages it for you and though Chico State is kind of expensive, its worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is actually a creek that runs through the middle of campus and so whenever you are at one end you must cross a bridge to get to the other side. No matter the weather the creek is always beautiful and its just amazing to see. It still gets me every time.
Great for these types of students
This is a great school for kids who know how to control themselves. For kids who do not give easily into temptations because i won't lie there are temptations. You have to have your priorities straight and follow through to them.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and activities that it is guaranteed that not one week is boring. Sometimes events overlap and it can be very hard to choose because they are all extremely fun and you get to make new friends in each.
Greek Life
There is one street that contains many of the sororities and fraternities and some of them are good and some are not. You just have to look carefully and be smart about them.
Campus Safety
All the faculty and staff, even the students, care about campus safety. There is so much security you can feel safe anywhere you are on campus. The school sends out warnings and safety notices that keeps you updated on things that are occurring on or near campus.

Michael from Chico, CA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
When I first came here, I had no idea what college was going to be like, but after discovering this college when I got invited to the Chico State High School Invitational, I discovered the perfect college for me. Learning the history of the town, getting to know my professors, and networking with people who can further my understanding on multiple topics and help me peruse the career of my dreams.
Am enjoying being here
After completing my first year in college, I decided to stay in the town over summer looking for a job. By doing so, I eventually landed a job at the best BBQ place in town. It helped me get connected with the community and know more about events within it. I enjoy riding my bike in the hot summers here, whether going to Bidwell Park, the skate park, or going on a bike ride to the downtown market in the summer, where you can get all kinds of goodies for cheap prices.
Bang for the buck
I would have to say that the best bang for you buck place in town in the Upper Crust Bakery where they have sweets of all kinds and it is located fairly close to campus. Broadway Heights is a great lunch place also located right downtown next to campus.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved in events and if you are scared to do it by yourself, bring a friend. Explore the town on your bike to see all the works of art downtown.
Great for these types of students
Outgoing people who like both cold and hot weather.

Juan from Chico, CA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Chico State has a lot to offer for a wide variety of students. It's diverse atmosphere offers a comforting academic and social environment. Chico State's intersecting creek will keep you mesmerized at just how beautiful nature is.
Tips for prospective students
Essentials for being a student in chico are:
-Umbrella
-Blankets
-Heater (It gets very very very icy cold)
-Summer clothes and Winter clothes. ( shorts, shirts, sweaters, raincoats, etc)
-Typical college student daily school attire: workout clothes, also don't forget your water bottle. (we have H2O refill stations throughout campus)
-Add at least $20 in your WildCat card (your ID), you can add money in the second floor of the library, in front of the printing station. You just never know when you might have to buy something for class that can only be bought with the wildcat card. -Best studying places: 3rd floor library (4th & 2nd floor is where everyone can talk), BMU basement has a beautiful renovated study area.
-**IMPORTANT** Visit the Zen Den on the 3rd floor of the library. You'll thank me later. two word, Massage Chairs.
Academic Rigor
CSU Chico offers a great academic program. Every professor takes their job seriously, offering knowledge to those who seek it. Personally, I'm in the Biology program, and what excites me about it is that, as an Undergrad, I can actually do co-research with someone. Not many UC's or other private institutions allow that, especially for an undergrad. It's a great opportunity, not only is it good on a resume, but it develops better skills. Talking about resumes, we have free resume consulting on campus in the Student Services Center building. Chico State offers tons of resources, including tutoring, mentoring, and so on.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is very active and fun. There are various events throughout the year, which are free and very fun! Roommates get matched up with someone of common interests, and for most of the time..maybe 85-90% roommate pairing works out. Chico State has various dorms ranging high end costs like Sutter Hall or Low ends costs like University Village Apartments, which is an off campus apartment complex. There are even dorms like Konkow, which is for students who are pursuing a degree towards a STEM program. Konkow offers tutoring and other services on site. It's amazing.
Food and Dining
Chico and its taco stands on every corner! It's a college students' dream come true. Chico has a wide variety of food on and off campus. On campus we have the Bear, also Celestino's NY Pizza. There is just so much to explore in chico, and gastronomy is definitely one of Chico's pillars.
What to do for fun
There is so much to do in Chico, you can never be bored. You can go on a hike, you can explore the flumes with friends. You can go to the WREC and sun bathe next to the pool. You can explore the local shops that Chico has to offer downtown. You can go to the library. There is everything for everyone and anyone to do.
Bang for the buck
Chico State offers a very beautiful gym aka the WREC! Personally, this is the gem that took my heart. Two stories, huge weight room, indoor track, outdoor pool, indoor basketball courts, indoor hockey courts. It's just amazing. The wrec also has events throughout the year, my favorite is during finals week. They offer massages, petting zoos, massage chairs, acupuncture, pool parties. If I could, I would want to live at the WREC.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Unusual traditions at chico state are the following:
- "Welcome week", "Chicoween", "Chico Chavez week", "Chico de Mayo"
These odd traditions consists of lots of socializing, in other words, parties everywhere. The beauty of Chico is that it's so small, so everyone is walking around chico at 1-2 in the morning trying to get home. And something that I have personally witnessed is that, people here are nice. If they see you struggling because you're intoxicated, they will help you out. Whether calling a friend or a cab, etc.

Great for these types of students
Chico State is great for anyone who wants to get away from it all. Chico is a small town, and that's what makes it so great. The fact that anyone can go outside and in a 10 minute walk they'd be downtown or at a friends house. As a result of everything being so close, Chico is also one of the healthiest places to live, because everyone is so active. Chico State also has the most "greenest" campuses throughout california and a very beautiful creek on campus. Chico also has very beautiful evergreen nature! Trees everywhere. Green everywhere. It's amazing. There are many trails in Chico, and places to hike. It's truly a masterpiece.
Clubs and Activities
There are a wide variety of clubs on campus depending on what your interests are. There are clubs like CAVE, which focus on community service and giving back to the community. Personally I'm in the Pre-Med club, where we focus on nourishing our passion for medicine and volunteer and helps others in the community. Whether Volunteer work or volunteering at a local free clinic. There are even brony clubs, which focus on the lessons taught by "My little pony" characters. Yea, you name it, we have it.
Greek Life
Greek life is very active on campus. There is always a frat or sorority raising money on campus or tabling. Typical, Greek parties are very "Lit" in Chico. Despite the typical preconceived notion of greek life, there are various affiliates that actually promote self growth and development and not just keg stands.
Campus Safety
Chico State has the blue lights system. Essentially, throughout campus there are emergency blue boxed, with a button. When pressed, it connects you to University Police and offers two way communication. Also, there is surveillance throughout campus, especially in remote areas where it may seem sketch.

Elizabeth from Sacramento, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at California State University, Chico, truly care about your education. This past semester, only one of my professors did not know my name, and that's understandable because it was a large lecture class. Although large lecture classes are common at Chico, there are always other options. I am in the Honors Program, and one aim of that program is to keep classrooms small.
I an Environmental Science major, and am already on a first name basis with the department chair. The staff of the school, in my experience, are friendly and approachable, and willingly answer any questions you have.
Am enjoying being here
People are nicer in Chico. This could be a generalization, but generalizations tend to have some truth to them. Most people who you pass on the street will greet you. This is a comforting experience. You will feel welcomed the moment you step into town.
I would highly recommend getting involved. Personally, I did an internship with the Sustainability Collaborative, and have met a lot of like-minded people.
I will not lie to you- yes, Chico is still a party school. If you live in the dorms, you will certainly encounter people who party every weekend. If that is not your scene, don't let that discourage you from applying. There are still other things to do. Bidwell park is beautiful, and the town is full of treasures.
Bang for the buck
Despite hikes in tuition, I do not think I could get a better deal. I know my professors, I learned a lot, and I get to live in lovely Chico, California. All of this for a fraction of what someone at a UC spends.
Tips for prospective students
Study hard, but have fun, too!
Get involved, go to parties sometimes (but don't partake in Thirsty Thursday-you won't have the motivation to go to class the next morning.), and explore Chico.
Great for these types of students
At Chico we party hard- and study hard, too.
Also good for environmentalists.

Jeffery from Tracy, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Chico is a tiny college town that is surrounded by adventures that open up your mind about the world. Bidwell Park located in Chico and walking distance from the campus is where I go to do my homework. Once I am done with my homework have multiple things I can do at this park, go for a swim, slip on my running shoes for a run, attempt multiple hikes and some of the greatest bike rides that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you take advantage of the opportunities around you. When done with homework look at all of the attractions the city has to offer.
What to do for fun
Go on a run at Bidwell park, bike rides, hikes, go floating. Watch soccer games, basketball games, baseball games. Participate in some of the groups the campus has to offer. I recommend C.A.V.E they are a really fun group that tries to help the community.
Bang for the buck
Bear Hole: a swimming hole in chico that has the setting of a lake. Some great rocks you can dive from.

The Bear: A very famous restaurant in Chico, if you want a 5 star burger, and a set of fries that is place to go and they are fair on their prices. I recommend getting The JIF burger. A peanut butter hamburger with bacon on it.

Peekings Chinese Food: Makes great homemade Chinese food and a fool plate of it. You will never go hungry when coming back from this restaurant

- BIDWELL PARK: I cant stress enough how much of a fun place this park really is. A recreational pool in which people of all ages can jump in. Miles and miles of trails to run, hike and bike on. Upper Bidwell is where all the mountains are there are some beautiful sights to see while up there.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Rose Garden, do not pick the flowers there or else you can get fined for it.

Soccer Stadium: A lot of great professional soccer players played in this stadium. If you want to watch a game and have a good time and meet some nice people go to the Soccer Stadium. The parents of the players on the team have great stories and are open to have a conversation with anyone.

The Wrec: one of the nicest gyms I have ever seen on a college campus. Indoor soccer court, multiple basketball courts, a 5 star weight room, field hockey, multiple classes you can take (for free) MMA classes, spinning, yoga, and many others.
Great for these types of students
Students that are willing to go on adventures and spend their time learning new things
Clubs and Activities
Basketball Games are very entertaining, games are always packed and its almost certain you will have a good time and make some friends. Soccer Games are pretty wild, some of the players on this team make the game play so smoothly and it is enjoying to watch the games and have conversations with some of the parents that go to the games. CAVE is a club that goes out and cleans up the streets of Chico, and garbage that has been wandering the streets is cleaned up by CAVE they do a really good job and spend the majority of their weekends taking care of the city.
Greek Life
Did not participate
Campus Safety
Very safe, Police officers everywhere making sure things are going smoothly, their are parts of town you do not want to find yourself at a certain time of the day. But as a college student you should not be finding yourself in that area. There are blue poles with phones on them in case of an emergency found throughout campus. You can get free taxi rides from some of the taxies that work for the city.

Stacey from Dublin, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I've only been here two weeks and I already feel like I've learned a lot. All my teachers have jumped right into the material but it's presented in a way that I don't feel overwhelmed. We didn't waste time going over every word of the syllabus like they do in high school and junior college. I thought 15 units would weigh me down but the teachers are so good at making things interesting that I'm actually having fun.
Am enjoying being here
I didn't get a chance to feel homesick. Right away my RA was encouraging people to go to all the events they have the first week and getting us to open up to our roommates and neighbors. After being here 3 days I felt like a had made a good group of friends. After being here 2 weeks, I'm 100% sure I made the right decision in coming here. The people here really care and it shows.
Bang for the buck
With tuition prices on the rise it's hard to say that any kind of education is worth such a cost. However, when I consider the massive size of the dorm rooms, the great food, the gym membership, the hot tub 3 yards from my door, the free bus rides, all the free social events, and the effort that gets put into making students feel welcome, I'm definitely getting more than I paid for.
Tips for prospective students
Do not hide in your room! I never considered myself a social person. I've always preferred a good book to a good conversation but being away from home for the first time I knew I needed to establish a support system. I went to all the events, I kept my door open, and made myself available to others and voila! - friends.
Great for these types of students
Chico is a great place for anybody who has fears about succeeding in a new environment. They make the transition more than easy, you just have to be open to it. If you have any concerns about the quality of the education - do your homework. The numbers speak for themselves.

Jessica from Manteca, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love the classes at Chico State. Each day I learn something new, and look forward to the next class. The teachers have a great way of teaching and helping you learn the subject being taught, and also help you learn about yourself and help you become a better person overall.
Am enjoying being here
The environment around campus is great. Fellow students and faculty are very friendly and willing to help you if you just ask. It is a nice quiet college town, with plenty of places to go to get out in the sun on the weekends.
Bang for the buck
The education is well worth the price. I feel like I am able to leave class each day knowing a lot more about the subject, and if not then teachers are more than willing to help you before or after classes.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to get involved in every way you can. Living in the dorms will give you great connections and will help you in finding some of the best friends you will ever have. Also, do not forget to get out in the surrounding areas such as Upper Bidwell for hiking, biking, and swimming.
Great for these types of students
Laid back
Easy going
Love outdoors
Loves getting involved

Maria from San Jose, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Chico State is great university with lots of opportunities for students who come from low-income families. They care very much about their students and provide programs such as the food pantry and Cal-fresh for those who are dealing with food insecurity. They have many majors and it is possible to double major or get a major and a minor in four years.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of all the university has to offer. I know for me getting involved with lacrosse, Alpha Omicron Pi, the Freshman Leadership Opportunity, and the REACH program helped me meet a lot of people and make new friends. Take advantage of the tutoring center! They are super helpful and I know that their help is why I am doing good in classes I would otherwise be failing.
Academic Rigor
Chico State courses require a lot from the students. I have had to write a twelve page essay in my first year and attend mandatory events. For example, in my Political Science class, I had to attend a Town Hall meeting where you discuss issues in society with professionals who find that issue important. I talked about plastic pollution and how this issue should be tackled as county and state issues. Chico State also focuses a lot on having good public speaking skills. They want you to sound confident by being prepared and by making eye contact wit those who you are presenting to.
Dorm Life
I currently live in university housing, but it is apartment style which is very nice. I have my own kitchen which I share with five others girls. I like it very much because I can cook for myself and pretty much have a bathroom for myself. We even have a living room which is pretty cool.
Food and Dining
The main dining place is Sutter. It is buffet style so you just have to swipe once and then get anything you please. They have pizza, pasta, a salad bar, etc. They also serve different kinds of burgers with fries and Chinese food. They also have a bunch of breakfast cereals and a waffle maker which is great. They also have The Marketplace and they have all kinds of food, but you pay with Flex cash not with swipes.
What to do for fun
In Chico there is so much nature so you can go on hikes at Bidwell Park. You can go bowling, roller skating, and to the movie theaters as well. On Tuesday they have a discount at the movies. You can also go to near by towns like Paradise where The Flumes are at. It is a hiking trail that is so beautiful. I also volunteer a lot with CAVE. It is a program at Chico that focuses on helping the community. On weekends we do trash clean-ups and more. You can also join Adventure Outings! They take very fun trips in the weekends to do different things. I have gone river rafting with them, but they also go surfing in Santa Cruz and skiing in Lassen National Park which is near here.