California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA, USA

Reviews

California State University-Northridge

Kirk from Northridge, CA

a current student here
42 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am enjoying being here
The activities and parties are a lot of fun to participate in and the people are really fun to hang out with.
Bang for the buck
A lot cheaper than UC's with the same education.
Tips for prospective students
You might be thinking this is not a grand school considering its not a UC, but don't let that discourage you. CSUN is one of the top CSU's in the state and is considered the best business related schools on the west coast. If you live close to CSUN then your doubts must be higher because the school is so close. I use to think that way too, but once I read into their programs and met their professors and students, I decided this was my college. Being able to live so close to school and not have to pay a large tuition makes my life a lot easier. It could be the same for you if you gave CSUN a chance.
Great for these types of students
Great for students looking for a career in business, teaching, art, and media.

Qundeel from El Segundo, CA

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Almost all my professors have been extremely helpful, I have learned a lot not just from my professors but also my classmates. I have also learned a lot about the campus as well as myself in and out of the classroom.
Am enjoying being here
CSUN has given me the opportunity to explore my many different interests. I have helped out with student elections, blood drives, etc. I recently joined the New Student Orientation Team and J.A.D.E Program which has been an incredible experience so far. I have met some amazing, caring people through these programs and hope to befriend many more.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of all the opportunities. Volunteer, join a club you find interesting, take a class about something you are unfamiliar with, and don't be shy to talk to people. Make the most of your college experience. Have fun! :)
Great for these types of students
Everyone! :)

Austin from Glendale, CA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My first semester I had amazing teachers and I was able to achieve a 3.29 GPA. My second semester a few of my teachers lacked in certain areas and I wasn't able to learn as much as I did my first semester. Overall the teachers are really good at instilling information in your head and getting you to master the subjects.
Am enjoying being here
First off, the campus is beautiful. I love being on campus, whether to hang out with my friends in the quad or to do homework and study at our Oviatt Library. Also, I really like the various clubs and organizations that our college has to offer, especially the Greek community. I am currently a brother of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity here on campus and enjoy playing various intramural sports such as basketball, ultimate frisbee, football, soccer, softball and volleyball.
Bang for the buck
At California State University, Northridge you really do receive your bang for the buck. The price of tuition is definitely worth it because you are receiving the same or better quality education as you would receive at a University of California campus. There is an unlimited amount of resources here on campus which gives you every opportunity to do well.
Tips for prospective students
First and foremost, prospective and current students should prioritize their studies and not procrastinate. When you are given your registration appointment for classes, sign up for classes on the date and time they give you because classes fill up fast. Get involved on campus to get the best college experience. There are many different options: Associated Students (A.S), Greek life, clubs and organizations, and intramural sports. Make sure you attend Big Show, because it is the biggest and best event our campus has to offer; artists such as Lupe Fiasco, LMFAO and Kanye West have performed! Try to attend the lecture series, because in years past we have had speakers such as Maya Angelou and Cornell West.
Great for these types of students
We have the best Cinematic Television and Arts out of all the California State Universities for students who are interested in film. Living on campus at California State University, Northridge is the best thing you can do if you really want to experience college and get away from your natural living environment, as the dorms are really nice and diverse.

Caitlin from Palmdale, CA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have had amazing professors this past academic year. Each of my classes had been engaging and the prfoessors have been very diverse and knowledgeable about their subject of expertise.
Am enjoying being here
It is a large campus and therefore I have met a bunch of new people. I joined a sorority and have made wonderful new friends in the greek system as well, along with great networking opportunities.
Bang for the buck
Classes can be hard to obtain because of the large amount of students attending. I've had to take a couple filler classes because I couldn't get into the ones I wanted.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to meet new people. There are many things to do on this campus even though it is a commuter school mainly. I recommend rushing a fraternity or sorority. It is an amazing opportunity to meet people and network.

Jennifer from Pacoima, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CSUN is a smaller university, but has a lot to offer and is close to home for many people. The advisers are always there to help and make sure you are on task and recommend programs to get into that help accelerate your graduation process. There are always events and giveaways going on that you can do whenever you are bored waiting for class.
Tips for prospective students
After you first semester is done and you no longer have to see your adviser, go anyways! Your adviser will always have helpful information for you and help to keep you on track and inform you of any changes within the major.
Academic Rigor
The classes are very demanding and expect you to give them the best. The material maybe complex, but the professors are very knowledgeable from what I have encountered.
Dorm Life
Living the dorm life at CSUN is just like people expect college to be. There are always parties, but students do make time to study individually, in small groups and in large groups. There are areas made just for study groups.
Food and Dining
There are many options for food on and off campus. CSUN is located in a neighborhood with a wide variety of food including McDonald's, Chipotle, Subway, Panda Express, Chili's Alessio's and many many more. The school is filled with their own restaurants and students food centers and stores as well as outside restaurants on campus.
What to do for fun
There are always events going on at CSUN during the day and even bigger ones at night. they have carnivals, shows, games, food, and fair all for free. There is the new recreation center that if free with tuition, gyms fields, pools game room and always something new to explore. Any big event on a weekend or in the evening are mostly free, except for events like the big show, but tickets are only 5 to 10 dollars for students. They have had many artist preform like LMFAO, Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris, Big Sean and then some
Bang for the buck
Tut ion can fully be covered by FAFSA, and everything is included! Plus free stuff!!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are many hidden kick back spots on of the best is in the tree circle.
Great for these types of students
If you like to be on campus way before class, there are couches and study areas always available.
Clubs and Activities
Clubs week and Greek week are the best there is a wide variety for serious to funny, from education to religion, to sports and adventure.
Greek Life
there are always events and they are on fire! the Greeks know how to throw a party, raise money and just make everyone feel good. There is a week where all the guys give girls roses and tell them what is beautiful about them, its cute to see random people feel good about themselves of all different backgrounds and orientations.
Campus Safety
They have Blue call boxes everywhere you just hit the button and someone is on the way and they can see what is around you. They also have people that walk you to your car, just in case. We have our own police station and the Army ROTC on campus. We have had some scares, but were taken care of in seconds and no one was ever hurts since I have been there.

Melisa from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning a lot at CSUN like the different majors the college offers and the interesting classes and clubs. The professors have office hours so you know they are their to help you when you need help. I learn that I don't have to do all the work on my own when CSUN has all this cool resources like the library, information canter, and advisers.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy CSUN because of the great activities and the environmental space to study outside. Since I am a freshman at CSUN, the activities that the staffs prepared for the freshman's are fun, and also great to know new students and feel comfortable. I also dorm at CSUN and the RA's make you feel at home like having games or just talking about anything which is great if you want to relax and step away from the stress.
Bang for the buck
Its fun, less expensive, cool resources, lots of activities, and awesome when you dorm at campus. Perfect For You !
Great for these types of students
CSUN is great for students who don't mind crazy weather, it gets very hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and in between the weather changes a lot from sunny to windy. CSUN provides dorms for freshmens and transfer students, and provides a place to know a diverse of college students. CSUN is a great college and less expensive than a UC. It's also, great for students that will want a college that is not to big to get lost or small to know everyone but perfect. Students who love to rest under a tree shade on a sunny day then CSUN is perfect!

Estelle robinson

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The perfect university in all aspects! Whether it be through sports, education, clubs, or connects, CSUN is guaranteed to get you ready for the real world, and you'll have fun doing it! In just one year, I have discovered my perfect school, and I'm proud to say I'm a Northridge Matador!
Tips for prospective students
Get involved in everything CSUN has to offer. There are all sorts of clubs for all types of people. We are ranked as one of the best universities in the country for the Deaf Studies Program at CSUN. Don't be afraid to get outside of the box and meet new people. We have one of the most diverse CSU campuses, and there is always booths and tents set up around campus to help you get involved.
Academic Rigor
While many of the classes offered at CSUN are hard, they are designed to challenge you intellectually. We have professors who have taught all around the country at universities like USC and Stanford! Basically, you're getting a UC education for a CSU price!
Dorm Life
Amazing. CSUN is known for having the most extravagant dorms in the CSU system. During my freshman year I lived in an apartment style dorm with three other roommates. We had a full kitchen, living room, bathroom, and two bedrooms. The buildings are grouped by categories like music, deaf studies, and kinesiology. There are events held at the dorms such as the spring rallies where there are large jumpers and movie screens set up. There are ice cream socials and movie nights held in the community center. The Matador Patrol is on duty at night to assist students in walking to their dorms if they feel unsafe, and we have our own cafeteria at the dorms, Geronimoes, where we eat food from all sorts of cultures like Mexico and the Philippines. Everyone should experience the dorms at CSUN!
Food and Dining
The food was great, and it was almost as good as my grandma's home-cooked food! Every night there was an assortment of different food such as tacos, pasta, pizza, chicken strips, french fries, baked and fried chicken, an extensive salad bar, and other entrees. Every Wednesday night a specific culture's food was represented, such as Thai food, Filipino food, Mexican food, and Italian food. There is a cereal dispenser for those nights where you crave breakfast for dinner, and there is always an assortment of pastries like fresh baked cookies and also donuts. There is a sandwich making center that features fresh fruit!
What to do for fun
CSUN is located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, but close enough to Los Angeles to really get a chance to experience the city life of LA. However, if you're not able to travel to Los Angeles, the city of Northridge and the campus itself has a slew of events to keep you entertained. On Friday nights, there are comedy shows where local, upcoming talent and even big time comedians come out to provide free laughs. Every year in the beginning of the semester CSUN hosts the Big Show where huge performers such as B.O.B and LMFAO come out for a concert for only $10! There are numerous movie theaters and places like bowling rinks to go to for a night out with friends. Off campus, fraternities and sororities throw parties to showcase the Greek lifestyle. And for those who are gym rats, CSUN recently opened the top of the line, three story gym, the SRC, which has an indoor track, basketball, volleyball, and soccer courts, and an indoor rock climbing wall. Yes, you read it right. AN INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING WALL. Honestly, there is not one night of my whole freshman year at CSUN that I can recall being bored. Ever.
Bang for the buck
Many people believe that to get a top of the line education you have to attend prestigious universities such as USC, UCLA, UCSD or even Ivy League colleges like Harvard or Yale. Not true! CSUN has professors who have taught at universities such as UC Berkeley and Harvard right here on campus. It is a myth that if you go to a university you'll be in a classroom with 200 other students with a boring teacher who doesn't even care about your education. This is so wrong! Many of the classroom settings at CSUN are small and intimate and you have opportunities to really bond with your professors. Did I mention that tuition is only around $4000 a semester? Some of the most successful people in America have come right out of CSUN. It just goes to show how the professors and staff at CSUN shape students to be successful in life after college.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Although the official mascot at CSUN is Matty the Matador, our unofficial mascot is a squirrel. Why, you ask? Visit the campus and you'll see why! CSUN is home to thousands of squirrels. You can't even walk a few feet without coming in contact with one. Think that's weird? Wait until you see squirrels eating lunch with people on the grass!
Great for these types of students
CSUN is the perfect school for students who love to be surrounded by multicultural people. Students of all backgrounds come to CSUN for one thing, education and fun! Whether you join a sports team, a sorority, or become an RA for the dorms, you'll meet some of the most influential people in your life who are sure to become life long friends.
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of amazing clubs on campus dedicated to the well being of the community and CSUN as a whole. The BSU (Black Student Union) brings awareness to issues happening in the African-American community, and at graduation time hosts a separate graduation for students of color! United We Stand is a club focused on bettering the community by holding clothes giveaways and participating in events such as AIDS WALK LA. Whether your interest be in clubs or sports, CSUN has the perfect club geared to getting you involved on campus.
Greek Life
CSUN is home to fraternities and sororities such as Delta Sigma Theta and Kappa Sigma. During RUSH week, huge painted symbols and booths are displayed all over campus to persuade people to join sororities and fraternities. Although I am not in a sorority, I have friends who are, and it's amazing to see how bonded they are with their sisters and how they are building connections and lifelong friendships for their futures. Many of the fraternities are present at parties and always hype the crowd up by performing their designated step routines. Whether you're in a fraternity or sorority at CSUN or not, seeing everyone represent their sister and brotherhoods on campus won't fail to put a smile on your face.
Campus Safety
Everyone knows that college, while fun, can get a little crazy. Sometimes parties get out of hand and potentially lead to dangerous situations. That's why the Matador Patrol and the RA's (resident advisors) of the dorms team up to enforce safety on the campus. Matador Patrol is on duty from the hours of 8pm to 3am. They ride around on bikes and in patrol carts to make sure uninvited guests trying to sneak into the dorms are caught. CSUN also has its very own police unit dedicated to making sure students aren't under the consumption of illegal drugs or alcohol. RA's perform frequent checks of dorm rooms to make sure no objects are hanging on the water sprinklers that could potentially cause flooding. We have one of the best methods of security in the CSU system to assure students that they have every reason to feel safe on campus.

anon

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Cal State Northridge has a wide variety of clubs for students to be able participate. Their app is just amazing and I loved it! I really just enjoy the fact that they offer a wide variety of majors and students are able to decide from many great departments that offer the majors.
Tips for prospective students
Consider CSUN to be on your top three colleges to attend because they offer so much for the students comfort, its stunning to see a big school put this much effort. You may not know it now, but this is a good match for anyone, just do your research and you'll see what i mean.
What to do for fun
What to do for fun? There is loads, whether its on campus or off! If you decide to get away from school, I recommend going to Universal Studios which is less than 30 minutes away by car. But if you cannot afford the ticket, I still recommend getting their to visit Citywalk. But if you would rather stay at the school, there is the weird theater festival and games you can go watch!
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and they are all very creative, I doubt there is a single one that you would not find a single interest in!
Campus Safety
On their app, they have this program where they have people escort you to where you need to go during dark hours, for your safety!

Future Educator

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Beautiful Campus.
Dedicated Professors.
Several places to study, relax, eat, or wind down.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you EAT, SLEEP, and stay HEALTHY! Yes this may sound repetitive, but you will be running from one place to another, busting all nighters, and the stress will feel like a constant companion. Your weight will start to rise and fall at various times throughout the year. You need to make sure you start taking care of yourself before any of this happens. The transition will be a little hard, and you will need some time to get used to the new surroundings and freedoms, but somewhere along the way you will get the hang if it and it won't feel so daunting. Just take three deep breaths and remember-you made it this far, you can make it to your goal. Also, invest in a pepper spray, yes the school is very safe, but you never know who you may encounter. I have one, personally I never used mine, but I always have it with me just in case I ever need it. Hopefully that'll never happen to both you, me, or anyone.
Academic Rigor
The Professors are dedicated to their majors. They are passionate, expect greatness from their students, and have high expectations for their students. They love when students participate and it helps when building connections-not to mention it could possibly make the difference between a B and an A.
Food and Dining
The food is amazing, the workers genuinely make you feel like coming back to eat there. There's a wide selection of food and has something everyone will want. The same with where you want to eat. You can enjoy your food, under the warm sun, under the shade of a tree, at the duck pond, even the library.
What to do for fun
Go to the duck pond. They have a vending machine where for a mere quarter you can feed the many ducks and turtles they have there, or bring some bread from home and feed them all. If not share it with the squirrels.
Bang for the buck
There are specials in the restaurants where for $5 you can buy breakfast, lunch or dinner, or simply some snacks. Not to mention the facilities are always clean as well as the bathrooms. I once bought a very big slice of pizza and a medium soda for $5. It was delicious.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a Santa running around campus, usually in the beginning of the fall semester. If you see him while DRIVING, beware a ticket in your future.
The duck pond is a magical place. It helps you relax, relieve stress, or if your having a bad day the ducks there will help you feel better.
The squirrels there are very friendly. They aren't afraid to go up to you and steal a bite of your food or drink. If one comes up to you don't be scared, it's normal. Just throw them a small piece of your food and they'll leave you alone. Sometimes they stand on their legs and beg for some food, like puppies.
Clubs and Activities
You are bound to find the club(s) for you. There are hundreds to choose from and if you want to start your own, there is a way to do so as well. As for the activities, especially the freshmen, there will be several throughout the year to get involved with the school and break out of your shell.
Campus Safety
There these blue things that look like those old school payphones. The ones where you had to walk down the street just to use the public phone to make a call with the change in your pocket. You press the button and someone will be there to assist you immediately. The police is always on the lookout for anything suspicious.

Bryan from Woodland Hills, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This university has many top notch colleges, so if you are interested in learning something, California State University of Northridge, or CSUN, may have the program for you. For example, CSUN has a College of Geography, with leaders such as Professor Steven Graves teaching 100 level classes as well as the higher level ones. Then there are lots of free lectures dealing with topics of today. For example, last semester I went to a lecture that dealt with Thailand and Human Trafficking.
Am enjoying being here
I believe that coming to this university can be as enjoyable or boring as going to any place of higher education. To have an enjoyable experience, I simply suggest for everyone to become involved in campus activities; including fraternities, sororities, and other clubs or organizations. I suggest that everyone go to Matador Nights and Welcome All Matadors once you become a student.
Bang for the buck
If you wish to earn a BS or BA the CSUN tuition is pretty low when compared to other universities in the state of California. I suggest that you read exactly what you are paying for, because there is a lot of free stuff that you already paid for, and if you don't use it, you are not getting your bang for your buck.
Tips for prospective students
California State University of Northridge is in Northridge which is in Los Angeles. This means that a lot of stuff is far away and the public transportation sucks, so if you come because it is in Los Angeles a car is very helpful but expensive. If you desire the greatest college experience, i suggest that you become involved in the campus in any manner, but don't forget that you are adults so make sure you do good in the classes that you paid for.
Great for these types of students
CSUN is a commuter school, meaning that most of the students don't live on campus. The campus is also extremely diverse.