California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA, USA

Reviews

California State University-San Bernardino

Sandy from Apple Valley, CA

a current student here
27 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am about to start my sophmore year in fall 2009 and cannot wait. My freshman year was amazing. I learned many things in class that I used outside of class. Professors take the time to answer questions students may have, and make convenient office hours for us. I know this school has a lot to offer to present and future students.
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy driving up University Pkwy and seeing CSUSB lively, welcoming and energetic. The people you meet here are incredible, from staff to student, everyone cherishes this school as if it was they're second home.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is very convenient for all types of income. I come from a low income family, but with my good grades and community involvement, Financial Aide covers my costs. CSUSB is worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
1. Sit in the T zone of the class; meaning either the two front rows or the middle column of the class. 2. Always ask questions, its better to do something u know is right, than to not know what your doing. 3. Visit professors during office hours so they know you are interested in the class subject. 4. Always make time to leisure and relax. Best place is the Student Union there are always events to attend. 5. CSUSB is the best choice you'll make.
COME HERE, GO ANYWHERE!
Great for these types of students
CSUSB is a very diverse campus so there is no specific student with a certain eduction level, race/ethnicity, income. Anyone who is willing to work hard, educate themselves, open minded, and have a goal is welcomed at CSUSB.

Jovany from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the classes are very Informative and especially on the small clases. Made time for one on one conversations with the proffesor and instructor when I needed help.
Am enjoying being here
Made many friends while I dormed here, plus you meet many people from diffrent backgrounds. Much of the campus is calm and quiet.
Bang for the buck
Doming is chep and it is very low on cost compare to other cal states.
Tips for prospective students
Be open minded on what other think and also be aware of the difrent view points people have.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who is willing to learn and exited about a new start.

Jessica from San Bernardino, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
san bernardino is a great campus filled with caring staff and teachers. we have great majors that have won awards, like our business program for example. also, our beautiful campus provides us with many opportunities to lie out on the grass and study or have a picnic with friends.
Tips for prospective students
use ratemyprofessor.com before you chose your classes so you can get a heads up on how the class is structured and what other students felt about the professor after the quarter. i have used this website for 3 years and it has helped me countless times. also, procrastination is a big issue when you’re in college, especially since san bernardino is quarters not semesters. so in order to stay on top of your assignments and tests, make sure you either have a calendar or schedule book, so you can make sure you have not missed any due dates.
Academic Rigor
some courses are, of course, more rigorous than others especially if you are going into science. however, what is great about san bernardino is that all professors teach and if they have an assistant, they will usually just pass back assignments or help the professor grade assignments/papers. also, teachers have office hours so if you are ever stuck or lost about something you saw/heard in lecture, you can go in and ask them about it.
Dorm Life
i have lived in the dorms for three years and it has been a great experience so far. my freshman year was the best since you are surrounded by people your same age (and sometimes older) who are just as nervous as you are. all our housing staff is very friendly and the resident assistants plan great events for their residents. every year, welcome week has great events that range from a bbq to karaoke. housing even gives academic awards to residents who have a 3.0 and above.
Food and Dining
i love the food at san bernardino. we have a very good cooking staff in the commons and they make both healthy and delicious food daily. they are now selling food on the weekends which is very nice if you do not know how to cook and want to eat a healthy and delicious meal. also, we do have a starbucks, taco bell, denny’s express etc. if you like fast food, and need caffeine after a long night of studying.
What to do for fun
we have many different clubs, organizations on campus and in the student union there are centers that offer fun and interesting events during the year. for instance, the lgbt center has a yearly drag queen event that has receives rave reviews every year. also, famous comedians and musicians come to our school to perform. for example, anjelah johnson and many more have come to our school; and as students, we get discounted tickets to see their shows.
Clubs and Activities
we have a lot of clubs, ranging from your major's club to clubs that are more hobby based like the anime club. the student union has many great events and they put up various posters and flyers advertising those events.
Campus Safety
we have a very dedicated police force on campus and they patrol from morning to night. also, we have many blue phones around campus in case something happens to you and when you press the button, a police officer will come quickly to help you out. however, i feel safe walking around on campus and have never worried about being hurt or robbed.

Joseph from Rialto, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Staff at CSUSB have all completely exceeded my expectations. Many of the staff and teachers here are completely passionate about their subject, and it shows. Every staff member I have met is completely willing to lend you a hand during their office hours, so if you ever get lost will free to ask them. Many staff members will also find ways to help you to improve your grade if you are struggling, just don't be afraid to ask! I have personally learned a lot in just one year and can't wait to continue!
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy it here, and it is another part of this school that has exceeded my expectations. You have plenty of activities and clubs to choose from depending on your major or interest. Many of the members in these clubs are very friendly and make for some good study buddies! Also, most of the other students are really friendly and sociable. I have made plenty of new, and great friends because everyone is willing to help and talk!
Bang for the buck
The school is very affordable, substantially so when compared to the UC system and private college. Though like many of the California Universities, tuition costs are currently on the rise and it is definitely putting more of a strain on your budget. Books are also pretty expensive, however, this would apply to just about any college. You still get a great education for an affordable price!
Tips for prospective students
All I can say is, don't underestimate this school. To be honestly, I did, I thought I was going to dislike this school, but after the first quarter I absolutely loved it! The staff is passionate, the students are friendly and the cost is affordable!
Great for these types of students
Just about anyone to be honest. This campus is very accepting to people of many various backgrounds. Everyone is respectful to each other and minds their own private space. There's also many places on campus that offer services for people of many ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations. So feel right at home!

Alyson from Riverside, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
College teaches you things you will actually use. Each lesson is applicable to your life and each quarter you get more and more to grow on and feed off of as you live your first years in adult life. CSUSB will teach you the things that high school never could; and yes, it's true... you do learn something new every day.
Am enjoying being here
I was so afraid to start college because I thought I wouldn't fit in, but this campus and the people that thrive here are entirely accepting of all kinds of people and backgrounds.
Bang for the buck
I didn't get all the financial aid that I thought I would, but CSUSB still offers plenty of financial aid for those in need.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for classes early! Take your registration time seriously.
Great for these types of students
all students would thrive at CSUSB. we have a great theatre department, sporting facilities, and amazing course in just about every field of study you could imagine.

Katy from Pomona, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of the teachers that I've had have been very supportive and willing to spend time with each and everyone of their students! It helps alot with the quarter system because it goes by so fast!!
Am enjoying being here
The campus is very beautiful with a nice view of the mountains! The classes are not over crowded and there is space for one on one contact with the professors. The campus is not huge but a good size and it's easy to find places so you won't be lost when starting there. I've met many friends from different backgrounds some even from different places around the world! It's an extraordinary experience!

Erick from Riverside, CA

researching this school
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I've heard from previous teachers and friends that attended CSUSB that the faculty is great and they received the the best education.
Will enjoy being here
The social life i hear isnt so hot but classes there should earn you sum friends.
Bang for the buck
It's particularly cheap compared to other cal states and the small classes with acutal interaction with the profesors is a great plus.
Tips for prospective students
Be a well rounded student!
Great for these types of students
ONE-ON-ONE with professors, Great education. Especially if you want to major in EDUCATION, NURSINF,AND PSYCHOLOGY.

Corri from Provo, UT

a past student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
California State University of San Bernardino was an excellent choice for me. I went there for 5 years and even got to explore another campus while still being a CSUSB student with their National Student Exchange program. The professors there are professional, insightful, and fun, and the classwork is easy to understand and complete.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend having a plan as soon as you know what your major will be. It will not only save you a BUNCH of time, but will help you to get in to your classes easily once your registration date is set and not have to be put on a wait-list. I would also recommend that prospective students buy a laptop because more and more students these days are taking notes in class on their ipads and laptops and it's easy to save, share or print out for future reference in class.
Academic Rigor
The Professors at CSUSB are very knowledgeable in their fields. With up-to-date lessons and tools that provide you with extra help, it's almost as if your work is being done for you. Students are provided with a syllabus, course curriculum and schedule in each class, and many professors offer lecture notes online as well. This is essential so the students can always come prepared for class and are able to see which assignments are due next.
Dorm Life
I lived in the University Village apartments for a year. It was incredible living right across the street from campus and never missing or being late for a class. All of my neighbors became great friends and we had a blast hanging out with each other on or off campus. The resources there are incredible (free computer lab, wireless internet, pool, gym, etc.) and the remarkable experiences you gain are totally worth the price.
Food and Dining
CSUSB has sooooo many restaurants on campus- it's incredible! From Denny's to Starbucks and Taco Bell, and even a Commons cafeteria where they make large yummy homemade meals and desserts- why would any student want to eat anywhere else??
What to do for fun
Although joining clubs and sororities/fraternities are fun, they may be a little cliche.... I HIGHLY recommend their free or low-cost outdoor fitness and recreational activities as well as the Student Union activities. I have had SO MUCH FUN going to all of these creative activities including free Thanksgiving dinners, canoeing and hiking events, salsa dance lessons, art galleries, etc. etc. etc.!!!
Bang for the buck
California State University of San Bernardino is a little expensive but it is an education WORTH paying for. Also, nearly everyone I know there receives scholarships and grants to pay for most if not all of it. Make sure you fill out the CSUSB scholarship application because I've heard they're very liberal in awarding scholarships. I recommend renting books if tuition costs are a little much for you. They also have great book buyback programs as well.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There's this one circle of trees that I always hear about on campus behind some of the buildings.... I hear it's a great place to hang out. Also, there is an LDS Church building across from Jack Brown Hall that provides Bible Studies, Institute classes, free lunches and TONS of fun games (including card and board games, ping pong, water baseball, ultimate frisbee, nerf gun obstacle courses etc.), activities, meals and a free quiet study place (I take naps there all the time) for anyone, not just Mormons. ;)
Great for these types of students
EVERYONE.
Campus Safety
In all honesty, there were a couple small incidents on campus last year but the good thing about CSUSB is that they not only send alerts to our cellphones and emails, they also provide 24/7 on-campus escorts, free taxi service home to those who are drunk (I've heard), and emergency call boxes all around the campus, even in parking lots to ensure students' safety. Also, if it gets REALLY WINDY on campus, they shut down the school for a day or two. HELLO WEEKEND!!!!

Highly Involved Student

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
The key to college is being involved, you always want to be in a club, a Greek organization or even on a sports team. Not only does this boost your resume but it also gives you something to do in your free time, makes connections with faculty and students, and can actually help you in school because you tend to keep good grades when you are motivated by others.
Academic Rigor
The academics at this school are actually really good and we have a lot of impacted majors due to the fact that are programs are some of the best. Just because it is a Cal State, do not under estimate the education aspect of the school because it is actually really good here. Yes some professors are not good and some are but that is like every school, the classes in general are not that hard and the school offers a lot of resources just in case.
Dorm Life
Dorm life, it is something that will definitely benefit your education and overall process of being in college. I have never dormed but I have seen people dorm and I will say you generally get better grades and are more involved in campus activities compared to the average student. Yes it cost a lot of money to dorm but it is well worth the amount of money because you get to experience being on your own and living the college life.
Food and Dining
I will be completely honest the food here at Cal State is not amazing and they do not have a lot of super healthy options but the food is here is not bad. They do have some healthy options and some good food and they are working on building a restaurant so we are excited for that. I personally eat here on occasion and it not build but it honestly depends on you and what you like.
What to do for fun
I will be honest there are times where there is nothing to do and then there are a ton of things to do. When it comes to like holidays, the school usually has events but on an average day not so much. There are a lot of seminars and workshops that you can attend that will better your education but as the school gets bigger, the more events they will hold. Joining a club or living on campus will honestly make you busy enough but it is a fun busy. You can go to our big dances, our sports games, and just hang out in the student union with everyone and anyone.
Clubs and Activities
Clubs and activities are a great way to be involved and I highly recommend it. This will not only help you make connections with other students and faculty but it will also boost your resume. These people are going to be there for you whether you need their help on a resume, community service, or just breaking out of you shell.
Greek Life
Greek life, it is honestly one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I came in thinking that they are just a bunch of party boys and I was wrong, they are a group of men that get great grades, highly involved on campus, and do community service. Yes everyone knows they have parties but that is a small percent of Greek life, you meet so many people and make so many connections I 100% recommend it.
Campus Safety
I know a lot about campus safety because I work close with campus and know how they run everything and I can tell you that they try their best to keep everyone on campus safe. Yes there are always improvements to be made but I must say they do a good job and I feel safe going here every day.

Ruth from San Diego, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This is my second year in Cal State San Bernardino and I love it here. The teachers are good enough to care about your education and are available when you need them. They always give you their office hours which lets me know that they welcome us whenever we may have questions.
We have a quarter system here in San Bernardino that makes the year go by really quick. Although we are cramming all the information in a ten week period, the teachers makes sure we have anything we need to pass the course.
I love the quarter system because it makes the year go by faster but I do not like that we are on a strict schedule. I love most of the teachers I've had but of course not all universities are perfect there are some that slip.
Am enjoying being here
There is friendly people everywhere! You can make friends by making conversations with the people who sit around you in class. Everyone in class is young and is living the college experience, everyone wants friends. So you must not be shy because theres always people to meet in Cal State San Bernardino.
CSUSB also has great activities every week. From music or drama performances, to political activities. There are clubs and organizations involving volunteer work and always meeting new people! Although there are not many things to do outside school, meeting all those people in activities has the potential of always having something to do with someone.
San Bernardino is also located not so far from awesome attractions like Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags, Universal Studios, Disneyland, and even Big Bear, where you can go snowboarding and skiing in the winter. The weather in San Bernardino is really great as well it is warm in the summer and spring but it gets very windy sometimes. So windy that there has been occasions where they must close the school for the day(s).
Bang for the buck
Going to CSUSB is not as expensive as other CSU's and it is a great environment to experience. The campus is small, but really beautiful and green. You can see the mountains in the background and in the winter you can see the mountains with snow. The people are friendly and active and the teachers really care about my education. I am from San Diego, so I came two hours away to a new place to meet new people and start somewhere new; and so far it has been one of my best experiences yet.