California State University-Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA, USA

Reviews

California State University-Monterey Bay

Pauline from Whittier, CA

a current student here
26 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are not too large so the teachers have more one-on-one time with their students. The only problem are furlough days that take away more time to learn.
Am enjoying being here
It is a beautiful campus with many things to do on a free day. There are many people willing to help with any problem.
Bang for the buck
The dorms are quite comfortable and are getting worked on more and more. Transportation is easy and there is even an open gym. Food is also homemade. There is a kitchen in every dorm for your own cooking.
Tips for prospective students
You will not be on your own just because your parents are not here. (That is if you plan to live in the dorms.) Many people will be willing to be friends and help you out. But, you should learn how to wash laundry!
Great for these types of students
This school has wonderful programs for many majors and/or minors. There will be a right school for you.

Emma from Sacramento, CA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
In every class you take you learn something new.
The classes are, for the most part, small and easy to focus and pay attention in. The professors are very approachable and are willing to help you in any way possible.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is absolutely beatuiful.
The students, teachers, and other campus workers are very friendly and easy to get along with. The school beach is about 20 minutes away walking and it serves as a great escape when you're having a rough day or just a great way to hang out with friends.
Bang for the buck
I definitely think that you're getting what you paid for.
The scenery is wonderful, the classes are fun and interesting, there's a whole bunch of things to do, and everyone is super nice. Overall, this is a great university to go to.
Tips for prospective students
ORGANIZE and PRIORITIZE!!!!!
This is very important.
The college experience may be very overwhelming the first year and you will for sure slack off in one of these two things. Take some time and make sure you have all your papers in order and you have enough time to get everything done.
Great for these types of students
This college is very laid back, so I recommend this campus to easy going people and people that are easily able to adjust to new environments. It's a fairly small place that's easily adaptable. So if you're looking for a school that's not too big or small this could be what you're looking for.

Brittany from Long Beach, CA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My major has already got me doing hands on activities. I am not always sitting in a classroom.
Am enjoying being here
I Am having a great time adjusting to being awa from home. The dorms are great and so is the capus as a whole
Bang for the buck
As with most of the colleges, we are suffering with furloughs and the rise in tuition and less class time just dont make sense
Tips for prospective students
Attend if you love the out doors and are not into going to a schoolstuck in the middle of a busy city

Ken from Beverly Hills, CA

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CSUMB is located just north of Monterey, California. The school is about 5 minutes away from the ocean, and offers a laid back setting. CSUMB has a small campus, with around 5,000 students in attendance.
Tips for prospective students
The weather can range from occasionally sunny to a dreary fog that covers the entire campus. Usually cloudy, the temperature is around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared for the cold weather! Also, try to avoid the raccoons that come out at night.
Academic Rigor
Most class sizes are small, with about 30 students per class. There is only one lecture hall on campus, but it is still small compared to some other universities. Many teachers are extremely helpful, and want their students to succeed in their classes. However, expect to put in effort to pass your classes.
Dorm Life
Dorms can range from one to four people per room. Some dorms have their own bathrooms, while other dorms share bathrooms with neighboring rooms. Some building are recently constructed, while others are renovated from old officer's quarters (as this school is on what used to be an old army base).
Food and Dining
The main places to eat on campus are the dining commons, and the otter express, with most people going to the dining commons for their meals. The DC serves good food, but it starts to get repetitive after a while. If coming to CSUMB, think about getting a mini fridge and buying your own food to change up your meals.
What to do for fun
CSUMB is only a short bus ride away from the nearby town of Monterey, and even closer are the towns Seaside, Sand City, Marina, and Salinas. Getting to these locations by bus is free for students, as long as they show their student ID.
Bang for the buck
CSUMB has a low tuition compared to most UCs or other CSUs. You will definitely save a great deal of money by coming to CSUMB, all without sacrificing anything or receiving a low quality education.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
CSUMB is located on what used to be Fort Ord, a now decommissioned army base. Some abandoned building are still on campus, but are off limits to students.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to meet easy going people, live in a suburban area, and experience college in a setting that is unlike any other.
Clubs and Activities
Many clubs are offered at CSUMB. The school also has a small venue called the Black Box Cabaret (BBC), which is basically a small club. The school also has a theater, sports center, and an aquatics center.
Campus Safety
The school has a police force that routinely makes sure everything is going well around the campus. Emergency buttons are located around the school, with a response time of around 60 seconds when activated.

Kara from Fairfield, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning so much at CSUMB. I have learned a lot from my classes, but I think I have learned even more from living on my own and living with my room mate.
Am enjoying being here
The weather here is perfect all year round and the campus is located right by the beach. I also love how friendly everyone is and how much the teachers seem to care about you as an individual.
Bang for the buck
I really like how cheap the tuition is compared to other universities in California.

Mayra from Castroville, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the classrooms are small/average size about 40 students usually, depending on the students enrolled in that class. It is great because is the same few people and you can get the teacher's attention quick. You can socialize with the professors and the students and feel comfortable right away. Thus, focusing and enjoying the learning experience rather than worrying about fitting in.
Am enjoying being here
Nice campus, can walk to your classes easily.
Great for these types of students
If you like a quite campus, away from the cities.
If you like the outdoors or living close to the Bay.
If you like small classrooms.

Gina from Seaside, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This establishment is located in one of the most beautiful scenic areas around. If your into marine science or environmental justice, this is the perfect school for you. I am proud to say I attend CSUMB.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early. Apply for all scholarships. Work hard. Those three go with every college you pursue.
Food and Dining
Some who say our food is the best around. Some would say our food is ok. But its never been bad. We even have a bar on campus.
What to do for fun
If you love the outdoors, this is the location. Its all about location. Hiking, sailing, motor sports, camping, diving, snorkeling, bonfires, etc.
Bang for the buck
Not as expensive as most colleges and the education and small class sizes make it all the more reason to attend.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Raccoons are our animal you could say because there everywhere. Everyone always tells you beware of the racoons.
Great for these types of students
Outdoors, community based, and environmentally based students should highly consider.

Amnda from Citrus Heights, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am in my first semester at California State University of Monterey Bay... And I am LOVING it! I am taking 15 units this semester. All my classes are general education classes right now. I am pursuing my degree in SBS (social and behavioral sciences) with emphasis on Social Sciences. My dream is to eventually become a history teacher. CSUMB is really great at being able to help you target your goals, and they are with you every step of the way trying to reach those goals. The teachers make themselves super available, and are more than willing to give you one on one time.The class size is small so you will always be taught by the teacher, not a TA. most of the time the teacher wants you to call them by their first name which is AWESOME! They make ample time to meet with you one on one if you need to, which makes it super easy if you have any kind of question. some teachers even give you their cell number!
Am enjoying being here
The social life is great as well, this school has a small town feel where even if you don't know someone, its okay to just strike up a conversation. every one is laid back and friendly, and there is always something to do whether it be a movie on Tuesday night at the world theater (it's free for students! and they play new movies that are still in the cinema!) or taking a walk down to the beach!
I love love love it here :)
Bang for the buck
csumb is one of the cheapest CSU's in the state... who can argue with that? :)
Tips for prospective students
MEET THE DEADLINES! fill out the fafsa, go to on a tour, go to open house, talk to people that go here!
Great for these types of students
laid back, but still want to have a good time!

Current CSUMB Student

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
It is always good idea to check out different campus that have your choice of major/study. But once you visit and tour the campus of CSU Monterey Bay and see what it has to offer for prospective students, meet the staff and fellow students you will in no doubt want to make this your school of choice. I would also suggest checking out the local surrounding areas.
Academic Rigor
It is certainly different than High School that's for sure. You are at the next level for education expectations and that will enable you to acquire skills that you can apply in a variety of ways throughout life. Although you are at liberty to set your own schedule, you are also held to higher expectations from your professors. Coursework is challenging and you have to be motivated.
Dorm Life
What can I say...dorm life is great! I am glad to have the opportunity to be in the dorms and not in off campus housing. You meet so many different people and the resident advisor assigned to the buildings are awesome. Could not have asked for a better group of people in the dorm I am housed in.
Food and Dining
The campus offers a good variety of food and dining options for students. From the DC (dining commons) to the Otter Express and Monty's...you get a good selection, good value for the money and many tasty treats. Also, for those late nights when you are up working late studying and need that caffeine jolt, you can always stop by Starbucks to get what you need. And to think all these options are just a quick walk/jog across campus.
What to do for fun
For fun....you have many options in my opinion. Besides the activities offered on campus, the intramural sports and other outdoor recreations, it just depends on what you want to do to have fun. The beach is in walking distance, and if that not enough, you can hop on public transportation and head down to Cannery Row for an afternoon, or old town Monterey for some sightseeing. You also have your occasional party that is offered by the clubs on campus, or you can just hang out with a group of friends. If you cannot find anything FUN to do, you are not looking because there is plenty.
Clubs and Activities
The campus has many options that you can select from. The best way to gather more information on what is available is to visit the school website or request a school brochure.
Campus Safety
I fee that the campus offers a great safety patrol for its students. Pathways are lighted, campus police make themselves visible and overall I think it is a safe campus to be on.

Lillian from Roseville, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Its a great size campus, small which is perfect. This school is also a great value for your money, its among the cheapest options for a CSU.
Tips for prospective students
You have to have a really strong desire to come here. This environment is much more laid back, so you have to want that.
Academic Rigor
Very good classes and teachers.
What to do for fun
Explore the surrounding area, make friends, join clubs...