CSULB is the top Cal State, and for good reason too. The environment has none of that hectic vibe you might experience elsewhere. That's the beauty of CSULB, that you still have cool, challenging, rigorous classes and programs, but none of the stressful drama!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Always ask for help: never was I made fun of as a freshman for asking where things were, or how to get to them. Cal State Long Beach has a great sense of community, the feeling of we're all in this together. So ask for help, whether you're just looking around, trying to get a feel, or if you're on your way to your PoliSci 103 class. You'll get far at LB with a little help from one another.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Classes are accurate to how high they are in their division. For example 100 class is going to be a breeze compared to a 472 level class, so take that into consideration when picking classes. Professors are understanding at Long Beach, they get it that you have a million things to do, so they cut slack on assignments, but are absolutely fantastic at delivering material that is essential and accessible during lectures and discussions. They expect the best out of you, without overwhelming you too much.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
CSULB can the unique ability to accommodate to the needs of Introverts and Extroverts alike. Depending on where you live on campus, it has the best of both worlds. If you want to have an ensured quiet place to study, make friends in the quiet dorms. Or if you're ready to take a break, go hangout with your pals at the not-so quiet dorms. You can also get involved within the Housing Senates, and get to know RAs really well, who set up activities and games to always keep things lively. After exams, of course!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The dining halls are all really new, and offer a variety of meals, so you're never really stuck eating the same thing all the time. I tried a Vietnamese soup called Pho for the first time at the dorms, and on a cold rainy day at school, it was so welcoming. They also provide different meal plans, like 10 meal a week plan (the cheapest) which is convenient for the people who go home on weekends. There's the block meal plan, for those who might have visitors over, and the 3 meals a day meal plan, which is the 19 meals a week plan. Those are best for people coming from hometowns that are far away.
The only problem is that the dining hall opens late on the weekends, which for me, and early-bird, was a little bit annoying, but nothing sleeping in couldn't fix!
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The best part, I think, about CSULB, is the free public transportation. For those who aren't going to have cars their first year of college (like me) this is a great way to explore Long Beach. You basically have all of Long Beach at your disposal, a free bus ride away. No paying for gas! I recommend you get some friends, and take a bus to Shoreline Village to play in the arcade there, and win stuff! But that's only one of the many cool things in Long Beach. There are First Fridays, where in Downtown and the Shoreline, every first Friday of the month, one can go and enjoy free local music, arts and crafts, and free food samples! Allow me to emphasize that your transportation there is free!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
CSULB was ranked #10 in the nation for how cheap it is, without depriving students of a quality education. The financial aid office is always ready for any questions, and there are lots of workshops to attend if you still have questions. Need I say more?
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
CSULB is also home to a Japanese Garden. If one is ever stressed and wants to go chill, you don't have to go far. One can visit the Japanese Garden and feed the koi fish there, while taking in the beautiful and relaxing scenery. There's also the University Art Museum, which has a different exhibition every semester, so you're always surprised if you go. Did I mention that these things are free?
Which types of students will excel at your college?
CSULB is dynamic in that it offers excellence in its variety of programs. It has an outstanding art program, as well as a superb engineering programs. What I'm trying to say is that it has a little something extra for everyone. CSULB is that flexible for you, and that good. All one might have to do is ask, and do a little research on what they want out of their college experience.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There's a bunch of clubs on campus for people to get involved in, sports clubs, organizations for community service and the like! All you've got to do is go to Week of Welcome, which you'll know more info about if you attend. At Week of Welcome, all of the clubs are parked on the upper part of campus where they are all at your disposal to answer questions, and give you free goodies in the process!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I'm not part of Greek Life, but those of my friends who are, having nothing but good things to say about their Frats and Sororities. They speak highly of their brothers and sisters and ravish about the opportunities it gives them.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
According to my tour guide during my Freshman Seminar, CSULB is the 7th safest campus in the nation. The nation. All of the US. Seventh. It's a pretty safe campus with lots of polls with buttons that call directly to campus police if you might feel unsafe, which would be rare. There is also a CSU Escort service to take you to your dorm if, say, you have a night class, and would feel safer if you're accompanied.
CSULB is the top Cal State, and for good reason too. The environment has none of that hectic vibe you might experience elsewhere. That's the beauty of CSULB, that you still have cool, challenging, rigorous classes and programs, but none of the stressful drama!
Always ask for help: never was I made fun of as a freshman for asking where things were, or how to get to them. Cal State Long Beach has a great sense of community, the feeling of we're all in this together. So ask for help, whether you're just looking around, trying to get a feel, or if you're on your way to your PoliSci 103 class. You'll get far at LB with a little help from one another.
Classes are accurate to how high they are in their division. For example 100 class is going to be a breeze compared to a 472 level class, so take that into consideration when picking classes. Professors are understanding at Long Beach, they get it that you have a million things to do, so they cut slack on assignments, but are absolutely fantastic at delivering material that is essential and accessible during lectures and discussions. They expect the best out of you, without overwhelming you too much.
CSULB can the unique ability to accommodate to the needs of Introverts and Extroverts alike. Depending on where you live on campus, it has the best of both worlds. If you want to have an ensured quiet place to study, make friends in the quiet dorms. Or if you're ready to take a break, go hangout with your pals at the not-so quiet dorms. You can also get involved within the Housing Senates, and get to know RAs really well, who set up activities and games to always keep things lively. After exams, of course!
The dining halls are all really new, and offer a variety of meals, so you're never really stuck eating the same thing all the time. I tried a Vietnamese soup called Pho for the first time at the dorms, and on a cold rainy day at school, it was so welcoming. They also provide different meal plans, like 10 meal a week plan (the cheapest) which is convenient for the people who go home on weekends. There's the block meal plan, for those who might have visitors over, and the 3 meals a day meal plan, which is the 19 meals a week plan. Those are best for people coming from hometowns that are far away. The only problem is that the dining hall opens late on the weekends, which for me, and early-bird, was a little bit annoying, but nothing sleeping in couldn't fix!
The best part, I think, about CSULB, is the free public transportation. For those who aren't going to have cars their first year of college (like me) this is a great way to explore Long Beach. You basically have all of Long Beach at your disposal, a free bus ride away. No paying for gas! I recommend you get some friends, and take a bus to Shoreline Village to play in the arcade there, and win stuff! But that's only one of the many cool things in Long Beach. There are First Fridays, where in Downtown and the Shoreline, every first Friday of the month, one can go and enjoy free local music, arts and crafts, and free food samples! Allow me to emphasize that your transportation there is free!
CSULB was ranked #10 in the nation for how cheap it is, without depriving students of a quality education. The financial aid office is always ready for any questions, and there are lots of workshops to attend if you still have questions. Need I say more?
CSULB is also home to a Japanese Garden. If one is ever stressed and wants to go chill, you don't have to go far. One can visit the Japanese Garden and feed the koi fish there, while taking in the beautiful and relaxing scenery. There's also the University Art Museum, which has a different exhibition every semester, so you're always surprised if you go. Did I mention that these things are free?
CSULB is dynamic in that it offers excellence in its variety of programs. It has an outstanding art program, as well as a superb engineering programs. What I'm trying to say is that it has a little something extra for everyone. CSULB is that flexible for you, and that good. All one might have to do is ask, and do a little research on what they want out of their college experience.
There's a bunch of clubs on campus for people to get involved in, sports clubs, organizations for community service and the like! All you've got to do is go to Week of Welcome, which you'll know more info about if you attend. At Week of Welcome, all of the clubs are parked on the upper part of campus where they are all at your disposal to answer questions, and give you free goodies in the process!
I'm not part of Greek Life, but those of my friends who are, having nothing but good things to say about their Frats and Sororities. They speak highly of their brothers and sisters and ravish about the opportunities it gives them.
According to my tour guide during my Freshman Seminar, CSULB is the 7th safest campus in the nation. The nation. All of the US. Seventh. It's a pretty safe campus with lots of polls with buttons that call directly to campus police if you might feel unsafe, which would be rare. There is also a CSU Escort service to take you to your dorm if, say, you have a night class, and would feel safer if you're accompanied.