California State University - Fullerton has the largest student body of the 23-campus California State University system, with close to 35,000 undergraduate students enrolled, as well as a 5,800 graduate student body. With strong division I athletic programs, a vibrant surrounding community, and prestigious academics and research programs, California State University – Fullerton (CSUF) is the perfect combination of school and fun, making the student experience something special.
While CSU-Fullerton has a large enough campus to accommodate most of its student body, not all students have the means nor desire to live on campus. With that said, many students live in one of the several residence halls on campus freshman and/or sophom*ore year. Living off-campus is a popular choice for both undergraduate and graduate students, as residence halls can only accommodate so many people. When it comes to living off-campus as a student of CSU-Fullerton, the options are vast.
The CSU-Fullerton campus is bordered by four major roads, North State College Boulevard to the left, Yorba Linda Boulevard to the north, Interstate 57 to the right, and Nutwood Avenue to the south. Regarding housing, students can find many apartment or housing rentals around the border of campus, with a popular choice being Nutwood Avenue. Along Nutwood Avenue, students can dine at restaurants such as The Habit Burger Grill and Wingstop, shop at the Savoir Faire Vintage Market, or even make friends at the bordering Hope International University. Housing options on Nutwood Avenue include Nutwood East Apartments, UCA Apartment Homes, and Moonraker Apartments. In addition to Nutwood Avenue, students also opt for off-campus housing on or near Chapman Avenue, Deerpark Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue.
Another popular choice for CSUF students to seek off-campus housing is the city of Placentia or on North Placentia Avenue, just slightly southeast of the Fullerton campus. Placentia is mainly residential, outside of the town center which includes several shopping and dining choices, as well as Kraemer Park, a great hangout spot for after classes. CSUF housing options in the area include El Dorado Apartments, The Streams Apartments, The Homestead, The Lake Apartments, Sturbridge Village Apartments, and La Villita Apartment Homes.
Dining
After a long day of classes, the surrounding area of CSU Fullerton has a variety of restaurants and eateries to satisfy any hunger cravings. Whether you want to have a shared eating experience at Mr. BBQ, which offers Korean-style cooking and all you can eat ingredients, enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at Tempo Cantina, or kick back and have a slice of pizza at Pieology, there are several options to take advantage of..
When the weekend hits or you want to grab drinks with some friends after class, there are a few different bars around the California State University – Fullerton campus to try! Back Alley DTF, just a couple miles west of campus, is a lively bar that serves different colleges in the area, including CSU-Fullerton and Fullerton College. Pickled Monk is another great option, with a variety of deliciously crafted bar foods and a wide selection of beer and co*cktails. Other favored spots include 57 Bar and Grill, Bigs, The Swig Bar, and Hopscotch Tavern, which are all in a couple mile radius of campus.
Transportation
CSU-Fullerton students use several different methods of transportation to travel to and from campus, including biking, driving, and riding the bus or train. For student bikers, there are several biking routes and Fixit stations across campus, making it accessible for those wishing to bike to travel to and from classes. Students who prefer to ride by car can create a carpool group with friends and split the cost of the semester parking permit. When carpooling students arrive on campus between 7 am - 10 am, parking lot D is available to park in all day long. Additionally, students can utilize Zipcar Carshare, a service that gives students the ability to rent a car to commute.
Public transit is also a popular way for students to commute. For students looking to ride the train, CSU-Fullerton students can receive 25% off a Metrolink pass and can board any connecting OCTA bus for free. Students who want to take the bus can purchase an OCTA U-Pass which is valid on all local OCTA routes throughout Orange County. There are 5 OCTA routes that serve the CSU-Fullerton campus.
Parking
Throughout the CSU-Fullerton campus, there are a total of nine parking structures for students to utilize. For you to park on campus, you must obtain a parking permit, which is available to purchase during four different windows throughout each semester. Permits are typically issued on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are not given out based on class level. Lastly, permits are required to park on campus Monday - Thursday 7 am - 10 pm, and Friday 7 am - 5 pm.
Safety
Campus safety is incredibly important at CSU-Fullerton. The university has its own police department, with several safety programs in place to ensure student safety. Campus Safety Escorts are available to students, faculty, staff, and visitors who are in fear of walking from campus to theirvehicle,class, ordorm by themselves and is limited to campus boundaries. There are also several blue emergency phones located across campus in case a student needs to report any suspicious activity. In addition, there are different programs to help students feel comfortable in their environment and the surrounding community, such as Coffee with a Cop, Game Changer, and Ride Alongs.
Shopping
Being surrounded by such a lively city, CSU-Fullerton's campus is within a few miles' radius of several retail stores. Around campus, there are stores like the Dollar Tree, Target, and Kohls. Slightly southeast of campus and less than two miles away in Placentia, there is the Placentia Town Center, where you can shop at stores like Marshall's or Ross Dress for Less.
Additionally, a little over two miles from campus in Brea, there is the Brea Mall, which is known for its large variety of both stores and eateries.
