Living On Campus

Today on my blog, I will be telling you my experience while living at Cal State Long Beach in the dorms, from roommates to commuting to the diner I will give you all the details !

I have been in housing at Cal State Long Beach for four years, and honestly, it's pros and cons to staying on campus. Many students think that just because you pay to stay in the residential hall, you have all the freedom. You get a sense of independence while living in the dorm. Yet, there are still rules and regulations when being part of housing and residential living. It is essential to know these rules because they do give out write-ups and what write-ups are is when you disobey the rules, they will have you on a list, and depending on how many times you get in trouble, you can get kicked out of the dorm.

When coronavirus happened, there were even more rules. For example, there were mask rules, guest violation rules as well as if you don't get tested when housing asks you to, you can get kicked out as well.

At this point, you probably are wondering why I am still at the dorms. Honestly, I don't commute, and I live two hours away, so living on campus is essential for me. To make sure that I arrive at class on time, do my studies, and have the resources available when needed.

I've had my fair share when it comes to roommates; My freshman year didn't go too great. I had the best roommate in my sophomore year, yet she was a senior, so she left. In my junior year, due to Covid, there were no roommates, and in my fourth year, I had the best roommate ever, and she's a freshman. When it comes down to roommates, I never picked my roommate housing automatically does it for me. You do have the option to select your roommate, but I want to get to know someone new, whereas being in the dorm for two semesters with someone I'm close with and not getting anything done.

The cafeteria at the dorms is not great. Personally, if you can get a dorm that has a kitchen, it will be beneficial only because the calf has their good days. They have their bad days usually with the cafe. I am only going to breakfast because of the bagels and boiled eggs. Yet, I don't make it to the lunch. I don't go to dinner unless it's fish Friday, and they make salmon. What I have learned in my freshman year from the Cavs if you get the minimum meal plan, I wouldn't recommend getting the highest mill plan because once the semester is over, it does not overlap with the second semester. I recommend that your meal plan with the Beach Bucks, but with the beach or back, you can go to Starbucks Carl's Jr., the convenience store on upper campus, and get 150 dollars for your beach bucks.

Dorming is a hate-love experience. I am beyond grateful that I have been able to dorm each year. Would I prefer an apartment? Of course, I would !! Yet, at this time, living on campus would have to be my only option until I get a car.

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