4 participants of MB madness sit together in a circle in the grass and laugh

Student Life

At Cal State Monterey Bay, student life is more than an add-on—it’s the heartbeat of your college journey. From the moment you step on campus, you’ll find opportunities to connect, lead, grow, and thrive.

What Student Life Means at CSUMB

Where You Belong. Where You Grow.

Student life at Cal State Monterey Bay is where friendships spark, identities are celebrated, and leaders grow. It’s the heart of campus—a space to connect, get involved, and shape your experience beyond the classroom.

Get Involved with Student Life

Basic Needs

View Basic Needs

Basic Needs supports student well-being and academic success by connecting Otters with essential resources like food, housing, emergency funds, and more. Through compassionate support and community partnerships, we help ensure every student has what they

What are Basic Needs?

  • Basic necessities all students need to thrive and be successful
  • Adequate food
  • Stable housing
  • Physical and mental well-being 
Basic Needs

The Hub

Access to free food, hygiene items, and basic needs support to stay healthy, focused, and thriving.

Explore the Hub

Recreation

Explore Recreation at CSU Monterey Bay

Recreation at CSUMB offers fitness, sports, and outdoor programs that keep students active, connected, and well.

Explore the Outdoors

Ready to hike, paddle, or camp? Outdoor Rec has the trips, gear, and guides to get you out there.

Employee working on a bike.

Otter Cycle Center

The Cycle Center offers free bike rentals, repairs, and safety resources to help CSUMB students ride smart and stay moving on and off campus.

Explore the Otter Cycle Center

Intramural Sports

A fun, low-pressure way to stay active, meet new people, and play the sports they love.

Explore Intramural Sports

Engagement and Leadership

Discover Leadership Opportunities

Be empowered to lead, serve, and grow through involvement opportunities, leadership programs, and campus events that build community and inspire action.

Group of students sitting on the grass in front of the Chapman Science Building.

Associated Students

Get involved in student government, advocate for your peers, and help shape policies that impact student life across the campus.

A group of students collaborating in a computer lab in the buissness and information technology building

Leadership Programs

Grow your skills through workshops, retreats, and service opportunities that develop confidence, communication, and collaboration.

Students interacting with staff during tabling

Peer Leaders & Orientation Roles

Support incoming Otters, lead campus events, and become a role model for your community through mentoring and student involvement.

Student Housing and Residential Life

Explore Student Housing and Residential Life

Live and learn at CSUMB with safe, inclusive housing communities that support student connection, growth, and success.

Students sitting on hammock structure, blankets, and chairs in a grassy quad

Living On Campus

Living on campus means easy access to classes, built-in community, academic support, and all the resources you need to thrive at CSUMB.

Find Your Home on Campus

CSUMB offers a variety of housing options. From residence halls to apartments designed to support your comfort, connection, and success.

Convocation

Find Your Place. Make Your Mark.

Student life at Cal State Monterey Bay is vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunity. Whether you're joining a student club, attending campus events, exploring outdoor adventures, or living on campus, there's always something to help you connect, lead, and grow. With programs that foster community, identity, and personal development, your college experience extends far beyond the classroom.

  • A group of students standing outside of the chapman science building

    Residence Life & Community

    Your campus home is more than a place to live. It’s where you meet friends, join events, and feel part of a vibrant, supportive community.

    Discover Campus Living.