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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

OtterCare

View OtterCare

OtterCare 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 is OtterCare?

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

The Hub

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

Recreation

Explore Recreation at CSU Monterey Bay

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

Get Outside

Explore the Outdoors

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

Discover the Outdoors
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Explore

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.

View the Otter Cycle Center
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Connection

Sports Clubs and Intramural Sports

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

Explore Intramural Sports

Student Engagement and Leadership Development

Discover Leadership Opportunities

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

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Get Involved

Associated Students

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

Explore Associated Students
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Service and Collaboration

Leadership Development

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

Explore Leadership Development

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.

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on-campus

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.

Explore Living on Campus
Students in a dorm room
Connection

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.

View Housing Options

Applying for Housing

Applying for housing at Cal State Monterey Bay is a simple, step-by-step process. Whether you're an incoming first-year, transfer, or returning student, this guide walks you through everything from application timelines to room selection. Secure your spot and start planning your Otter experience tod

Apply for Housing

Project Rebound

View Project Rebound
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Support

Community and Advocacy

Project Rebound connects students with a strong peer network, faculty mentors, and community advocates who understand the challenges of reentry and higher education. Together, we create space for healing, growth, and leadership.

Graduation 2025
Opportunity

Pathways to a Purposeful Future

We help you turn lived experience into lasting impact. Project Rebound opens doors to internships, career support, graduate pathways, and civic engagement, preparing you to lead in your community and beyond.

Support for Formerly Incarcerated Students

  • Personalized mentorship
  • Individualized support
  • Financial assistance
  • Academic guidance
  • Connections to campus and community resources

Health and Wellness Services

Explore Health and Wellness Services
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Thrive Together

Wellness Programs and Events

Explore workshops, peer groups, and wellness events designed to support your emotional well-being, stress management, nutrition, and more, all in a supportive Otter community.

Discover Wellness Programs and Events
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Equal access

Student Disability and Accessibility Center

SDAC works with students to ensure equal access to campus life. From accommodations to assistive tech, we’re here to support your academic success and self-advocacy.

Explore Student Disability and Accessibility Center

Campus Health Center

Get affordable, confidential care including:

  • General medical checkups and illness care
  • Lab testing and prescriptions
  • Reproductive and sexual health services
  • Immunizations and TB testing
  • Referrals to specialists as needed

Otter Cross Cultural Center

Explore the Otter Cross Cultural Center
OC3 members sitting at a table in the OC3
Community

A Space for Identity, Equity, and Connection

The Otter Cross Cultural Center (OC3) is committed to building an inclusive campus through conversations on identity, social justice, and community. We empower students to explore who they are and how they belong.

Learn about OC3
Students in the OSU engaged in conversation for OC3
Support

A Community that Feels Like Home

Whether you're looking for support, solidarity, or just a place to be yourself, OC3 offers a welcoming space where students can connect, recharge, and create meaningful change.

Students and faculty playing loteria in El Centro
Belonging

Student Affinity Centers

Find your community, celebrate who you are. CSUMB’s student affinity centers are welcoming spaces that uplift diverse identities and promote belonging, leadership and cultural connection. Open to all students, these centers create opportunities for meaningful dialogue, shared experiences and persona

Explore Affinity Centers
Convocation

Find Your Place. Make Your Mark.

Student life at CSUMB is vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunities to connect, lead, and grow. From clubs to campus events, your experience goes far beyond the classroom.

  • Student family at a science event

    Community Engagement

    Get involved through service, volunteering, and civic projects that build skills and strengthen connections.

    Explore Opportunities
  • Students in a game of tug of war

    Greek Life

    Greek Life at CSUMB builds community through academics, service, culture, and leadership. Join a fraternity or sorority to grow, give back, and find your Otter family.

    Discover Greek Life
  • Student casting vote at ballot box on campus

    Civic Engagement

    Get involved in voter drives, civic events, and student-led initiatives that strengthen democracy and social responsibility on campus and in the community.

    Explore Civic Engagement