Manage Your Campus Housing and Dining

Overview of campus housing and dining policies, processes and payment information.

Student Dorm Room

Apply and Manage Your Housing Contract

Living on campus is an important part of your Cal State Monterey Bay experience. From submitting your housing application to reviewing your license agreement or preparing to move out, this page connects you to the information and tools you need at every step.

Student Housing and Residential Life is here to guide you through the process with clear timelines, policies and next steps. Explore application requirements, contract details, cancellation information and check-out procedures so you can plan ahead and make informed decisions about your campus home.

Image of Residence Hall on a gloomy day

Apply for Housing

Learn about eligibility requirements, important deadlines and step-by-step instructions for submitting your housing application. Apply early to secure your space and plan your campus living experience.

Apply for Housing

Housing License Agreements

Access current and past Housing and Dining License Agreements for Cal State Monterey Bay. Review terms, community standards, occupancy policies and related addendums by academic year and campus area.

Housing Cancellation

Review eligibility, deadlines and required steps for canceling your on-campus housing agreement. Learn about fees, documentation requirements and important policy details before submitting your request.

Checking Out of Housing

Prepare for a smooth move-out with step-by-step instructions for cleaning, key return, donation and damage billing. Review deadlines and check-out requirements for Main Campus and East Campus to avoid additional fees.

Community Standards

Review housing policies, guest guidelines, animal regulations and the Community Standards process that help maintain a safe, respectful and welcoming on-campus living environment at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Additional Housing Resources

Students may request a room change during the designated room change period each semester.

Submitting a Room Change application does not guarantee a room change. All requests are reviewed based on availability and individual circumstances.

To apply, log in to your MyHousing portal and select the Room Change Application.

Before You Apply

The Room Change Application includes four request categories:

  • Roommate Conflict
  • Financial Reason
  • Room Type/Location Change
  • Other

Please review the guidance below before submitting your request.

If you select Financial Reason or Room Type/Location Change:

  • Review the cost differences between your current assignment and your preferred room type or housing area
  • Make sure you understand how a change may affect your housing charges

If you select Roommate Conflict:

  • Complete a Roommate Agreement form (if you have not already done so)
  • Make a good faith effort to resolve concerns directly with your roommate
  • Speak with your RA/CA and Residential Life Coordinator (RLC); they can help mediate concerns and support you through the process

We encourage students to use available residential life resources before requesting a move.

Application Review Process

After You Submit

  • Applications are reviewed on a regular basis throughout the room change period
  • You will receive follow-up communication within a reasonable timeframe after submitting your application
  • Room changes depend on available space; if your preferred room type or location is unavailable, the review process may take longer

If Your Request Is Approved

  • You will receive an official email with your new room assignment
  • Do not move until you receive written confirmation
  • A room change fee may be charged to your student account if you accept the new assignment

Important to Know

  • All room change decisions are based on availability and additional housing factors
  • While we do our best to accommodate requests, we cannot guarantee specific placements

Our goal is to support you and help you find a living environment where you can thrive.

If Your Request Is Not Approved

Not all requests can be approved during a given room change period. If your request is not approved, you may apply again during the next available room change opportunity.

Residential Life staff are here to support you. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your RA/CA or Residential Life Coordinator.

Need to update your meal plan? Start by reviewing your Housing and Dining License Agreement to understand your options and deadlines.

All students may request a meal plan change during the first two weeks of the semester, no later than the add/drop deadline. Changes take effect within seven days of submitting the request to Student Housing and Residential Life (SHRL).

All students may increase their meal plan — or add a plan if they do not currently have one — once per semester at any time before the final two weeks of the semester. Changes take effect within seven days of submitting the request.

Students moving from a “required” meal plan to an “optional” assignment may request a decrease or termination only if a room change qualifies under the current Housing and Dining License Agreement and is approved by SHRL. Changes take effect after approval and completion of the room transfer process. Daily dining charges apply until the transfer is complete. A $50 change fee applies for plan decreases, and a $150 fee applies for plan terminations.

Students with optional meal plans may request a decrease or cancellation after the first two weeks of the semester. Approved changes take effect at the beginning of the next semester.

Meal plan changes or refunds are not permitted during the final two weeks of any semester.


Meal Plan Requirements

  • All first-year students and students living in the Residence Halls must have an Otter 7-Day, Otter 5-Day or Otter 225 Residential Meal Plan

  • All students living in North Quad Suites must have a residential meal plan

  • Students without a meal plan who transfer into the Residence Halls or North Quad Suites will be required to select a meal plan effective on their room transfer date

  • Students may have only one dining plan at a time — either a residential or commuter meal plan

Charges and Refunds

  • Charges and refunds are prorated based on the daily meal rate and dining dollars used before the plan change

  • Administrative fees apply where noted

  • All charges and refunds are applied directly to the student account

  • Approved changes may take a few days to appear in your account after confirmation

SHRL works to process requests within seven business days of submission. Students will receive email confirmation once changes are completed in the system.

Dietary Accommodations

If you have a dietary restriction or medical concern, please contact Dining Services to request accommodations.

The Housing Appeals process provides students with a fair and impartial review of disputes related to housing or meal plan charges, requirements or policies.

The Housing Appeals Committee evaluates each request in accordance with established university policies and the terms outlined in the Housing and Dining License Agreement. Appeals may address financial charges, contractual obligations or specific housing policies.

Important Information Before Submitting an Appeal

  • Submitting a Housing Appeal does not guarantee approval

  • Appeals are reviewed on a regular basis throughout the academic year

  • Most decisions are issued within approximately 30 days of submission, provided all required documentation has been received

  • University closures or academic breaks may extend review timelines

  • Appeals must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the charge or decision being posted to the student’s account

  • All terms, conditions and related fees outlined in the Housing and Dining License Agreement remain in effect unless and until written approval of the appeal is granted

Required Documentation

Appeals must include a detailed explanation of the request along with supporting documentation. Incomplete submissions may delay review or result in denial.

Supporting materials may include, but are not limited to:

  • Financial documentation

  • Letters of support

  • Academic records

  • Legal documentation

  • Other relevant materials that substantiate the request

Each appeal is reviewed individually based on the information provided.

Matters Not Handled Through the Housing Appeals Process

The Housing Appeals process does not apply to:

  • Room transfer requests

  • Community Standards concerns

  • Emotional Support Animal requests

  • Damage charge disputes

  • Payment plan arrangements or extension requests

These matters are addressed through separate university processes.

After You Submit

Once your appeal is reviewed, you will receive written notification of the committee’s decision. All decisions are made in accordance with university policy and the terms of your housing agreement.

Managing Housing and Dining Finances

Cal State Monterey Bay Student Housing and Residential Life offers a housing installment payment plan to make it easier for students and families to manage the cost of housing and meal plans.

All students living in campus housing — Residence Halls, North Quad, Promontory or Frederick Park — are automatically enrolled at no additional cost.

How the Plan Works

Your total housing and meal plan cost for the semester is divided into five equal payments. Each installment equals one-fifth (1/5) of your total semester charges.

Fall 2026 Payment Schedule

Payment Due Date
First installment Aug. 1, 2026
Second installment Sept. 1, 2026
Third installment Oct. 1, 2026
Fourth installment Nov. 1, 2026
Final installment Dec. 1, 2026

Spring 2027 Payment Schedule

Payment Due Date
First installment Jan. 5, 2027
Second installment Feb. 5, 2027
Third installment March 5, 2027
Fourth installment April 5, 2027
Final installment May 5, 2027

To review your anticipated financial aid:

  • Log in to OASIS through your CSUMB Dashboard.

  • Select View Financial Aid under the Finances section.

  • Choose the appropriate aid year.

When making payments:

  • Select Housing Payments for your housing installment.

  • Select Meal Payments for your meal plan installment.

This ensures your payments are applied correctly.

  • Log in to your CSUMB Dashboard

  • Select OASIS and confirm you are in the Student Center

  • Scroll to the Finances section and select Account Inquiries to view a detailed breakdown of your charges

  • Under the Charges Due tab, review your Housing and Dining charges based on your assigned room type and meal plan

  • Select the “multiple” link to see a monthly breakdown

  • Return to the previous page and select Make a Payment; this will direct you to CASHnet

  • Select View details for Housing Payments — Fall (or Spring) and Meal Payments — Fall (or Spring)

  • Enter the amount due for the installment date (for example, Aug. 1, 2026) and add it to your cart

  • Complete your payment; you will receive a confirmation email