Otter Days

Move-in Day 1
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Welcome to your new home. Arrive at your scheduled time, get settled in and get ready — the Otter experience starts now.

Residential Community Meetings (Required)
Times vary | World Theater | Residential students
Meet your community, learn about campus living and connect with staff who are here to support you.

• 6 to 6:30 p.m. (Cypress, Asilomar, Willett)
• 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. (Manzanita, Yarrow, Avocet)
• 7:30 to 8 p.m. (Tortuga, Sanderling)

Parent and Family Reception
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | University Center Auditorium
Families and supporters are an important part of every student’s journey. Join us for refreshments, campus welcome remarks and connection with other Otter families.
Questions: orientation@csumb.edu

Playfair
8 to 10 p.m. | Otter Sports Center | New students
Start building friendships right away through this high-energy, interactive experience designed to bring the new class together.

Move-in Day 1
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Welcome to your new home. Arrive at your scheduled time, get settled in and get ready — the Otter experience starts now.

Residential Community Meetings (Required)
Times vary | University Center | Residential students
Meet your community, learn about campus living and connect with staff who are here to support you.

• 6 to 6:30 p.m. (Cypress, Asilomar, Willett)
• 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. (Manzanita, Yarrow, Avocet)
• 7:30 to 8 p.m. (Tortuga, Sanderling)

Parent and Family Reception
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Otter Student Union Ballroom
Families and supporters are an important part of every student’s journey. Join us for refreshments, campus welcome remarks and connection with other Otter families.
Questions: orientation@csumb.edu

Playfair
6 to 8:30pm | University Center | New students
Start building friendships right away through this high-energy, interactive experience designed to bring the new class together.

Move-in Day 2
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Welcome to your new home. Arrive at your scheduled time, get settled in and get ready — the Otter experience starts now.

Floor Meetings
7 to 8 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Join Student Housing and Residential Life staff to learn more about community expectations, how we can best support you, and more valuable information. Start building relationships with other residents and your RA today! 

The Wave Shuttle to Dunes Shopping Center
6 to 10 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Hop on the shuttle and explore the Dunes Shopping Center! Pick up any last-minute supplies, dorm essentials, snacks, or school items while getting to know the local area. It's the perfect way to prepare for your first day of classes and discover resources available just minutes from campus.

Comedy Show
7:30 to 9:00 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Louisiana-raised comedian, actor, and writer Jen Kober delivers big laughs, a big heart, and stories that feel like front-porch therapy. Known for her sharp wit and relatable storytelling, Jen has appeared in some of television’s most popular shows, including Hacks, American Horror Story, The Mandalorian, The Righteous Gemstones, Ted, and many more.

Move-in Day 3
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Students in North Quad, Promontory and East Campus move in and prepare for the start of classes.

Pintando en Comunidad/Painting in Community
1 to 4 p.m. | Building 12, Room 125
This is an open house-style event where students are invited to paint, enjoy refreshing mocktails, and learn more about El Centro - its resources, programs, and the ways it supports students throughout their time on campus. Whether you’re new, returning, or simply curious, you’re welcome to stop by, meet others, and explore what the space has to offer. No art experience is needed just come as you are. All materials will be provided. 

Community Meetings
7 to 8 p.m. | Various locations
Connect with your residential community, meet your RA and learn about available resources.

Otter Palooza
8 to 11 p.m. | Otter Student Union
This event is for all residents who live on campus to enjoy food trucks, ice cream, inflatables, and community building. We are kicking off the end of move-in with a party for all residents. 

New Student Convocation (Required)
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Along Divarty Street

College Mixers: Every major on campus is a part of one of our 5 colleges at CSUMB. Come meet your dean, faculty, and fellow students within your college. You will have the opportunity to network, learn more about events, services and traditions your college hosts, and we’ll play games to raffle off prizes. 

Convocation Ceremony: New Student Convocation serves as a required formal welcome to CSUMB and celebrates our new otters. This CSUMB tradition marks the start of a new academic year and commemorates the beginning of your academic journey.

Campus Cookout
12:30 to 2 p.m. | Main Quad
Gather with the Otter community for a complimentary meal, music and activities.

RecFest
1 to 2 p.m. | Main Quad
You Otter Play.. Come join the Recreation team in celebrating our annual #RecFest highlighting health, wellness and recreation opportunities for CSUMB students on and off campus. This event will host our Sports Clubs, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Recreation, and Otter Cycle Center. This an awesome chance to make some new connections with the CSUMB community and find ways to recreate, have fun, and live healthy.

Parenting Otter Welcome
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Redwood Hall
Join OtterCare, Family Friendly, and the Parenting Otter Program for a celebration and welcome of parenting students and your families! Kid Friendly Food, Crafts, Activities and fun for all ages!

Late Night with OSU
8 to 11:30 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Explore the Otter Student Union, enjoy free food and entertainment, and connect with other students before classes begin.

Class-Finding Tours
10 to 11:30 a.m. | OSU Main Quad Plaza
Get comfortable navigating campus before your first day of classes. Open to all students.

Mountain Bike Handling Skills Clinic
10:00 a.m to 1 p.m. | Otter Cycle Center
Join Recreation's Otter Cycle Center for a free mountain bike skills clinic.
This is a hands-on clinic where you will practice skills that will help develop your balance, control and stability. You will get a free helmet and bike rental, or you can bring your own.

Otter Games
12 to 4 p.m. | Rec Field
Otter Games is a multi-event community competition organized by Otter Media that is heavily inspired by the Netflix original series Squid Game. The event features a variety of team-based and strategic challenges modeled after the show’s high-stakes format, including games like Red Light, Green Light, Capture the Flag, Tug of War, and Hot Pot.

Welcome Back Bingo
6 to 9 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Join us for an evening of excitement, laughter, and fantastic prizes at our thrilling Bingo Event! Get ready to shout "BINGO!" as we gather for an unforgettable night of fun and friendly competition. Let the bingo balls roll and the good times flow! 

The Plunge
8 to 10 a.m. | Beach (transportation from Lot 71)
Take part in a beloved Otter tradition — start your year with a Pacific Ocean dip and s’mores on the beach.

La Exploración
10 a.m to 2 p.m. | At the Wharf (near s'mores)
Join El Centro staff after you plunge into the ocean and explore your new home - Monterey Bay! We will do a walking tour of some of the best local spots and other good to know places in town, so you can start off the new semester right! We will take the MST bus back to campus. MUST BRING YOUR OTTERID.

Dive-in Movie Night
7:30 p.m to 10 p.m. | OSU Inter-Garrison Plaza
Ditch the swimsuits, grab your coziest blankets and dive into a night of inflatable pool lounging, snacks, and watching the movie "Project Hail Mary" under the stars! We’re turning the space into a giant "dry pool" with comfy floaties, so you can chill like an otter on a lazy river... just without the wet hair. Sea you there!

Breakfast Bites Bar
8 to 10:30 a.m. | Outside Library (North Entrance) & OSU Main Quad Plaza
Start your semester off right with a quick treat before heading to class! Whether its cereal or donuts you're craving, AS's Breakfast Bar has it all! Come find us at our two outdoor stations at the Library and OSU to try our cereal bar and/or grab some donuts to-go!

Matcha Mixer with Undocu-Success
10 to 11:30 a.m. | Building 12, Room 125
Kick off the academic year with the Undocu-Success Center team to commemorate your start at CSUMB and learn about our resources, such as our Emergency Grant, immigration legal services, Undocu-Success Conference, and more!

Plant Party with Health & Wellness Services
10 to 11:30 a.m. | Building 12 Main Quad
Meet Health & Wellness Services staff to learn more about support services at CSUMB. Each participant will be able to plant and take home a succulent to brighten up their living space.

HRC Student Welcome: Rooted and Rising
12 to 2 p.m. | Otter Student Union Ballroom
This event is designed to empower students and equip them with tools and resources to start the semester off powerfully. Attendees will have a chance to meet faculty and staff, as well as deans from the colleges.

Karaoke with the Clubs
6:30 to 8:30pm | Otter Student Union - OSU Steps
Bring your singing voice and your dancing shoes or neither and be ready to have a good laugh and some fun. Karaoke hosted by our Inter-Club Council. There will be snacks, prizes, and a good time to be had by all. 

Solidarity Block Party
11 a.m to 2 p.m. | Otter Student Union Inter-Garrison Plaza
Celebrate community and culture with music, performances and an energetic night hosted by the Affinity Centers.

International & Education Abroad Students Meet & Greet
2 to 4 p.m. | Grove Hall, Bldg 48, Room 107
Connect with fellow globally minded students! Whether you’re an international student, have studied abroad, or are interested in going abroad, this is a great opportunity to meet others, share experiences, and build community while enjoying light snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments. All are welcome

Overcome the Wall!
12 to 2 p.m. | Challenge Course
Recreation challenges you to get up and over our 15 ft wall! Work together with fellow otters using wit, problem solving, teamwork and communication to complete this challenge. All we ask is you bring water, sun protection, athletic wear, and close toed shoes.

Sneaker Ball-After Party
7 to 10 p.m. | Otter Student Union Ballroom
We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, community spirit, and celebration. This lively event will feature a lineup of talented musical performances, DJs, and drag performers. Whether you’re rocking your favorite sneakers or just looking to enjoy the vibrant energy of our community, the Sneaker Ball After Party is the perfect way to connect and celebrate together.

La Entrada Otter Thursday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | OSU Plaza
Celebrate community with food, music and games. Sponsored by the President’s Office.

Pop in for Popsicles
2–5 p.m. | Library, Suite 2125
Meet tutors, explore academic support and enjoy a treat.

Kite Decorating Workshop
3 to 4 p.m. | Building 12 Quad
Create your own kite — no experience needed.

Esports Mario Kart Tournament
6 to 8 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Compete or cheer on friends in a high-energy gaming event.

High Ropes Adventure!
12 to 3 p.m. | Challenge Course
Experience new heights with an experience like no other. No gear needed, just bring close toed shoes, and comfortable athletic clothing. This event is located at the Challenge Course located in the Oak Woodlands behind the library. Please refer to the map posted to see how to navigate the trails.

Monte Royale: Casino Night
8 to 11 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Step into a night of excitement at Casino Night in the OSU Ballroom! 

Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Otter Cycle Center
Join Recreation for our free Beginner Mountain Bike Rides. These rides are for folks that are new to Mountain Biking or that are continuing their start. We will ride at a gentle pace, and select beginner friendly trails.

HRC Welcome Back BBQ
12 to 3 p.m. | Off Campus at the Brass Tap
Bring a friend and be entered into a drawing to win a prize. There is no cost for CSUMB students or their guest, Join us for some networking, line dancing, good food, and friendly competition! The Wave will be available for CSUMB students to/from campus and venue.

Otter Media Open House
4 to 6 p.m. | Divarty Quad
Join Otter Media for Live Music entertainment on Divarty Quad.

Partido MBFC
6 p.m. | The Meeting House
Not many students around the country can say they have a professional soccer team playing in their backyard, but WE can!!! If you love the game and want to be around other fútbol fans, then meet up in front of the Meeting House (white chapel looking building) to walk over to watch our Monterey Bay FC team play.

Silent Disco
7 to 9 p.m. | OSU Terrace & The Rookery
Join us for a Silent Disco under the stars! Food and games will be available inside, with disco and dancing outside!