There's so much to do at CSUSM. Get a taste of life on campus.
Student Life
There’s always a buzz at the University Student Union – and it’s not just from the coffee at Crash’s Café. The USU is the hub of student life at CSUSM. With countless activities and events occurring every day, you’ll have no trouble getting involved and making the most of your CSUSM experience. It’s also a great place to meet up with friends, take a break between classes or grab a bite to eat.
Life at CSUSM
Whether it’s University Village Apartments or The QUAD, CSUSM’s on-campus housing will feel like a home away from home. Sure, it’s convenient being a short walk from the heart of campus, but living on campus is so much more – from making new friends to hanging out with old ones, from enjoying a laid-back lifestyle to participating in numerous activities. CSUSM Housing has everything you need to thrive academically and socially.
Student Health
We know that wellness is essential to your success, and Student Health and Counseling Services offers myriad resources to ensure your social, emotional and physical well-being. Through a holistic and collaborative approach, SHCS offers primary care, preventative services, wellness education and mental health services – and it’s all from a dedicated team of professionals and support staff who are trained to meet your needs.
Student Life Centers
Our five Student Life Centers for Identity, Inclusion & Empowerment are committed to celebrating, educating and creating spaces for students to find a sense of belonging through developing self-awareness, exploring intersections of identity, and engaging in educational, social and community programming.
Recreation
Need to get in a workout? Want to relieve stress? Just looking to have some fun? Campus Recreation has you covered, offering more than 50 hours of different activities each week. Campus Rec has something for everyone, including fitness and wellness classes, intramural sports, sports clubs and outdoor adventures.
Athletics
Just steps from the Clarke Field House is The Sports Center, home to our NCAA Division II men’s and women’s basketball teams and women’s volleyball team. CSUSM competes in 13 NCAA sports and is a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, the premier Division II athletics conference. Tickets are free for students, so be sure to catch a game. You might even be inspired to join the BLU CRU, CSUSM’s student-founded spirit group.
Life in Southern California
Looking for something to do off campus? San Marcos is home to biking and hiking trails, hundreds of restaurants and great weather almost 365 days a year. North City, located steps from campus, is one of the newest neighborhoods, offering good eats and a multitude of entertainment options. The beach is just a 15-minute drive away. And if you don’t have a car, just jump on the Sprinter light-rail train – we have a station right on campus!
Take Charge
Leadership is a hallmark of CSUSM students, and we have endless opportunities. Associated Students, Inc., serves, engages and empowers students through the elected student representatives who advocate for you on important issues on campus and beyond. You can also pursue your passion leading one of over 130 student organizations. You can even contact the Student Life and Leadership office to start your own organization
Getting to Campus
With a Sprinter light-rail train station, bus stops and a bikeable/walkable city, there are many ways to get to campus. Even parking is a breeze when you use the CSUSM mobile app to find a spot. Live space counters let you know parking availability in each lot, so you never need to worry about being late trying to find a place to park. Ridesharing with a friend is another great option that gives you access to carpool-only spots in the front of lots.
Show Your Cougar Pride
Founded in 1989, CSUSM is young compared to many universities around the country. But our relative youth doesn’t mean we lack traditions. You can easily participate in one every week – Cougar Blue Thursday, when students, faculty and staff show their Cougar pride by wearing the school’s color. Need some CSUSM gear to wear? The University Store has you covered with everything from t-shirts and hoodies to hats and socks.
Let’s Get Social
Staying connected is the best way to get engaged with life as a Cougar. Follow @CSUSM on your favorite social media platform to get a taste of campus life and stay in the know with everything happening at CSUSM.