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

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

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.

Employee working on a bike.
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.

Students playing frisbee golf
Connection

Sports Clubs and Intramural Sports

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

Student Engagement and Leadership Development

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.
Get Involved

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
Service and Collaboration

Leadership Development

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

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
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.

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.

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

Student Support and Campus Life

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

Stronger Together

We’re committed to your success with services that foster belonging, well-being and growth. From first-generation support to wellness programs and academic resources, you’ll find what you need to thrive at every stage of your journey.

Student and Professor sitting at a table looking at a paper together
THRIVE

Lifting You Up

From your first class to your final semester, you’re not alone. CSUMB offers personalized guidance, mentorship and resources that remove barriers and open doors. We’re here to help you stay on track, build confidence and reach your goals.

WELL-BEING

Find Your Balance

College life at CSUMB is more than academics — it’s about balance, connection and growth. From joining clubs to recharging in nature, you’ll find a welcoming community that supports your well-being and helps you feel at home.

Health and Wellness Services

Mental Health
Mental Health

Personal Growth and Counseling Center

Free, confidential mental health care for students, offering compassionate, culturally responsive support for well-being, personal growth and success.

Student using a mobility walker
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.

Campus overview
AFFORDABLE, CONFIDENTIAL CARE

Campus Health Center

Get the care you need, right on campus. Students have access to urgent care, primary care and diagnostic services through TeleMedicine or in-person appointments.

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.

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

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.