Future Residents
Studies that show students who live on campus graduate sooner and succeed academically at higher rates than students who live off-campus. Living in Student Housing is the ultimate way to experience CSU San Marcos, as you'll find plenty of opportunities to expand your academic knowledge, build friendships, and explore the diverse campus culture. As a resident student, you'll have convenient access to your professors, the library, computer labs, and recreational facilities. You'll spend avoid the challenges of commuting, providing you with more time for studying, socializing, working, exercising, or pursuing your personal interests.
This is not just "a place to live." Student Housing is your gateway to the complete CSU San Marcos experience, the place to succeed.
First-time Student Live on Requirement
Since the beginning in Fall 2012, CSUSM has maintained a requirement for first-time, first-year undergraduate students to live on campus. Demand for on-campus housing at CSUSM is currently very high. Housing will be prioritized for new undergraduate students based on the distance to their permanent home address. All first-time, first-year undergraduate students under the age of 21 whose permanent address is 40 miles or more from the San Marcos campus are subject to this requirement and receive highest priority for on-campus housing.
Students subject to the live on requirement may submit a request for exemption. See the Housing Exemption Request Form for more details. If you have questions about the exemption process or need assistance completing the form, please contact housing, at (760) 750-3711. You can also email your questions regarding housing exemptions to housing@csusm.edu.
Students who live closer to campus who apply for housing will initially be placed on a waitlist and will be offered housing if space becomes available during the summer months. If you live closer than 40 miles, you may choose to commute from home or find off-campus housing. The Dean of Students office has created a useful website for finding Off Campus Housing if you prefer to seek off campus housing right away.
Renters Insurance
CSUSM Housing has partnered with GradGuard to offer an affordable College Renters Insurance Plan to protect your personal belonings.
Meal Plans
For information on Dining Services, visit Dining or email dining@csusm.edu.
Spring 2024 Meal Plans are available for purchase!