myCSUSM
CSUSM Campus Tours
Campus Tour Videos
Join Alum and Campus Videographer, Alan Brown, on a tour of campus! We've created 6 short videos so you can pick your journey.
CSUSM from the Sky
Situated on a hillside, we are known for some of the best views and sunsets around. Soar through campus in this aerial tour video!
Guided Campus Tours
We look forward to welcoming you to campus! Schedule your guided walking tour of campus below.
School Group Tours
If you are a school or a tour provider and would like to bring a group of students to campus, please fill out our request form using the link below.
Prospective Student Tours
Tours are provided Monday - Friday at 10:00am and 1:00pm.
Please note at this time we are not accepting walk-ins. A tour reservation must be made in advance.
Meet our Student Ambassadors
Our Student Ambassadors (tour guides) are here to answer all of your questions about life at CSUSM! Check out their bios below and if you find yourself relating to anyone, send them an email!
Best Memory at CSUSMMy favorite CSUSM memory is of my closest friend and I visiting the campus for the first time and being awestruck by its size.Home CountryIranFavorite Summer AcitivityI enjoy playing and watching soccer, and Manchester United is my favorite team.
Arian Ghaderi | Software Engineering
- Bio
Hi, My name is Arian, and I'm a first-year software engineering student. I'm from Iran, and I arrived in the US for the first time in September.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
Because I am really good at pool and the activity center has pool tables that we use to play with our buddies, it is my favorite location on campus.
- Dream JobMy ideal career would be to launch my own company and use my ideas to make everyone's lives easier.
Best Memory at CSUSMTransfer Student Reception- I met a lot of professors and faculty members who are here to help transfer students. I also got a chance to meet some fellow transfer students.HometownOntario, CAFavorite Summer AcitivityBoogie Boarding
Katy Hammond Grell | Liberal Studies- ESM, Science
- Bio
Hi! My name is Katy, I am a transfer student, I graduated from Citrus College in 2022 with an A.A degree in Elementary Education. I am involved in the Future Educators Association here at CSUSM. When I am not at school, I spend my time at the beach and Disneyland. Some of my favorite music artists are Harry Styles, COIN and 5 Seconds of Summer.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
WGEC- Women and Gender Equity Center
- Advice
My advice is to get involved on campus whether it is a campus job, sports, or organizations on campus, getting involved is a great way to connect with other students and learn about yourself.
- Dream JobSTEAM Elementary Teacher
Olivia Lee | Liberal Studies
- Bio
Hi! My name is Olivia. I am apart of Greek life, orientation team, personal interest clubs, and have multiple on-campus jobs. When I am not at school or work, I watch some of my favorite tv shows, hang out with friends, or eat lots of food (or a collection of the three).
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on-campus is Palm Court because I love seeing the palm trees. I do not have many classes near this area so anytime I venture here for tours/errands, it is always a treat. I feel so relaxed here.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
My favorite memory would be Cesar Chavez Day in 2022. I volunteered in Carlsbad in the morning, and my sorority helped to clean up the beach there. It was extremely rewarding, and I got to spend time with some of my closest friends. Then we played a Greek-wide sorority dodgeball event where we won and were able to make new friends at CSUSM. We finished the day with amazing sushi and cake.
- Advice
Utilize your resources! Always keep an updated physical and/or digital planner. It will help you keep track of everything you have to do and not have schedule conflicts, etc. Go to events on campus as well, they are always giving out free swag and it is an awesome way to meet people. Also get involved in the clubs you want; they will improve your experience tremendously here at CSUSM.
- Dream Job
I want to be a third or fourth grade teacher.
HometownEscondido, CA
Favorite Summer ActivitiesMy favorite summer activities are going to the beach, watching sunsets and listening to music.
Kelsie Macias | Liberal Studies
- Bio
Hello! I’m a Liberal Studies major with an emphasis in Biliteracy. I’m an Alliance Ambassador and I’m also a PASO Scholar here at Cal State San Marcos. I’m also part of the Future Educators Association. Since I will be doing the Credential program here with Cal State San Marcos the Future Educators Program will help me with that process. I’m a Campus Tour Ambassador Lead and I love giving tours to prospective students. I’m a local from Escondido, therefore if you have any questions about what to do in the area, feel free to reach out! I love spending time with my best friend, and I love going to new places.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot-on campus is the green roof between the two USU buildings. It has a beautiful view and it’s a great place to just relax.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
When I went to watch “Spiderman No Way Home” with my work besties. We got free swag and food while enjoying a great movie!
- Advice
My advice is get involved! The more you know about campus, the more comfortable and easier it will be to navigate throughout your time at CSUSM. Talk to people and don’t be afraid to make new friends.
- Dream Job
3rd grade elementary school teacher
Emily Molina | Literature and Writing Studies
- Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Molina and I am a second year Literature and Writing Studies major.
I am originally from the high desert, but I now live in San Marcos and couldn't have made a better decision.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
I love being on campus even if I'm just doing homework at the library, or hanging out with friends at my dorm.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
I am involved with Greek life where I have met some of the best people, our weekly chapter meetings are some of my favorite CSUSM memories.
- Advice
I advise students to get involved on campus with people who will enhance your time here at CSUSM and uplift you.
Bella Murken| Literature and Writing Studies
- Bio
I'm from San Diego but I currently live on-campus at the Quad. My plan is to get a bachelor's degree in Literature & Writing and a teaching credential here at CSUSM so that I can become an elementary school teacher.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus is the library because I always work much better there rather than my dorm.
- Advice
That would be my biggest advice to new students because it helps you be much more motivated to get things done.
- Dream Job
My dream job would be a third grade teacher. I love to get involved in all the on-campus activities with my roommates because I always end up having so much fun and making great memories.
Favorite MovieBest Study TipThe Perks of Being a Wallflower
Take breaks when you need to in order to avoid burnout!
Brenda Nieto
- Bio
Hi y’all! My name is Brenda and I am a third-year, first-generation Sociology student. I am also an Alliance Ambassador, a program that helps local students get guaranteed admission to CSUSM. In my free time, I love going to my local coffee shop in Escondido to get some homework done or hang out with friends. I also dance ballet folklorico for a local dance group.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
Gonzalez Grove! I love hanging out on the lawn between University Hall and the Arts Building!
- Best Memory at CSUSM
A friend from Palomar College took the Sprinter to join me for Cougar Cinema! We grabbed some sushi from Umami near the dorms and walked back to campus in time to catch the new Minions movie. It was a super fun event!
- Advice
Make connections with as many people as possible on campus! You never know if a classmate, professor, or staff member will give you a cool opportunity!
- Dream Job
Bilingual High School English Teacher
Zac Parsons | Undecided
- Bio
Hi there! My name is Zac, and I am a student here at California State University San Marcos. My family lives in Oceanside. I enjoy playing club soccer at the school and of course being a tour guide. I am a huge sports fan and love Chelsea FC as well as the San Diego Padres. I enjoy surfing and my favorite beach is Encinitas. I am involved in Greek life. If you want any more information about these things let me know!
- Favorite Spot on Campus
Starbucks at the Library
- Best Memory at CSUSM
Goin on coffee runs with my coworkers and playing soccer with my team.
- Advice
Don’t be hasty in picking your major or switching! Everyone has a different path in life. Make sure you pick the one that you want even if others in your life might have a different influence.
- Dream Job
Professional Soccer Player
Janelle Patillo | Psychological Science
- Bio
Hey guys, my name is Janelle! I’m a first-year psychology major with hopes to be a psychiatrist! I’m originally from San Diego and grew up in a military family! I currently live on campus in the Quad and enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. As of now I am heavily involved in the Black Student Union and Young Life! I love CSUSM not only because of the welcoming social environment but also because we’re so close to the beach!
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The Green Roof because it has great views all throughout the day!
- Best Memory at CSUSM
My best memory at CSUSM so far would definitely be my first couple of days here as a freshman! We were all in the same boat and were so eager to meet people and create good friendships and memories we won’t forget!
- Advice
College is what you make it, so stay motivated and be patient with yourself! It’s going to be a big change from what you’re used to but don’t be so quick to give up on yourself, balance is key, have fun and enjoy these next four years!
- Dream Job
I’d love to be a psychiatrist for active duty and retired veterans one day!
HometownSan Bernardino, CA
Favorite Summer ActivityI love going to the movie theater and walking out as soon as the sun is setting, grabbing something to eat afterwards is my definition of perfect.
Gabriela Raygoza Quintero | Business Marketing
- Bio
Hi everyone I’m a First- Generation Latinx Business Marketing Student here at San Marcos. I am quite involved on campus, I’m an EOP student which is an incredible program for 1st gen students like myself. On the side, I am a Samsung College Ambassador and a Campus Trendsetter Ambassador where I get to create content for my Social Media pages and share with my friends and family (: I look forward to guiding you around our beautiful campus as one of the Tour Ambassador Leads, don’t be afraid to reach out!
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The Lawn in between the Arts building and U-Hall; I love taking naps there on a nice sunny day!
- Best Memory at CSUSM
My best memory has to be any with my friends I’ve made from working as a tour guide, you can always catch me with a smile on my face when I’m with them!
- Advice
Carpe Diem. Take advantage of all the opportunities that are being presented to you on a silver platter, you never know when you’ll have it in front of you again!
- Dream Job
My goal is to one day work in the Entertainment Industry as a Television & Film Producer.
Aaliyah Renteria | Criminology and Justice Studies, and Sociology
- Bio
Hi everyone, my name is Aaliyah Renteria. I am a first year double major in Criminology and Justice Studies and Sociology. I am from Jurupa Valley, CA, but I live on campus in the UVA dorms. I love having bonding movie nights with my roommates. Aside from school I like to do my own nails, dance, and hang out with my friends and family.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The Kellog Library fifth floor balcony
- Best Memory at CSUSM
One of my favorite memories is having movie nights and baking cookies with my roommates.
- Advice
I think that all students should find a balance between school and social life. We come to college to not only earn our degree, but to build relationships. Take advantage of every opportunity you get here. :)
- Dream Job
Criminal defense attorney or human rights attorney