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Off-Campus Housing Near Chico State
About Off-Campus Housing Near California State University - Chico
The off-campus market around Chico State is affordable and genuinely college-town oriented — most students pay $800–$1,100/month for a shared room, and the inventory within walking or biking distance of campus is substantial. Chico is a city of about 100,000 that functions like a college town, with CSUC as the dominant cultural and economic force. The neighborhoods north and east of campus along the Esplanade are the primary student housing zones, with a dense mix of older apartments and converted houses. The city is very bikeable, warm for most of the year, and has a lively downtown scene centered on the bars and restaurants of downtown Chico.
California State University - Chico Housing Requirements
Freshman Live-On Requirements
Chico State does not require freshmen to live on campus. On-campus housing is available and some freshmen choose it, but the off-campus market is accessible and affordable enough that many students start renting apartments immediately. There's no formal approval system for off-campus housing.
Off-Campus Eligibility
Students are free to rent anywhere in Chico. There is no contracted off-campus housing program. The university maintains a housing resource board. Most students find housing through word of mouth, Facebook groups, and standard listing sites.
Lease Timing
Most leases near Chico State run on a summer start — units turning over in May and June for August/September occupancy. Landlords typically list in February and March. Starting your search by February for fall is advisable, particularly for units close to campus.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with California State University - Chico before signing a lease.
