Utilities

Telephone Services

The company which serves the Chico area is AT&T (www.att.com). Those who live in the residence halls will obtain their phone service through the campus telecommunication services. An application form will be provided when you check into your residence hall room.

Those who live in apartments must phone 1-800-750-2355 to start telephone service. A variety of services are available and these will be explained by a company representative. The basic service costs $50 (approx.) to install and $20 (approx.) monthly. You may qualify for the Universal Lifeline discount rate.

Long Distance and Overseas Calls:

Long distance calls cost more than local calls depending on both the distance and the time of day. Some companies have special rates for weekends during designated hours. The following are the major long distance telephone companies. Since these companies are competitive, it is to your benefit to compare their rates before making a choice.

AT&T 1-800-222-0300

MCI 1-800-950-5555

Sprint 1-800-877-7746

Cell Phones Providers:

Some student find that wireless phone plans offer them more reasonable rates for international calls. Each company will offer different rates and options so shop around for the one that suits your needs the best. Below is a list of some of the wireless phone companies that serve the Chico area.

Nextel Wireless 899-9700

AT&T Wireless 1-866-246-4852

Verizon Wireless 1-800-256-4646

Telephone Card:

Phone card companies, rates and features vary greatly. A good way to find the best one for you is to check online. Cards can be purchased at the Associated Students Bookstore and in many other stores that will enable you to make long distance calls from any phone. This card is convenient to use while waiting for your phone to be installed.

Helpful Hints:

U.S. phone numbers include a three-digit area code and then a seven-digit phone number. To make a long distance call within the U.S., you will need to use a “1” in front of the area code. To make an international call, you will need to use “011” in front of the country code.

To make a call within Chico, use only the seven-digit phone number. To call to Chico from another area, use 1-530 in front of the phone number. When using a cell phone to call another area, you do not need to use 1 in front of the area code.

Phone numbers that begin with 1-800, 1-866 or 1-877 are free to call. Directory assistance in the 530 area code region is available by dialing 411. There is a charge for the service. For directory assistance in other regions of the U.S. dial (area code) 555-1212.

Email and Internet

Each student is given a Chico State email account (Wildcat Mail). The University sends important announcements to this account. It is very important that you check it regularly. Not reading your emails is not an acceptable reason for missing deadlines or other information.

Each student will get a Portal account. Through this account, students can check their email, register for classes, see their class schedule, check the fees they owe, view student announcements, and much more. Information on how to create a Portal account was sent to each student with their admission pack.

If you want to get an internet connection at your apartment, contact one of the following Internet Providers.

There are many different internet providers, with different plans and prices. The list that follows is just a small sample of providers. Comcast can also provide you with a cable TV connection.

CNS (on campus) 898-6868
AT&T 1-800-750-2355 (www.att.com)
Comcast 1-800-266-2278 (www.comcast.com)

For wireless internet, you must buy and install a wireless router separately.

Gas and Electric

Most apartment leases include water and garbage service in the monthly rent. Students who will live in the University residence halls need not worry about gas and electric monthly charges. However, those students who will live in non-university off-campus housing (private apartments) will need to establish services for PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric).

PG&E 350 Salem Street

1-800-743-5000

They may ask for a deposit which may range from $85.00 to $100.00. This will be added to your first bill and may be paid in installments. The deposit will be refunded when you end your service.

Note: PG&E is not responsible for the maintenance of appliances. Contact your landlord for service and repairs