Live in Chico and Walk to Campus
Chico State is one of the few universities within the CSU system whose central campus location allows students to live close enough to get a full college and community experience.
For our students who are looking for housing outside of campus residences, neither University Housing nor Chico State provides, manages or partners with outside, privately owned housing in Chico, California.
Student Housing Navigation Services - A Chico State program that provides free resources that help Wildcats research home options that fit their budget and lifestyle. Peer housing navigators will help you search for stable and affordable housing options in Chico. Meetings offered in-person and via Zoom.
Two information fairs are offered each semester at convenient locations for students to drop-by and network with local housing providers.
There are many available online resources* to assist in the housing search. Here are some options to consider:
- College Pads Housing Search(opens in new window): Provides searches for listings, roommates, subleases, and other resources for off-campus housing near the University and allows you to connect with other Chico State students as potential roommates. Only confirmed Chico State students can access the Roommate Search feature.
- Online Listing Sites: Zillow, Apartments.com, Rent.com, ApartmentRatings.com, RentCafe.com, Roomies.com or other online listing services can provide advanced housing search resources to connect you with available rentals in the Chico Area.
- Social Media and Social Media Marketplaces: Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can connect you with others living in the Chico area. Additionally, reviewing marketplaces can show you communities or community members who may have rental properties or room spaces available.
*Website Use Terms: Chico State, its Auxiliaries, and University Housing do not manage any of the available off-campus housing search resources nor do they own or manage any properties featured on these third party sites and at local housing fairs. By utilizing the content provided by Off-Campus Housing you have agreed to the Terms and Disclaimer for use of this site.
**Scams: It's important to be careful when searching for off-campus housing, as many types of scams are prevalent in both online and real world transactions. Resources: Rental Listing Scams - Federal Trade Commission. Protect yourself from rental scams - College Pads. How to recognize and Avoid Rental Fraud - Zillow.
Resources for Renters
Community Legal Information Clinic (CLIC) - Housing Law Project
CLIC is legal information clinic that has supported students and community members for over 50 years. CLIC also provides paralegal practicum opportunities with students working directly under CLIC’s four supervising attorneys. Important note - CLIC provides you with free legal information, not legal advice.
Renter's Insurance
Some housing providers may require renter's insurance and some may not. It is always recommended to have proper coverage in case the unexpected happens.
- Homeowner's Policy - Side Coverage: Some students may be covered under their parent's homeowners policy however it is important not to just assume. If a parent wishes a student's rental to be covered it is important they contact their insurance agent.
- Car Insurance Policy - Bundles: Some insurance companies allow you to bundle services for a discount! If you already have coverage for a car, you can contact your agent and get quotes on adding a renter's policy to your account. Many times bundling services results in annual savings for a multiple policy account.
- Renter's Insurance Policy - Single:If the first two options aren't the right fit for you, luckily there's a ton of companies available to offer renter policies. A good place to start learning is to check out this article all about Renter's insurance from The Zebraand also this Forbes article about the importance of renter's insurance. Although we don't a have a specific company to recommend, some online only companies have policies that are as easy to setup as filling in a simple web form from your phone, paying, and that's it covered!
