Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico
Wildcat Den
Maximize Your Experience

Housing and Dining

When you live in one of our seven University-owned residence halls, or join one of our themed housing communities, you’ll instantly connect with Chico State. Being here means being in the middle of everything—going for a workout, participating in a club, joining a group study session becomes as convenient as walking out of your room.

Student tour residence halls
Residences

Your New Home

Whether you’re looking for a traditional dorm experience, apartment-style living, a small community, or someplace larger, you'll find someplace that feels like home at Chico State. Check out the amenities and photo tours of our seven residence halls to find one that fits you.

On-Campus Housing

  • students riding bikes

    Amenities and Features

    Bicycle calls us one of America’s best bike towns, and Outdoor puts us on its list of best towns, period. One of our most amazing assets is practically next to campus: The 3,670-acre Bidwell Park, where you can hike, bike, walk or just look at the stars.

  • Social event

    Residential Life Programs

    If finding something to do is on your list, head to The Hub. With locations in both Éstom Jámani Courtyard and University Village, you can participate in board game nights, Mario Kart tournaments, and more. And, if you want to play a role in shaping events, consider joining the Residence Hall Association or Community Councils.

  • Student and parents holding up a Chico State pennant flag.

    Apply for Housing

    All Chico State students are eligible to apply to live on campus, though space is limited. Priority applications are accepted February 19 to April 19; students who apply after that will be eligible on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you’ve submitted your intent-to-enroll, fill out the housing application to join the placement lottery.

South campus
Off-Campus Resources

Close to the Action

Chico State is one of the few universities in California whose central campus location allows students to live close enough to get a full college and community experience. Being in the heart of Chico and right next to downtown means you get a full college experience no matter where you live—and Chico’s low cost of living lets you do it affordably.

Dining Options on Campus

  • Dining at University Housing

    Our wide-ranging food options mean you’ll always find something that hits the spot. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered all week long, with international food, vegan, and allergen-sensitive choices. Short on time? The Wildcat Den, a standalone café, is the perfect stop on your way to class.

  • Retail Dining Options

    Visiting campus, need a quick bite, or are dying for a cup of coffee? Options include Marketplace Café, Urban Roots, or Common Grounds at the Bell Memorial Union, or Butte Station, a convenience store off of Plumas Hall. Each is open Monday through Friday.

  • Food Trucks

    The ultimate foodie adventure! We’ve partnered with a selection of local food trucks to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're rushing between classes or looking for a cozy spot to savor a delicious meal, the trucks can be found near popular locations throughout campus Monday through Friday.

  • Sustainability Initiatives

    Chico State is committed to putting more green in your diet. From our OZZI O2GO reusable take-out containers to energy-efficient appliances, plant-based packaging, and purchase of sustainably grown food from our very own University Farm, we’re committed to food that’s as good for the planet as it is for you.

Meal Plans and Dining Services

Residential Meal Plan Options

On-campus residents must purchase a meal plan. Students living in Lassen, Shasta, Éstom Jámani, Esken and Mechoopda Halls are assigned to the 7-Day All Access Monday–Sunday meal plan. This plan can be changed to the 5-Day All Access Monday–Friday plan at a later date.

Students living in University Village or Konkow Hall, each of which have full kitchens, are assigned the Wildcat 5 mini meal plan, which provides five meals a week. This plan can be changed to either a 5-Day or 7-Day All Access plan at a later date for an additional cost.

Nonresident Meal Plan Options

Off-campus residents can purchase meal plans including 10 to 192 meals per semester. In addition, these plans include Retail Dining Dollar (ReDD) credits that can be used at the Marketplace or any of our retail locations, including food trucks. While unused meal swipes expire at the end of each semester, ReDD credits do not.

To purchase a meal plan, additional swipes, or Retail Dining Dollar (ReDD) credits, complete this online form.

To find how many meal swipes remain on your card, or the Flex Cash on your account, visit CS Gold.

Flex Cash

Each of our plans also include Flex Cash, which can be used at the on-campus coffee shop and the convenience store, the food-court style eatery called the Marketplace in the Bell Memorial Union, and campus food trucks!

Any unused Flex Cash at the end of the fall term rollover to the spring term. Unused Flex Cash does expire at the end of the academic year. Flex cash comes with your residential meal plan at the following amounts:

  • 7 Day All Access: $300
  • 5 Day All Access: $200
  • Wildcat 5 Mini Meal Plan: $150

ReDD

After your Flex Cash has been spent, you can add funds to your Wildcat ID Card and use like cash in any retail location on campus (excluding the Wildcat Store). This includes Éstom Jámani Dining, Butte Station, Wildcat Den, Common Grounds, Urban Roots, and Market Place. ReDD can also be used in the GetApp when ordering food to-go.

Unlike Flex cash, ReDD does not expire at the end of the academic year and rolls forward for as long as you are a student.

For more info and to purchase ReDD, visit Associated Students Dining Services.