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California State University, Chico
Two students sitting and talking by the creek on Chico State campus.
Welcome Home

Student Life

When you’re a Wildcat, you’ll get so much more from your time here than simply a degree. You’re going to learn about yourself, your community, and the things that inspire you to step forward. Student life at Chico State is all about being active and engaged—building skills and memories you’ll carry with you well after graduation.

Public speaker at a podium giving a speech to students of Chico State.
Campus Involvement

Do Your Thing

Who knows what students want better than students? Get involved with any of the student-led programs and services offered by the Associated Students (AS), from student government and leadership to exercise classes and wilderness excursions. Or, join one of our hundreds of student organizations.

Campus Events and Activities

Whether you take in a world-class performance, unwind with a meditation class, or cheer on our Wildcats, there’s always something happening on campus.

  • Two students enjoy boba tea drinks on a picnic blanket at an outdoor movie event

    CatsConnect Calendar

    Find all upcoming student activities and events in one place! The CatsConnect campus calendar has everything from club meetings to guest lectures and free food movie nights to resource fairs.

  • Music students playing instruments in the orchestra

    Arts & Culture

    Watch (or join) the student musical, or score discounted student tickets for comedians, bands, and other performers in our Chico Performances series. You can even engage with filmmakers, musicians, and other artists during frequent talks and exhibitions.

  • Chico State students running track.

    Wildcat Athletics

    Winning is kind of our thing: Our 13 NCAA Division II programs have won more than twice as many regular-season titles as the next closest California Collegiate Athletic Association school.

A CAVE student volunteer tutors a child at the Boys and Girls Club
Community Engagement

Be Part of Something Bigger

A Chico State education proves you can turn your passion into a force for good. Every year, thousands of students volunteer 60,000-plus hours through the Community Action Volunteers in Education program, where they work in animal shelters, tutor local schoolchildren, clean up local parks, and more.

Two students wearing backpacks laugh as they walk near the residence halls in the evening
Housing and Dining

Eat. Sleep. Live.

For all the great reasons to live on campus, convenience is one of the best. Wake up and go to class just a short walk from your residence hall. Or use your meal plan to get a delicious (and healthy) meal at any of our cafes, dining halls, food carts, or other options.

You Belong Here

Equity, diversity, and inclusion is vital to us. As a majority-minority institution, most of our students are non-white. No matter your cultural background, sexuality or gender identity, nationality, or belief, there’s room here for you to be you and to discover more about who you are.

36%

Latinx Students

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we’ve garnered nearly $26 million in grants to support the Latinx community since 2015. Initiatives include the Graduate Education Access and Opportunity Program and Chico STEM Connections Collaborative.

44%

First-Generation Students

College can be a challenge for anybody—and especially for students whose families have little or no experience with it. At Chico State, you’re not alone: Student groups and programs such as Upward Bound provide the resources you need to thrive.

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Countries of Origin

Chico State students come from more different countries than states—31! And while those students will get an unforgettable sense of life in the United States while they’re here, our international community does just as much to shift the perspective of their classmates.

Campus Resources and Support Services

  • Students working on project together.

    Academic Support Services

    Wildcats help each other. Turn to us for free tutoring for a class, services to accommodate a temporary or permanent disability, ESL support, practice improving study skills, or more. With success centers in every college, you can also get help specific to your major.

  • Chico State students smiling and talking.

    Career Services and Professional Development

    Work with our counselors to focus on your career goals, polish your resume, and get an inside track on perfect-for-you job opportunities, even if you’ve already graduated. With 10 career fairs a year on campus, you’ll have plenty of chances to start your job hunt.

Guadalupe Carolina Vazquez
“
My professors and instructors were all very welcoming. That really helped me feel like I could overcome this fear of fading into the background.
Guadalupe Carolina Vazquez, Child Development, ’24
Read Her Story
Police officer giving a presentation to students
Campus Safety and Security

Looking Out for You

Protecting our students, faculty, staff, and visitors safe from crime, natural disasters, and other hazards is Chico State’s top priority. Our University Police are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.