Where did i live How did I get the accommodation?

The Monterey Bay campus offers a variety of accommodation options. Many apartments are in close proximity to the lecture buildings and the library. The East Campus, which houses most of the international students, is approximately 3 km away. The own bus line (26 East Campus Express) commutes between Main Campus and East Campus every 20 minutes.

The East Campus is divided into smaller streets and all students live in row houses that correspond to the typical American architecture. There are four shared apartments in one house. Each apartment has a large living room, an open kitchen, balcony / terrace, garage, laundry room and bathroom. There were three people living in one apartment. The bedrooms are divided into a single and a double room. The furnishings include a bed, mattress, desk, chair and wardrobe. In addition, each apartment has a kitchen with a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and oven, as well as two sofas and a dining table. Everything else (bed linen, pots, dishes, etc. ) unfortunately has to be bought or brought with you. In general, it is advisable to ask other international students who have previously lived there whether you can buy / take over their things. Internet and television connections are permanently installed and can be used free of charge with an American modem. However, this must be purchased separately.

The rent was about $ 675 per month for a single room and about $ 525 per month for a double room. The total rent for the entire semester had to be paid within the first few weeks.

There were almost only students on the East Campus and there was a special atmosphere, as it is like a small, committed community. This brought you into contact with other students a lot and you usually only had to walk a few doors to attend the many house parties and meetings.

When submitting the application documents, you also have to choose which type of accommodation you want online. Theoretically, it would also be possible to live outside the university, but this is definitely not recommended, as you would otherwise need a car to reach the campus.

What is the infrastructure of the host university like?

Also known as CSUMB on ehuacom, the California State University, Monterey Bay is located near the town of Seaside and close to the beach. It takes about 10 minutes by bike to get there. The campus was built on a former military site and was only founded in 1995, which is why most of the buildings and lecture rooms are very new and well equipped. The new, large library is very modern and offers many opportunities to hold group meetings and write homework there. The new business building is also only a few years old and meets the latest standards. Many rooms are fully equipped with high-quality computers and the halls are very light-flooded with large windows.

The college is one of the smaller universities in California, but it is all the more personal and student-oriented. Many professors are interested in the students’ concerns and are usually ready to help with questions, so there is close contact between students and professors. There is a large sports hall on the site where weekly sporting events are held. In addition, there is a large fitness studio, a swimming pool and a stadium, where you can escape everyday student life in your free time. All of the facilities can be visited free of charge by university students.

With the “Dining Commons” there is a “cafeteria” on campus. You can eat there for about 8 dollars, but the “all you can eat” program is dangerous for your figure. There is also the option of eating in the Otter Express (two fast-food restaurants) and in Monte’s (a smaller restaurant).

There is an ATM in the Student Center as well as recreational opportunities. For a few dollars you can also go to a smaller high ropes course on campus. There are also buses to the surrounding cities. All students can use the public bus system in the region for free. For emergencies, many emergency telephones are set up on the premises, with which one can come into direct contact with the campus police.

How did it go with the language?

Absolutely no problem! In general, one can say that European students speak very good English (according to their American fellow students), so that it is not difficult to integrate. The American fellow students are always happy to help if words are missing or if you do not understand the tasks. The professors also help wherever and whenever they can. Most German students are also well above the general average when it comes to assigning grades. Everyone quickly increased their level and has no problems communicating.

How was university and social life?

Excellent! Due to the high number of international students, it is very easy to make new contacts. There were around 300 international students in total and large cars were rented for most of the weekends to visit the surrounding national parks and cities. It is also great to live with the Americans, as almost everyone is very friendly and helpful. You are invited to many events and are integrated immediately. Many events organized by the university take place throughout the semester. (Campus barbecue, sporting events, shows, concerts, etc. )

In the first few weeks, the international students are very well looked after and there are many events so that everyone can find their way around the new university as well as possible. In addition, the International Office is always available if help is needed.

How was the stay financed? How high are the costs?

The costs at the CSUMB are low compared to other universities in California, but should not be underestimated. For the semester I had to pay the following:

• Tuition fees $ 5,200
• General processing fees around $ 50
• Health insurance $ 340
• Rent about $ 2100

In addition, you can load different meal plans onto your student card, whereby the cheapest block costs around $ 355 (40 meals in the Dining Commons).

What health insurance did you have?

Every international student must be insured through the university. All important information is sent to you. The amount for this was $ 340.

Other tips and hints

In general, the weather and sunshine are usually good, but you have to bring warm things with you, especially in the winter semester, as the proximity to the sea can make it quite fresh in the evening. Since everything is very spacious, it is advisable to buy a used bike or rent a car more often. There are larger car rental offices in Seaside that offer a so-called pick-up service. This picks you up from the East Campus, for example, and brings you back again.

Register early, especially for the popular sports and surfing courses, as these are otherwise fully booked. Based on experience, you should think carefully about which meal plan to go for, as most students had too many meal units left at the end of the semester.

Travel tips:

• Big Sur right on Highway Number One (CSUMB is also on Highway 1. )
• Point Lobus State Park
• Monterey Bay Aquarium (each student receives a free pass)
• Monterey Wharf + Whale Watching
• Laguna Seca Raceway
• Carmel (downtown)
• Pacific Groove
• Pebble Beach and the 17-Mile Drive
• Santa Cruz (approx. 45 min. From the CSUMB)
• Sea Otter! You often see swimming around in the waters
• Pinnacles National Park (approx. 1 hour from the CSUMB)
• San Francisco (approx. 2 hours from CSUMB)
• Yosemite National Park (approx. 3 hours and 20 minutes from CSUMB)
• Santa Barbara (approx. 3 hours and 40 minutes from the CSUMB)
• Lake Tahoe (approx. 4 hours and 40 minutes from CSUMB)