Planning Living Arrangements (Semester at CSUB and Exchange Students)

Residence halls are furnished and just a short walk from your classes. They are safe with key card entry. The dormitory includes wifi, utilities, laundry facility as well as community study and game rooms. Friendly staff of student resident assistants support you with life in the dormitory.

All rooms and bathrooms are shared with at least one other student. Cooking is not permitted in the residence halls, so all students are required to purchase a meal plan for dining in the university cafeteria and restaurants.  

Learn more: CSUB Housing

Some international students wish to live with an American family not just to improve the language, but also to experience the culture first hand.  Some companies match the students with host families in the area.  

Students may share a bedroom and / or bathroom with another student or family member. Students can choose the number of meals provided each day. Transportation between home and CSUB may be provided depending on the arrangement with the Homestay provider.

Students wishing to live with a host family should apply at Student Room Stay. 

Homestay costs are usually $1,200 - $1,800 per month, plus a $300 application/placement fee. The monthly fee varies depending on the meal and transportation arrangements students wish to have. 

Student Room Stay is not a part of ALI or CSUB, We will not be able to provide assistance with any homestay concerns.

Some students enjoy living in a private apartment or rent a bedroom off-campus. A few apartments are within walking distance of the campus and shopping centers.  Additionally, Bakersfield has a public transportation system, and many of the roads have bicycle lanes for easy bicycling in the city. 

EEGO does not make apartment arrangements or recommendations for students. A local one-bedroom unfurnished apartment costs range from $800 -  $1,200 per month depending on the location, size and quality. 

First-time renters may be required to pay deposits for start-up of utility services. Many apartment management companies required the possible renters to have the Social Security Number which F1 and J1 visa students are not eligible for upon arrival.  They also often check the renter’s credit history which new students to the U.S. will not have.  

Resources

Room rental search:  4stay.com

Apartments near the campus:  

Edgewater apartment  https://www.edgewaterbakersfield.com/

The Springs Apartment  https://www.thespringsapartmenthomes.com/