My husband and I chose Chico State because it was the one school in California that had excellent programs in BOTh of our intended majors.

We were already married when we applied for Chico State, he was intending to major in Computer Science and I was planning on Nursing. This school had an excellent reputation for these programs.

I had never been to Chico before but had heard wonderful things about it (my Aunt was a Chico State Alumnus). The first time we went to Chico to look for an apartment I knew that I was going to love it here. The campus is absolutely beautiful. There are trees everywhere and a beautiful rose garden (don't pick those roses, it is a $50 fine). Sitting in the outside amphitheatre you are surrounded by trees and the creek which flows through campus. I cannot say enough about how beautiful and natural this campus is.

The professors at Chico are wonderful. They are extremely helpful and most of the classes are not too large. They have a wide variety of classes to choose from (I came from a small Junior College that didn't have a lot of general ed choices) so I did take some general ed at Chico.

Since I was married we lived off campus. Housing in Chico is pretty cheap. We had a 2 bedroom apartment on Nord Ave, that was around $400/month (remember this was 8 years ago). Nord Avenue is very close to campus and we either walked to the campus or rode bikes. Having a bike in Chico is a must as parking can be a problem and most everyone rides bikes.

If you happen to be around Nord Avenue and 32nd St Subs is still there, go eat there! It is the best sub ever! Also check out Burger Hut which is pretty much right next door. They grill the hamburgers, on a real grill (not like at Burger King) and then they have great toppings for your burger. These are two of the best places to eat. You can also get a great meal at the Italian Cottage (sawdust on the floor, very cool place). And of course check out Madison Bear Gardens downtown for a burger (or watch a game in the bar). Chico has great places to eat...and since it is a college town...cheap eats!


The first thing everyone said to me when they found out I was attending Chico State was "oh yeah, the party school!" Yes, at the time I attended Chico State had the dubious honor of being the #1 party school in the nation...NOT why I attended, really! LOL! It is true that a lot of partying goes on, but I doubt it is any worse than any other college campus. Pioneer Days had been banned shortly after I started and that was definitely one of the worst party events Chico had. I do remember Halloween was a HUGE party event. Everyone goes downtown (don't take your car, people will jump on it and bounce all over it, a little frightening).

Chico, the town, is just as nice as the campus. There are a lot of old homes in the downtown area, with lots and lots of trees. There are lots of shopping places (at the time there were 2 malls, I don't know if there still are 2 I think I have heard one shut down). And there are wonderful places to eat...okay, okay...yes there are great places to party, although if my mom is reading this, I never went to any of them, LOL!

One of the best things to do on the weekend is Tubin! Go down to the Sacramento river (just outside of Chico), rent yourself an intertube and float down the river for a couple of hours. This is one of the best things to do in Chico and everyone does it. It is so much fun to see everyone tubin down the river.

This is a definite college town, but I have to admit that it is one of the best places I have ever lived. Okay, so I have only lived in 4 towns my whole life, I don't have a lot to compare it to, but Chico is great.

Chico is a great place to go to school and a great place to live. I miss living there, but current job situations don't permit a move back to Chico. The town is great, the people are friendly, the school has a great academic reputation, and yeah...a great party reputation too, but all colleges have that.



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