Tristan HicksWhether you’re coming from across the country or just a few states away, moving to California for college is an exciting opportunity to experience a new place while also earning your degree! At the same time, adjusting to a new environment can sometimes feel overwhelming. From preparing for move-in to connecting with new communities, there’s a lot to consider before arriving on campus. To help make the transition easier, we’ve gathered practical tips and advice from Chapman students who have already made the move.
“Moving out to a different state was really scary at first, but I knew it was something I wanted to do to grow and experience new things. Every day, I’m so thankful that I got the chance to do it.” -Micah Silva ‘27, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions About College in California
How much does it cost?
The cost of attending college in California varies based on your housing, meal plan, transportation, and personal spending. Housing is usually the largest expense, followed by food and transportation. Other common monthly costs include:
- Groceries or meals out
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Entertainment
- Travel during breaks
Many expenses, such as utilities, internet, laundry, and campus amenities, are already included in university housing and fees. Students who create a budget before arriving often find it easier to manage expenses throughout the academic year. Visit Chapman’s Total Cost of Attendance webpage for more information and estimates.
What do I need to bring?
It’s a lot to move everything all at once, so focus on essentials first. Some key items include:
- Clothing for warm weather and cooler evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Bedding and dorm essentials
- School supplies and electronics
- Important documents and identification
- Reusable water bottle and backpack
- Swimsuit
- Hobby equipment (sports gear, instruments, etc.)
- Small air purifier for a residence hall
“Make sure to bring those things that allow you to do your hobbies because you will be able to keep doing them here.” -Teddy Gross ‘28, Fruitland, Idaho.
Visit the Chapman Move In page for an in-depth list of what is provided and what you should bring!
Do I need a car?
While a car can be helpful for internships, jobs, and exploring Southern California, it is not necessary. Many students rely on walking, biking, Chapman shuttle services, rideshares, and the Metrolink to get around. Learn more from Parking and Transportation Services.
Can I work while in school?
Many students choose to work part-time while in college. On-campus jobs offer flexible schedules, while internships and off-campus positions can provide valuable professional experience and help offset expenses. Chapman’s Student Employment Services are a great place to get started!
Is it safe to live and study in Southern California?
Southern California is home to a wide variety of cities and college communities, each with its own atmosphere. Universities like Chapman prioritize student safety through resources such as Public Safety, emergency alerts, well-lit walkways, and safety programs.
Many students find Southern California to be a welcoming place to live, learn, and explore throughout their college years.
Why Attend College in Southern California?
Year-Round Warm Weather
One of biggest advantages to moving to California for college is the climate. The average yearly temperature along the coast tends to be between 70-80°F, meaning students get to enjoy mild winters, sunny days, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors.
College students take full advantage of the weather with beach hangouts, study sessions on picnic blankets, and hikes on local trails. Keep in mind: while we’re known for sunshine, many students are surprised that SoCal still gets a few rainy days a year, and you’ll quickly learn that Southern Californians treat it as a major event.
“When it does rain, people freak out. That was just weird to me.” -Kate Ciresa ‘29, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
So, pack your shorts, but don’t leave the sweatshirt and umbrella at home!
Top Colleges in California
California is home to many of the nation’s top colleges and universities, making it one of the most popular destinations for students seeking a high-quality education. From large public research institutions to private universities with personalized learning environments, students can find programs that match nearly every academic interest and career goal.
Some of the best-known colleges and universities in California include:
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Southern California (USC)
- Pepperdine University
- Loyola Marymount University
- Santa Clara University
- Chapman University
While every university offers a different experience, Chapman University combines the advantages of a nationally recognized private university with small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and a prime location in Orange County. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and easy access to internships, research, and professional connections throughout Southern California.
Career Upsides
Attending college in California means having access to the major business hubs. Within Southern California, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego are home to some of the country’s largest and fastest-growing industries. You will have access to internships, networking events, and other career opportunities in:
- Entertainment and media
- Technology and startups
- Business and finance
- Aerospace and engineering
- Healthcare
Proximity to these industries allows students to learn from industry leaders, gain real-world experience before graduation, and build professional connections that can support their future career goals.
Students consistently point to access to internships, networking opportunities, and career experiences as one of the biggest advantages of attending college here. Whether you’re interested in entertainment, healthcare, technology, business, or another field, opportunities are often just a short drive away.
“Whatever it is that you want to find, Southern California has it. Getting to be around all those businesses and getting to immerse myself in that world before graduation has been really exciting.” -Micah Silva ‘27, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Things to Do in California
In between classes and studying, students also want to make time to explore and have fun. Luckily, another one of the perks of moving to California for college is having countless opportunities for weekend adventures close to campus!
One piece of advice nearly every out-of-state student shared was to take advantage of everything Orange County offers.
“There are so many things you can do in the area that I just didn’t really take advantage of in my freshman year. There are so many beaches nearby and mountains and hikes and things like that.” -Kaiya Williams ‘27, Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Explore the Outdoors
From nearby beaches to scenic hiking trails, Southern California makes it easy to spend time outside year-round. Students can also venture farther to explore California’s nine national parks, including Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Sequoia, along with hundreds of state parks offering incredible views, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
See your Favorite Team or Artist
The outdoors is not your thing? No worries; Southern California has something for everyone! Students can cheer on their NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL teams, attend concerts of their favorite artists and comedians, or visit major festivals.
“Being so close to LA means I’ve gotten to see so many of my favorite artists.” -Kaiya Williams ‘27, Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Theme Parks
Chapman’s location in Orange County also puts students just minutes from Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm! While Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and SeaWorld are all great options for weekend trips.
Where to Live While Attending College in California
Living on Campus
Students are required to live in university housing during their first three years. However, you can opt out of this requirement if you plan to live with a parent or guardian within a 30-mile radius of Chapman’s Orange Campus.
That means that you will have a space in the residence halls or Chapman-owned apartments for your first three years here. Living on campus also makes it easier to:
- Make friends
- Find clubs to join
- Get to your classes
- Participate in on-campus events and activities
- Engage with your field of study and get involved in research
- Take advantage of campus amenities like the library, IT/tech support, and plenty more
For many out-of-state students, living on campus is one of the easiest ways to build a community and feel at home.
“One good thing about Chapman is the medium size of the university. I’d see a lot of the same people over and over again, and it made it really easy to make friends.” -Teddy Gross ‘28, Fruitland, Idaho.
Living In Orange
Attending college at Chapman means being located in the heart of Orange County. Orange offers a welcoming, college-town atmosphere while still placing students within easy reach of Los Angeles, beaches, major attractions, and internship opportunities.
Centered around the historic Orange Plaza, the city is home to local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and community events that make it easy for students to explore beyond campus. Students interested in living off campus often choose apartments in Orange for its walkability and proximity to the university and should begin researching housing options several months before their intended move-in date.
Other Places to Live
Beyond Orange, many students also choose to live in nearby Orange County communities. Anaheim, Santa Ana, Tustin, Fullerton, and Costa Mesa each offer their own mix of apartments, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and unique neighborhoods. Students have a variety of housing options to choose from while remaining within a relatively short commute to campus.
Preparing for College in California
Preparing for college starts long before move-in day. In addition to completing the university’s required tasks, taking care of a few logistical details ahead of time can help make your transition to California much smoother.
As you thinking about and preparing for moving to California for college, consider completing the following:
- Book flights or other travel arrangements early, especially if you’re traveling during the busy summer season.
- Gather important documents, such as your driver’s license, health insurance card, banking information, and any medical or immunization records.
- Update your mailing address and forward mail, if needed.
- Research nearby banks if you don’t use a national bank with local branches.
- Decide whether you’ll ship larger belongings ahead of time, bring everything with you on move-in day, or buy it on the day.
- Talk with your roommate about who is bringing shared items to avoid duplicates.
In addition, be sure to review Chapman’s Incoming First-year student Checklist for important deadlines and required forms.
Getting Ready for Chapman
As you prepare for your first semester, here are a few final Chapman resources that can help you stay organized, learn about campus life, and more!
Settling In
Your career at Chapman is jump-started by Orientation, which starts with move-in! Get familiar with orientation programs, events, and resources designed to help you transition to life at Chapman and meet other new students.
- Orientation: https://orientation.chapman.edu/
- Move-In: https://www.chapman.edu/housing/moving-in.aspx
- Parking and Transportation: https://www.chapman.edu/campus-services/parking-services/index.aspx
Affording Chapman
Review tuition, housing costs, financial aid, and payment options as you prepare for the academic year.
- Cost of Attendance: https://www.chapman.edu/students/tuition-and-aid/financial-aid/undergraduate/cost-of-attendance.aspx
Connecting with the Community
Explore student organizations, campus traditions, recreation, and life around Orange to make the most out of your college experience!
- Student Life: https://www.chapman.edu/students/life/index.aspx
- Living in Orange: https://www.chapman.edu/admission/undergraduate/student-life/living-orange/index.aspx
Final Thoughts
Homesickness is one of the most common concerns for out-of-state students, but many Chapman students find that building friendships, exploring Southern California, and staying connected with family helps them quickly feel at home.
“Every night I would go for a walk and call my dad. That made me feel less homesick and more connected to him.” -Kate Ciresa ‘29, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Moving to California for college is more than just a change of scenery; it’s an opportunity to experience new cultures, explore new interests, build lasting friendships, and prepare for your future career. While the transition can feel intimidating at first, many students find that stepping outside their comfort zone becomes one of the most rewarding parts of their college experience.
“Every opportunity is a new opportunity for you to grow.” -Micah Silva ‘27, Honolulu, Hawaii.
