Student Testimonials
Living on campus at Sonoma State means more than having a place to stay, it means finding your community, building lifelong friendships, and living steps away from everything you need to succeed. From suite and apartment-style comfort and peaceful surroundings to vibrant student life and academic support, our residents experience the full Seawolf lifestyle every day.
Here’s what they have to say about living on campus!
Hear From Raina
What made you choose to live on campus, and what has been the biggest benefit for you so far?
I chose to live on campus for a healthier living environment and to have a space that is mine. It is also more convenient rather than commuting to campus every day for classes. The biggest benefit has been the nature I am surrounded by as well as the amazing people I have met.
What’s been your favorite part of living on campus, and why?
My favorite part is the nature that’s around campus. I like that I can walk out my door, no matter the mental state I’m in, and be met with tranquility, even if just for a moment.
How has living on campus helped you build friendships or feel connected to the SSU community?
Living on campus, I have more access to campus life as a whole and have met great people in my own housing community as well as others.
How has living on campus shaped your day-to-day student experience—academically, socially, or personally?
My schedule through the week will be pretty structured, but I am able to maintain that schedule with less stress because the majority of the resources I need are right here. There are many spaces where I can spend my time studying or just going and hanging out, and I find that really important.
What would you say to a current or future Seawolf who’s deciding to live on campus?
I would say if you can live on campus, do it! Compared to other schools, living on campus here is much more affordable and also, the options are much better. For example, in the housing community I’m in, we each get our own room and bathroom, granting the space for privacy and boundaries to be maintained! I love it.
Hear from Kent
What made you choose to live on campus, and what has been the biggest benefit for you so far?
Something that really made me want to live on campus was honestly, just the lifestyle of living in a dorm. Being able to surround myself around other people my age and getting a feel for that college life. The biggest benefit out of this so far was being able to create many memories with suitemates and being able to have fun while in college while still staying locked in for school.
How has living on campus helped you build friendships or feel connected to the SSU community?
Living on campus has helped me build friendships and feel connected to the SSU community by being able to surround myself with others from around the community. Being able to see others often in your village or even just on campus every day, especially during a walk back from a class or whatever, really helps make me feel connected and build friendships that could potentially be a lifetime. As a social person, as myself being able to connect with others truly is a cherry on top of being connected with SSU and the amazing community.
How has living on campus shaped your day-to-day student experience—academically, socially, or personally?
I think personally living on campus has helped me definitely become more responsible for myself. Having to think about due dates, work, hanging out with friends, and simply being able to time manage them while still being in a good position academically really challenges me with responsibility. I always have an urge to do stuff rather than just doing homework, and sometimes you have to learn to control yourself and remember what you are here for.
What would you say to a current or future Seawolf who’s deciding to live on campus?
Something that I would say to a future Seawold who would decide to live on campus is to simply DON’T be chillin' in your dorm all day. As a person who used to never go out, being able to go out with friends and explore can bring lots of memories and a whole lot of fun. Being able to be in college and hang around those you want to be with, and doing whatever, and just living life before we get to that certain point in our lives. But always remember you are in college, and be sure to always remember the main reason you came here is for your degree.
Hear from Savannah
What made you choose to live on campus, and what has been the biggest benefit for you so far?
I decided to live on campus because I wanted to become more independent. I knew living at home it would be much harder to do so. The biggest benefit of living on campus is definitely living in an academic environment!
How has living on campus helped you build friendships or feel connected to the SSU community?
Living on campus has helped me build a community by allowing me to easily participate in club activities (Chi Alpha, a Christian club that welcomes everyone) on campus and social events. Participating in these club activities pushes me out of my comfort zone and builds community!
What would you say to a current or future Seawolf who’s deciding to live on campus?
I would tell all the future Seawolves that they will not regret their decision! I was TERRIFIED to become part of a new environment far away from the one I grew up in, but I am so glad I pushed through my fear!
Hear from Kyra
What made you choose to live on campus, and what has been the biggest benefit for you so far?
The amazing housing options. Also, the fact that there are apartment-style is what made me live on campus. I love how comforting and homey it feels to live on campus here at SSU. My biggest benefit so far is being able to interact with everyone and build connections with other people who live on campus as well. I also don't have to spend a lot of gas money or travel far because I'm on campus.
What’s been your favorite part of living on campus, and why?
My favorite part of living on campus is how earthy it is. I say this because I am into nature and connecting with the environment around me. At SSU I can just walk outside and be able to go on a walk and connect with nature how I like to. It's an amazing experience to live in this specific area, as it is quiet and peaceful, it is also away from the city, which I love very much.
How has living on campus helped you build friendships or feel connected to the SSU community?
Living on campus has allowed me to get more involved with the clubs and community here on campus. I have been able to grow lots of connections with others who live on campus and are in the same clubs as me. I also joined an Affinity Themed Housing called V.I.B.E.S, where I get to connect and become closer to other African American students who live on campus here at SSU.
What would you say to a current or future Seawolf who’s deciding to live on campus?
You will love it here! Everything is so peaceful and beautiful, and you can find a sense of belonging and feel more involved here at SSU because you choose to live on campus. I am so glad that I chose to live here, and I am sure that you would too.
Hear from Jack
What made you choose to live on campus, and what has been the biggest benefit for you so far?
The biggest benefit for me living on campus was being able to get involved quickly and making friendships in communities that have the same interests as me. Those are people I now have as friends, and it would have been harder if not living on campus.
How has living on campus helped you build friendships or feel connected to the SSU community?
Living on campus has helped me feel more connected to the community because living at the school forced me outside of my comfort zone. I was able to get involved in many different areas on campus very quickly.
What would you say to a current or future Seawolf who’s deciding to live on campus?
To a future seawolf a reason to live on campus is that we are number one in housing in CSU (California State University). You will meet more people. You have staff and people who are here to help you and are more than happy to do so. You are also close to classes and short commute.