Preparing for Your Move
It’s time to hit the beach and move to San Diego State University! Living on the west coast comes with its own unique demands and challenges, especially if you’ve never lived out here before.
Packing for SDSU
At Collegeboxes, we’ve helped a lot of students move to school, so we know what works and what doesn’t. When it comes to packing, be sure you’re not taking up space with unnecessary items.
What to Include in Your Moving Checklist
Luckily, the housing department at SDSU put together a packing list for on-campus students. This is super helpful when trying to put together your luggage. Keep in mind that your specific dorm might require different sized sheets, so double check your building assignment before purchasing your bed set!
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Living Options
Living on campus means you’ll have easy access to all the best amenities SDSU has to offer, like the Aztec Recreation Center, Malcolm A. Love Library, and student services.
But, if you’re the type that likes your own space, living off campus is a great option! But keep in mind that while you may have some extra space, there are other factors to consider, like cost and finding a reliable ride to campus.
San Diego State University Housing
One thing you need to know about SDSU dorms housing is that there are plenty of options to choose from! With 25 dorm building all over campus, freshmen and upperclassmen alike can find a cozy spot on campus to call home.
First year students can choose any of the following SDSU dorms:

Chapultepec: 290 units of triple-rooms with on-site laundry and community bathrooms and kitchen areas. Each dorm comes with a minifridge and microwave!
Huaxyacac: 380 units of mostly triple-rooms but with select single, double, and quad-rooms. Like Chapultepec, you can expect on-site laundry and community bathrooms and kitchens, and a minifridge and microwave in each room.
Maya & Olmeca: 200 double and triple rooms with community laundry/bathrooms/kitchen, and a microwave and minifridge in each dorm.
South Campus Plaza: 320 double and triple rooms with private bathrooms, community kitchen, and quick access to things like Trader Joes, Bank of America, and restaurants.
Tenochca: 184 double-room suites with a shared bathroom. On top of this you get a microwave and minifridge in your room.
University Towers: A total of 135 suite rooms with two students per room. Each suite has its own private bathroom, and when you get hungry you can go downstairs to the University Towers Kitchen for a quick bite!
Zura: 300 units, mostly triple-rooms but with select single, double, and quad-rooms. Like Chapultepec, you can expect on-site laundry and community bathrooms and kitchens, and a minifridge and microwave in each room.
How to Choose the Best Neighborhood Near SDSU
The surrounding area located right by San Diego State University is generally regarded as the college area. This is where a bulk of SDSU students are going to reside, so you’ll have the best odds of finding a roommate around here.
If you’re looking for an off-campus vibe without being right on campus, SDSU has a student apartment called M@College. With 3-bedroom units, in-unit washer and dryer, and an on-site fitness facility, you won’t need much else when you’re living here.
But, if you’re looking for somewhere else to set up the home base, we also recommend Mission Valley or La Mesa. Keep in mind that the median rent for these neighborhoods are $2,341 and $1,958 respectively, so make sure you have the budget to secure rent every month!
Get to School Easier with Collegeboxes
Whether SDSU is 5 or 500 miles away from you, Collegeboxes is here to help you get there! We can ship and deliver your belongings right to your door, or all the way back home. All you have to do is pack, and we’ll handle the rest. At least that’s one thing that you can take off your plate!
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for Collegeboxes today!