This map shows some of the student housing around Fresno State that
offer two-bedroom apartments. All of the options shown are furnished
and come with cable and Internet. University Courtyard also includes
a 10-Flex meal plan.
Graphic by Dalton Runberg / The Collegian

For many first-year college students, choosing a college to attend can be a tough decision. Another task that many incoming students may face is deciding where to live. With so many options available, incoming students are left with the decision of what kind of student living best suits their needs.

With both on-and-off campus living available, deciding between the two can be difficult.

Last fall, freshman Gina Smith moved into the dorms to begin her college experience.

“Living in the dorms is a great way to meet new people and transition smoothly into collegiate life,” Smith said.

Many students, especially those who come from out of town just as Smith did, prefer the type of community that is formed by the residents of those living in the dorms. Living on campus is not only convenient, but it also makes meeting other students easier than ever.

Senior Matt Johnson spent two years living on campus before making a transition to Bulldog Village.

“The social part of the dorms was probably my favorite.” Johnson said. “I also liked that the dorms were on campus, so everything was a close walk.”

However, living at the dorms isn’t for everyone. Freshman Kayla Ferreira decided to skip out on experiencing dorm living and moved directly into an apartment.

“Just while touring the dorms I decided it wasn’t for me. Living at Palazzos is great. It’s like your own little home. I like to have my privacy and something feels like home at Palazzos which was a feeling I didn’t get while looking into the dorms,” Ferreira said.

With Fresno State’s student population increasing each year the need for student living has increased as well. Within a five-mile radius of the campus itself, over 20 different options of apartments are available.

A portion of those apartment complexes are reserved for students only. Palazzo at Campus Pointe is the newest addition to this group.

Although Palazzo at Campus Pointe was built only two years ago, its favorable reputation has quickly placed the complex in the category of top student living.

Aside from Palazzo, University Village and Bulldog Village tend to be the most popular student-oriented apartment complexes.

Sophomore Christina Demartini went from living in the dorms to her current residence at University Village.

“The UVs are a great apartment complex who are extremely helpful in helping their residents with whatever they need,” Demartini said. “They provide amenities such as a computer room, a game room, and a great gym that everyone utilizes and enjoys.”

No matter what type of preferences a student has, it is likely that there is a complex that will meet their needs. With the wide variety of student housing located on and close to campus, students have many options.