By: Hailey McConnell and Jasmine Sessoms
Cal State Monterey Bay is approaching the final stage of renovations at Gavilan Hall, aimed at addressing the increased housing demand. Remodeling started in December 2025, sophomores and juniors began moving in a few weeks ago.
With this quick turnaround, there have been a number of changes to the building, including bedrooms that are primarily triples with a bunk bed on one side and a loft bed on the other. These rooms have a layout that are officially called pods, where each bedroom shares a living room with about two other bedrooms.
All bedrooms have their own bathroom, so it is at most three residents to a bathroom. This configuration is best understood as a mix between freshman dormitories and the North Quad apartment style housing.
“I lived all the way in Cypress last year,” said Aaron Lopez, a second-year business major. “It was way different. But you know, I think change is good, this is like a good experimentation and idea. So I’m happy to see it implemented on campus.”
Sophomore mathematics major, Anntoinette Kudolo-Pines, said the pods were more spacious in comparison to the first-year dormitories, making it easier to organize personal belongings without intruding on another person’s space.
Gavilan Hall can hold up to 240 students and currently 197 beds are occupied, according to a university spokesperson. With the creation of this complex, sophomores primarily were able to explore more housing options.
“I always heard that there was so much demand for housing. So I think that this really helped bring in, you know, more space and everything,” said Lopez. “I made the mistake of applying super, super late. So I had to literally fight for it but I got the one room.”
This residential building has a courtyard with fire pits that contain seating arrangements and tables throughout. Along with a communal study room with a full kitchen attached. Taking these communal spaces into account, students are able to socialize and build relationships with the diverse community around them.
“I have seen the common area for Gavilan and I think it’s really nice, definitely more up to date than the freshman dorms,” said Kudolo-Pines. “I don’t think I will be using it to cook since I have a meal plan, but if anything, likely as a hangout spot, as I prefer to study in my room or the library.”
While Gavilan Hall has been approved for residents to move in, there are still projects in construction throughout the building. The main focus for renovation was to complete the pods by Aug. 19.
According to the university, “the communal kitchen and study areas in the annex of Gavilan Hall as well as some areas of the courtyard, will have additional updates through October, and work will be completed to minimize disruption to students.”