By: Jasmine Sessoms and Isaac Gonzalez Diaz
As both a freshman and a transfer student, it’s difficult to feel comfortable in an atmosphere where you’re starting out fresh. But here, your pals at the Lutrinae understand the struggle and present to you a list of curated advice for resources and other tips!
Three out of the seven seniors we talked with at Cal State Monterey Bay, believed that The Hub is a great place to receive resources each week for: everyday food, clothing donations, support for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) applications and support for emergency housing.
Jae Leyva, a senior psychology major, said if they were a new student, they would have much appreciated if someone had informed them of the Hub.
“Every day, week, or most every day of the week they have free food options for students,” said Leyva.
The Hub: Originally known as Basic Needs, now Ottercare
Located in building 12 lies the Hub, or the pantry, where students are able to pick out fresh produce and other grocery items—donated by Safeway, Costco and Trader Joe’s—plus a thrift corner with apparel donated by CSUMB faculty and students. A good thing to note is this service is accessible to students who are enrolled in at least one unit.
The Hub is a great place to receive nutritious food everyday, especially when you’re on a budget and are in need of hearty ingredients. Food plays a tremendous role in our day-to-day lives, especially as active students.
“When we’re sitting in class and we’re hungry, it’s the only thing we can think about. We need food to fuel our brains and our bodies,” said Robyn DoCanto, an Ottercare Hub Coordinator. “When we’re well fed and we don’t have to worry about these things, having our needs met, we are able to be more successful in the classroom.’
DoCanto also explained services available for students are beyond physical nourishment. There are care coordinators who support students when they are feeling overwhelmed, having difficulty with time management, and much more.
Amy Zamara, the director of Ottercare, enjoys how in this department there are “neverending ways to support students. Every single day, we come in, we find a new way to meet the students where they are, either physically, mentally, emotionally, whatever that looks like.”
The Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library
In the library, there are helpful and supportive librarians like Sarah Dahlen, where they guide students to a wide variety of materials.
Dahlen recommends students be aware of the study rooms, course reserves (a tool where students can use assigned textbooks without having to purchase them), and the Makerspace where you’re able to create just about anything your heart desires.
In terms of resources for research, “One Search is just a really good starting point, especially for new students that might feel overwhelmed by a really long list of library databases, so I think that’s a good one to know for sure,” said Dahlen.
Within the library, the Center for Advising and Student Success is also a great tool for students who are interested in planning their academic pathway.
The Cooperative Learning Center (CLC)
The Cooperative Learning Center, also known as the CLC, offers personable tutoring and guidance for various campus-related things, located on the second floor of the library. Abby Wong, a second-year in Marine Science, recalls how in her high school experience that there was a prominent stigma with tutoring, where asking for help seemed belittling.
But from working as a front desk and a peer coach in the CLC, Wong has seen firsthand how hospitable and open-minded it is to be in the CLC.
s a completely different vibe, everyone is so open, so friendly. They meet you where you are at and I would recommend getting help here even if you feel like you are not struggling, it is even a great way to make friends.” Said Wong.
The Otter Student Union (OSU)
The OSU includes the beloved caffeine booster for students, Starbucks. The Sea Store for snacks and beverages on the go; and the community centers the Rookery, the SELD office, the Otter Cross Cultural Center and more.
As an OSU front desk rep and tour guide, Chase Smith’s biggest advice for incoming students is “to actually go to the events that are happening on campus because that is the easiest way, in my experience, to make friends. Go to all the things that they’re hosting on campus because you meet a lot of people there and everyone is very welcoming.”
Associated Students (AS)
AS are the student representatives who ensure that student voices are heard within the administration and faculty of CSUMB and host events, such as the Farmers Market and Otterlands. They are located on the third floor of the OSU, where they share an office with the Student Engagement and Leadership Development (SELD). As a student themselves, Thorn Perez, the vice president of Internal Affairs for the AS, understands the anxiety of being a new student and advises to regardless, come out of your shell.
“I know everyone’s going to say that and it’s going to be the most annoying thing, but just talking to people and getting to know fellow students, getting to know staff and faculty is really important. They can give you some opportunities that you wouldn’t think of,” said Perez.
Follow CSUMB’s socials!
If you would like to stay in the loop of what is going on around campus and student life, following these accounts are also a great way to do that! CSUMB typically uses Instagram as its main platform, so here are some accounts to maybe add to your follows
- @thelutrinae (hey that’s us!)
- @csumb.ottercare
- @osu_csumb
- @as_csumb
- @csumbhousing
- @csumb_library
- @icc_csumb
- @otterkitchensmb
- @otters_gaming
- @otteresportslounge
- @csumb
For more events, browse from MyRaft
MyRaft is another great platform to stay in touch with what events are happening! With this web portal, you’re able to RSVP to an event of your choice when logged into your CSUMB school account.