Welcome Back to Chico State: A Quick Guide for Students & Parents

There’s a certain energy in Chico when August rolls around. The streets get busier, downtown comes alive, and thousands of students return to Chico State for another school year. Whether you're arriving for your freshman year, coming back after summer, or you're a parent helping your student get settled, welcome to Chico!

Getting to Know Chico

One of the best parts about attending Chico State is how connected the university is to the community. The beautiful campus sits right alongside Downtown Chico, making restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and Bidwell Park easily accessible by bike or on foot.

If this is your first visit, make some time to explore beyond campus. Walk through downtown, grab something to eat at a local restaurant (to name a few: Raw Bar, Tres Hombres, Aca Taco, B-Street, Woodstocks, Parkside, Burgers & Brew, and don't forget Jon & Bons for a cold treat), and take a drive through Lower and Upper Bidwell Park. You'll quickly understand why so many Chico State graduates end up sticking around—or finding their way back years later.

A Few Back-to-School Tips

Parents: Chico gets busy during move-in week. Give yourself extra time, especially around campus and downtown, and make hotel and restaurant reservations early when visiting for major university weekends.

Students: Take some time during your first few weeks to learn the city beyond the quickest route between your apartment and campus. Chico has an incredible local community, and knowing the neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and people around you can make this place feel like home surprisingly quickly.

Thinking Beyond the Dorms?

For many Chico State families, the first year also sparks questions about housing for the years ahead. Renting isn't the only option. Depending on your student's plans, purchasing a home or investment property while they're attending Chico State can sometimes be worth exploring—especially if roommates can help offset the monthly costs.

As local Chico real estate professionals and Chico State alumni ourselves, we're always happy to be a resource for parents or students who want to better understand Chico neighborhoods, housing options, or the local real estate market.

Welcome to Chico, and Go Wildcats!