Chico State is a beautiful campus that is located north of Sacramento. I want to say it’s about 90-100 miles north of Sacramento, but I could be wrong. I, personally, believe Chico State is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. The campus isn’t too big, nor is it too small. On your walk to class, you can cross multiple beautiful bridges that hover above the beautiful Big Chico Creek. You can also find many beautiful trees to lounge around in between classes. The City of Chico also happens to be a fun college town, and the campus happens to be located in downtown of this fun college town. So, if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some refreshments to sip on, you don’t have to go far off campus.
For first year students, I highly recommended that you dorm.. There are multiple residence halls that all offer something different. If you’re a transfer student, I would recommend Sutter Hall (which is changing to Estom Jamani Hall). This building is mixed with freshman students along with transfer students. It is a newer building, making it look more modern and overall nicer (in my opinion) than the other dorms. If you’re a Freshman student, I would recommend Whitney Hall. I believe Whitney Hall is the most social and fun dorm (again, just my opinion).
Here is a list of just a few of my favorite restaurants that I enjoyed while in Chico. There’s many, many more, but these are the spots that came off the top of my head. I’ll maybe add more as I go. But I highly recommend ya’ll try these spots if you’re lucky enough to be in Chico while reading this, or have plans to visit!
1.)Madison Bear Garden – They sell great food, such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, wings, and more. My favorite burger is either the signature Bear Burger, which contains thousand island, “bear-b-que” sauce, lettuce, pickles, and tomato, or the Jiffy Burger which is a burger that contains bacon and peanut butter. If it’s your first time, I’d recommend the Bear Burger. My favorite thing about The Bear (nickname for this establishment) is the cool atmosphere of the restaurant. Check it out when you get the chance, it’s literally right next to campus.
2.) Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – I’m sure you’ve had some refreshing Sierra Nevada beers before. If you want to sip on a cold Sierra Nevada in the place where they’re brewed, you must definitely check this place out. You can sign up for a brewery tour if you want to check out the beautiful spot, while learning about the history, and sampling some refreshing beer. The place is a beautiful place to go sip on some cold ones while enjoying a nice meal. Yes, this place serves food as well. (Must be 21 to drink alcohol).
3.) Morning Thunder Cafe – This is a must try breakfast spot as well. They sell delicious, generous portion sized breakfast items. Whatever your favorite breakfast food is, they’ll probably have it. The cafe is also nice, and cute. I spent a good chunk of my life living in New York, and this place kind of made me feel like I was in a diner in NYC.
4.) Mom’s – This is another yummy breakfast spot. This place is super popular, and I guarantee you that most Chico State students will say this is their favorite breakfast spot.
Below is a quick, fun interview I had with Chico State Alum, Desirae Zarate. She had a great experience during her time at Chico State. Read below to learn why.
Interview W/ Desirae Zarate
How would you describe your overall experience at Chico State?
My overall experience at Chico State was memorable, I met tons of great people, got to experience things that you can only experience at Chico State and was able to make friends that will last a lifetime.
What is your favorite memory of college?
Although I can’t think of a single favorite memory, I really enjoyed the freedom of college and the beautiful college town. I enjoyed taking a nice stroll downtown, especially on Wednesday evenings, when they have the nice farmer’s market!
Why did you choose Chico State?
I chose Chico State because when I took a campus tour I fell in love with the campus and the town. I believe it’s still the best college town!
What was your major and how is it impacting your life today?
I majored in kinesiology, originally I was planning to go into occupational therapy but I found a job working with kids who have autism and decided to take that path instead. But as a kinesiology major I learned a lot about adaptive physical activities and I am now able to use that with the kids I work with.
What do most college students like to do for fun around campus?
I believe Chico has something to offer to every student. There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops to hang out in, or bars to drink at. You can hang out at the river and go hiking too.
(Bidwell Park or Flumes for outdoor stuff. Some of my favorite coffee shops and restaurants that I recommend are Morning Thunder, Beatniks, Mom’s, Upper Crust, and obviously Dutch Bro’s)
Best bar to drink for cheap?
I loved going to The Bear (Madison Bear Garden) on Tuesday’s for Bear Wear Day. If you wear merch from the restaurant, they give you half off food and drinks!
Best breakfast spot to cure a hangover?
My favorite breakfast spot to cure a hangover is Moms, they have the best breakfast and the best potatoes too!
Best coffee shop around campus?
I really liked going to Dutch Bros. Whatever your favorite coffee shop is, they can make it. Also the positivity of the baristas really brightens my day!
Did you dorm there? Would you recommend it to incoming students?
I lived in Shasta Hall my freshman year and I had the best experience and time. The building is a bit old, and the rooms are also small, but it was still one of the best times of my life. I met my best friends there, who I’m still close to. I would definitely recommend it to all incoming students. You won’t get the full Chico experience unless you dorm!
What’s some advice you would give your freshman self?
Some advice I’d give my freshman self is to branch out more and try different clubs and do things that are out of my comfort zone. Chico State has so much to offer, take advantage of it! Whatever your passions are, there is a community of people that share that same passion! College is a time to experience everything!