Located about two and a half miles from the CSULB campus, the neighborhood of Belmont Heights offers a number of cheap apartments for rent that students can consider. Redondo Avenue is one good option; located just a six- or seven-minute drive from campus, housing options on this street are generally decently priced and can be made even lower with the help of a CSULB roommate or two. There are also many CSULB apartment options located on East 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Streets, which are only about a 10-minute drive from campus. The area of Belmont Heights is also about a 10-minute drive from each of the university's three residential dorms: Beachside College, Parkside College, and Hillside College.

Both Termino Avenue and Ransom Street in Long Beach are affordable off-campus CSULB housing options as well, located only 1.3 miles away from CSULB. Some of the options on these streets are offered specifically for college students, which leaves room for reasonable rent costs and the opportunity to live with or near other CSULB students.

While a bit farther from campus, about a half hour drive away, Los Angeles still boasts some affordable one- and two-bedroom housing options. Apartments in Los Angeles may be worth looking into if you come across one that's better suited for your budget. That just means you'll have to weigh your priorities (e.g., distance from campus versus rent and other costs) when it's time to choose a place.

Dining

When students get tired of on-campus dining hall food, there are still many other dining options off campus that students can explore.

One popular nearby restaurant is The Crooked Duck. It's an easygoing eatery that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including coffee, sandwiches, burgers, and happy hour deals. A three-minute drive (or 20-minute walk) from CSULB's campus, The Crooked Duck is perfectly convenient for hungry students looking to grab a bite to eat off campus.

Uncle Fung Borneo Eatery is another popular restaurant near CSULB's campus. Located within walking distance from campus, this affordable family-owned-and-operated Indonesian, Singaporean, and Malaysian restaurant is very conveniently located for students who aren't looking to go far for their next meal.

Another popular dining option is Green Field Churrascaria, located only about a mile away from campus. It's a Brazilian eatery serving all-you-can-eat skewered and roasted meats along with a salad bar buffet. While it is a bit on the pricier side, this restaurant is a good place to go for students looking to celebrate a special occasion.

There are also a few popular bars near campus. Some well-known ones frequented by college students can be found on E. 2nd Street, such as Legends Restaurant and Sports Bar, which serves beer and burgers and has happy hours Monday through Fridays from 3 to 6 pm. There's also Panama Joe's, another restaurant and sports bar that serves Mexican food and a variety of drinks.

There are a few bars located on E. 4th Street as well, including The Red Room, a dive bar in Long Beach with daily happy hours and drink specials. Others include The Pike, which also serves seafood, sandwiches, and pasta with DJs and live entertainment, as well as Alex's Bar, a very high-energy bar with live music just a short drive from campus. While these bars are more often frequented by locals, they still offer a good time and live music that is sure to be entertaining.

Transportation

Long Beach Transit (LBT) offers bus service to campus through the U-Pass TAP Program, allowing CSULB students to ride at a reduced fare. There are a number of different routes that students can take; those who live at the Beachside dorm have direct access to campus via Route 121. Taking the bus can be very beneficial, as it allows students to avoid permit fees, traffic, and the stress of finding a parking spot on campus.

Parking

Students who choose to park on campus can park in any General (G) parking lot, including all three parking structures on campus. Students can also park in Employee (E) parking lots after 5:30 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. In order to park, students need to purchase permits, which are $155 in the fall, $155 in the spring, $100 in the summer, and $310 for an entire academic year.

Safety

In 2017, there were 45 reported cases of criminal offense on CSULB's campus, with the most being motor vehicle theft. CSULB does take many measures to keep its campus safe, as the University Police Department provides 24-hour patrol of university property including academic and administrative buildings, parking lots, and residence halls. Residence halls are also secured 24 hours a day, and only residents, escorted guests, and university staff have access either through keys, electronic access cards, or assistance from on-duty Housing and Residential Life personnel.

Shopping

For students who prefer to cook their own meals and need groceries, there are several grocery stores nearby to choose from, including Ralph's Grocery and Trader Joe's. There are also a number of shopping malls and plazas near campus, such as Bixby Village Plaza (which has a Target and many restaurants and is only a seven-minute walk from campus), Marketplace Long Beach (which includes several nail and spa places, restaurants, specialty retail stores, and a movie theater), and the Shops at Rossmoor (a popular shopping center that offers department and grocery stores along with restaurants and beauty salons).