CSUSM Campus Tours

Campus Tour Videos

Join Alum and Campus Videographer, Alan Brown, on a tour of campus! We've created 6 short videos so you can pick your journey.

Watch Campus Tour Videos!

CSUSM from the Sky

Situated on a hillside, we are known for some of the best views and sunsets around. Soar through campus in this aerial tour video!

Watch CSUSM from the sky!

Elizabeth Wright

Recruitment & Outreach Officer/Campus Tour Coordinator

Email Elizabeth

Best Memory at CSUSM

Transfer Student Reception- I met a lot of professors and faculty members who are here to help transfer students. I also got a chance to meet some fellow transfer students.

 

Hometown

Ontario, CA

 

Favorite Summer Acitivity

Boogie Boarding

Email Katy

Katy Hammond Grell | Liberal Studies- ESM, Science

• Bio

  Hi! My name is Katy, I am a transfer student, I graduated from Citrus College in 2022 with an A.A degree in Elementary Education. I am involved in the Future Educators Association here at CSUSM. When I am not at school, I spend my time at the beach and Disneyland.  Some of my favorite music artists are Harry Styles, COIN and 5 Seconds of Summer. 

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  WGEC- Women and Gender Equity Center

• Advice

  My advice is to get involved on campus whether it is a campus job, sports, or organizations on campus, getting involved is a great way to connect with other students and learn about yourself.

• Dream Job
  STEAM Elementary Teacher

Hometown

Corona, CA 

Favorite Quote

“If you ain’t first, you’re last.” -Ricky Bobby (Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby)

Email Rafael

Rafael Lopez | Social Sciences: Psychology

• Bio

  Hello everyone! My name is Rafael Lopez, I am a Social Sciences major with a primary focus in Psychology. When not in school I like to spend time at the beach, trying new food, and having new experiences. I’m an LA sports team fan that loves the Dodgers, Rams, Lakers and LAFC. I enjoy going to Disneyland, concerts and music festivals.

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  My dorm (:

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  One of my best memories so far is from the first week of school, I enjoyed all the events occurring that week such as Miiyu, the UVA pool party, and the ASI first night celebration.

• Advice

  Try to make the best of every situation and get involved as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to make new friends and try new things.

• Dream Job

  Higher Education School Counseling

Favorite Book

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Hometown 

Jurupa Valley, California

Email Aaliyah

Aaliyah Renteria | Criminology and Justice Studies, and Sociology

• Bio

  Hi everyone, my name is Aaliyah Renteria. I am a first year double major in Criminology and Justice Studies and Sociology. I am from Jurupa Valley, CA, but I live on campus in the UVA dorms. I love having bonding movie nights with my roommates. Aside from school I like to do my own nails, dance, and hang out with my friends and family.

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  The Kellog Library fifth floor balcony

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  One of my favorite memories is having movie nights and baking cookies with my roommates.

• Advice

  I think that all students should find a balance between school and social life. We come to college to not only earn our degree, but to build relationships. Take advantage of every opportunity you get here. :)

• Dream Job

  Criminal defense attorney or human rights attorney

Hometown

San Francisco, CA

Favorite Quote

“Comparison is the thief of happiness”

Email Olivia

Olivia Lee | Liberal Studies

• Bio

  Hi! My name is Olivia. I am apart of Greek life, orientation team, personal interest clubs, and have multiple on-campus jobs. When I am not at school or work, I watch some of my favorite tv shows, hang out with friends, or eat lots of food (or a collection of the three).

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  My favorite spot on-campus is Palm Court because I love seeing the palm trees. I do not have many classes near this area so anytime I venture here for tours/errands, it is always a treat. I feel so relaxed here.

  
  

   
• Best Memory at CSUSM

  My favorite memory would be Cesar Chavez Day in 2022. I volunteered in Carlsbad in the morning, and my sorority helped to clean up the beach there. It was extremely rewarding, and I got to spend time with some of my closest friends. Then we played a Greek-wide sorority dodgeball event where we won and were able to make new friends at CSUSM. We finished the day with amazing sushi and cake.

• Advice

  Utilize your resources! Always keep an updated physical and/or digital planner. It will help you keep track of everything you have to do and not have schedule conflicts, etc. Go to events on campus as well, they are always giving out free swag and it is an awesome way to meet people. Also get involved in the clubs you want; they will improve your experience tremendously here at CSUSM.

• Dream Job

  I want to be a third or fourth grade teacher.

  
  

   

Hometown

San Bernardino, CA

Favorite Summer Activity

I love going to the movie theater and walking out as soon as the sun is setting, grabbing something to eat afterwards is my definition of perfect.

Email Gabriela

Gabriela Raygoza Quintero | Business Marketing

• Bio

  Hi everyone I’m a First- Generation Latinx Business Marketing Student here at San Marcos. I am quite involved on campus, I’m an EOP student which is an incredible program for 1st gen students like myself.  On the side, I am a Samsung College Ambassador and a Campus Trendsetter Ambassador where I get to create content for my Social Media pages and share with my friends and family (: I look forward to guiding you around our beautiful campus as one of the Tour Ambassador Leads, don’t be afraid to reach out!

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  The Lawn in between the Arts building and U-Hall; I love taking naps there on a nice sunny day!

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  My best memory has to be any with my friends I’ve made from working as a tour guide, you can always catch me with a smile on my face when I’m with them!

• Advice

  Carpe Diem. Take advantage of all the opportunities that are being presented to you on a silver platter, you never know when you’ll have it in front of you again!

• Dream Job

  My goal is to one day work in the Entertainment Industry as a Television & Film Producer.

  
  

   

Hometown
Ontario, Ca

Favorite Show
That 70s Show

Email Zac

Zac Parsons | Undecided 

• Bio

  Hi there! My name is Zac, and I am a student here at California State University San Marcos. My family lives in Oceanside. I enjoy playing club soccer at the school and of course being a tour guide. I am a huge sports fan and love Chelsea FC as well as the San Diego Padres. I enjoy surfing and my favorite beach is Encinitas. I am involved in Greek life. If you want any more information about these things let me know!

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  Starbucks at the Library

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  Goin on coffee runs with my coworkers and playing soccer with my team.

• Advice

  Don’t be hasty in picking your major or switching! Everyone has a different path in life. Make sure you pick the one that you want even if others in your life might have a different influence.

• Dream Job

  Professional Soccer Player

  
  

   

Hometown

Escondido, CA

Favorite Summer Activities

My favorite summer activities are going to the beach, watching sunsets and listening to music.

Email Kelsie

Kelsie Macias | Liberal Studies Major

• Bio

  Hello! I’m a Liberal Studies major with an emphasis in Biliteracy. I’m an Alliance Ambassador and I’m also a PASO Scholar here at Cal State San Marcos. I’m also part of the Future Educators Association. Since I will be doing the Credential program here with Cal State San Marcos the Future Educators Program will help me with that process. I’m a Campus Tour Ambassador Lead and I love giving tours to prospective students. I’m a local from Escondido, therefore if you have any questions about what to do in the area, feel free to reach out! I love spending time with my best friend, and I love going to new places.

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  My favorite spot-on campus is the green roof between the two USU buildings. It has a beautiful view and it’s a great place to just relax.

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  When I went to watch “Spiderman No Way Home” with my work besties. We got free swag and food while enjoying a great movie!

• Advice

  My advice is get involved! The more you know about campus, the more comfortable and easier it will be to navigate throughout your time at CSUSM. Talk to people and don’t be afraid to make new friends.

• Dream Job

  3rd grade elementary school teacher

Favorite Movie
Definitely “Just Go With It” with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. It's just such a go-to comfort movie for me. Oh, and I also love Thrillers like “Shutter Island”!

Email Kristin

Kristin Sophie Bergmann

• Bio

  Hey everybody, I’m Kristin, but usually just go by Krissi! I am a fourth-year communication major. I was born and raised in Heidelberg, Germany and transferred to CSUSM in 2020. In my free time I love creating content for my blog and social media channels. I am very passionate about fashion, so most of my content is centered around that.

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  I love the Green Roof because it has the most beautiful sunset views and it’s a great place to do school while getting fresh air.

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  My favorite memory is my first day of school in January 2020. I met lots of other people and was just so excited to start this journey.

• Advice

  Join a club, sports team or get an on-campus job. Getting involved is super important because you meet new people, get to know the campus better and form a very special bond with the school.

• Dream Job

  I always loved the spotlight, so my dream job is to be a news anchor on TV or a radio show host. If that doesn’t work out, I would love being a full-time content creator on social media.

Favorite Movie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Best Study Tip

Take breaks when you need to in order to avoid burnout!

Email Brenda

Brenda Nieto

• Bio

  Hi y’all! My name is Brenda and I am a third-year, first-generation Sociology student. I am also an Alliance Ambassador, a program that helps local students get guaranteed admission to CSUSM. In my free time, I love going to my local coffee shop in Escondido to get some homework done or hang out with friends. I also dance ballet folklorico for a local dance group. 

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  Gonzalez Grove! I love hanging out on the lawn between University Hall and the Arts Building! 

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  A friend from Palomar College took the Sprinter to join me for Cougar Cinema! We grabbed some sushi from Umami near the dorms and walked back to campus in time to catch the new Minions movie. It was a super fun event! 

• Advice

  Make connections with as many people as possible on campus! You never know if a classmate, professor, or staff member will give you a cool opportunity!

• Dream Job

  Bilingual High School English Teacher

Hometown

Temecula, CA

Favorite Quote

My favorite quote would be, “A little progress each day adds up to big results.”

Email Marina

Marina Rayos

• Bio

  Hi everyone! My name is Marina, and I am fourth year here at Cal State San Marcos. I am majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families, as well as minoring in Psychology. At school, I am a part of multiple organizations here on campus such as The Alliance, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, clubs of special interest, and I have also worked as a student assistant in Kellogg Library. When I am not working or studying, I love to hang out with my family and friends as well as find new places for mini adventures!

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  One of my favorite spots here on campus is Serenity Circle behind the SBSB building because it is so calming, and I hang out here before some of my classes start. It is also a really nice place to relax since it is so quiet and peaceful.

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  One of my best memories here at CSUSM was going back into the Alliance offices and seeing everyone since it had been so long that I got to visit them in-person. I also love making memories here on campus with my friends at the University Student Union. 

• Advice

  My advice to students would be to become more involved on campus, such as joining clubs that catch your attention, programs that you are eligible for, and getting to know your campus a little bit better! I would also encourage students to use the resources around campus and to ask questions!

• Dream Job

  My dream job would be to become a Social Worker in order to work with children and families.

Hometown

Temecula, CA 

Favorite Food

California Burritos

Email Lex

Lex Ellgard | Psychology

• Bio

  Hey y’all! I am a fifth-year psychology major, graduating in December of 2022. Before CSUSM, I originally had no desire to go to college and get a degree. CSUSM sparked a love for school in me and helped me achieve more than I ever thought I was capable of. Now I am currently applying to grad school and looking back on the time that I have had at CSUSM. I loved all the events and opportunities and enjoyed going to the local movie theater, restaurants and beaches. I encourage all students to take advantage of all the student life and local opportunities that CSUSM has to offer!

• Favorite Spot on Campus

  Kellogg Library Study Rooms

• Best Memory at CSUSM

  My best memories at CSUSM always come from the events and activities on campus. The events have always been a great way for me and my friends to get together and eat good food and have a great time!

• Advice

  Stay active in your classes and on campus. A balanced school and personal life help you to have fun while also working toward your degree. Balance is possible and the more balance you have the more you’ll enjoy your classes and campus life!

• Dream Job

  College Recruitment and Outreach