<p>Hello, I am a dutch undergraduate student who wants to study abroad for 1 semester.
I would like to do this in California, my university has 4 partner universities in California, these are California state university Fresno, Chico, Long Beach and San Marcos</p>
<p>Now I want to know about which suits me best.
Can you provide me with some information?</p>
<p>Which university cities are most attractive?
Which universities have the best campuses and parties?
Are there big area differences in cost of living? (housing, food, leisure)</p>
<p>Of the 4, Chico is the only one with mostly residential students. Avoid Fresno - hate it there. Chico is a neat spot not too far from Sacramento and Redding. It’s a bit longer drive to San Francisco or up into the Sierras.</p>
<p>If you are looking for the classic California experience (beaches, sunny/warm weather), you will want to stick with San Marcos (San Diego), or Long Beach. Chico is a good school and the area is nice, but it won’t offer that stereotypical California experience.</p>
<p>Fresno is a gas stop on the way from LA to Sacramento… </p>
<p>I would choose either Long Beach or San Marcos. San Marcos is in a better city; Long Beach can be a little rough in some parts. But Long Beach is also the larger campus with better academics and more courses and on-campus activities to choose from. So overall, unless San Marcos had some specific courses you wanted that Long Beach did not offer, I would pick Long Beach.</p>
<p>I am not familiar with San Marcos, so cannot speak to it. Of the other 3, my vote would go to Chico. It’s beautiful, with many residential students, and strong spirit. You asked about parties and Chico is somewhat known for them, though it is much more than a party school. I know 3 students who went there and loved it. Being more northern, it’s greener with lots of trees. </p>
<p>My son went to Fresno and enjoyed it but for an international student I don’t think it is the best choice. The city of Fresno is very ugly. </p>
<p>Long Beach has more commuters. I personally don’t like the city of Long Beach very much. I think of it as kind of physically dirty. </p>
<p>Chico is the most typical college campus with the most residential students. Has some strong departments. Plenty of music to see and parties to go to. Access to outdoor recreational activities. Long Beach is the most urban with access to beaches and to city stuff and Los Angeles and has the reputation for the best academics.</p>