California State University--Chico

About Me

Intro

Alright, I've heard it all before, so let's get this one out of the way, shall we? I'm a party animal (yeah, I'm a pretty wild cat). It seems Playboy has permanently soiled my reputation, like that greenish spot on the carpet that I've been hiding under the couch.

Maybe it's not such a bad way to be known; having an exorbitant amount of fun is just my cup of tea…or mug of Sierra Nevada, I suppose.

You see, I'm a socialite, and I'm all about promoting that wholesome "college experience." I'm in a small town that is, in many ways, defined by the college. The rural setting, along with all of the old, brick buildings and friendly people, make me homey and endearing.

Maybe that's why I'm referred to as a black hole…once you come, you won't be able to want to leave.

I've got all kinds of students, from those who say "brah" un-ironically to those who limit their showers to conserve water. I'm also not such a bad place to do some learning, if you're into that sort of thing. Sure, maybe you think I'm just in it for the good times, but I'm always ranked among the top state schools on the West Coast.

I'm also known for graduating some outstanding students in majors, like business and engineering. Work hard, play hard, as they say. My students just usually save the working part until after they graduate.

Name

Willie the Wildcat—the real one, not like those posers at Kansas State or Northwestern. Come to think of it, what even is a wildcat anyway and why is it the mascot of every other college?

Hometown

Chico is a rural Northern Californian city in the central valley. It's surrounded by orchards, so it's got that small college town feel. It's called the city of trees, many of which can be found uprooting the sidewalks downtown (so watch your step on those late-night walks home or the pavement will wake you up real quick).

Speaking of downtown, the haphazard expansion caused by Chico's gold rush origins has left behind enough nonsensical street planning to leave most students driving the wrong way on one of the many one-way streets. Why drive, though? With the gorgeous Bidwell Park nearby, Chico (off of the university grounds) is totally biker-friendly and prides itself on its sustainability.

Birthdate

1887

Body Type

I've got about 16,000 students, which makes for some reasonably sized classes that usually don't get to the massive lecture proportions of the larger universities. Consider this a warning that your back row shenanigans might actually be noticed.

My students are also pretty friendly, so it's not uncommon to be a little late to class after running into all sorts of people you meet on the way. My campus (which is gorgeous, if I do say so myself) isn't too big, and this is nice since biking has been outlawed since '78 due to concern for "pedestrian safety." Sure, whatever they say…

Current Living Situation

Like all colleges, I have dorms (both on and off campus) for incoming freshman. Be careful about where you end up, though; the newest dorm, fancy-schmancy Sutter Hall, has its own dining hall, but you might also end up in good ol' Whitney Hall. I'll let you guess what its nickname is.

Of course, for all you non-freshmen out there, I've got tons of college living nearby. The downtown area has some old houses that may be a little shabby and worn down, but they're usually pretty nice and close to campus. Plus, many of them have porches to sit on so you can smugly watch your friends walk a couple miles home to study for their physiology final while you enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

There are also plenty of apartments within biking/boarding distance if that's more your thing. Watch out for the Zoo, though. No, it's not a literal zoo; it's an apartment complex that can get a little out of control. Actually, maybe it is kind of like a zoo, except more dangerous and slightly more malodorous.

Relationship Status

I'm more of the solitary type. There aren't any nearby universities for me to buddy up with (or feud with), but I make sure to keep plenty busy all by myself.

You should apply to me if...

you're looking for that college town experience. If you're social, friendly, and wouldn't mind getting a little wild every now and again (and again), then step right up.