Titans flooded into Cal State Fullerton residence halls, to a soundtrack of clattering moving bins, cheering staff, and the nervous and excited chatter of students and their families.
During Move-In Day on Aug. 21-22, about 2,100 new and returning students moved into their campus homes to start the 2025-26 academic year. Students had the chance to learn about university resources, meet campus staff, take tours and socialize with their fellow Titans.
Families and friends helped students get mountains of bedding, mirrors, musical instruments, snacks and stuffed animals into their new suites, and Housing and Residential Engagement hired professional movers to make the process easier for everyone.
After moving in, students and visitors checked out the renovated Titan Dining Hall, which includes a wider variety of food choices and a coffee bar.
The whole family came to help settle Damian Casas into his new room, including his parents, Francisco and Julie, and their four other children. Damian is the second child to go to college, but the first still lives at home with them in Riverside.
Damian said he’s eager to study business administration and play Titans Baseball. Last fall the university signed him to its renowned baseball program, which has nurtured such major league talents as alums Ricky Romero, Justin Turner, Matt Chapman, Kurt Suzuki and Michael Lorenzen.
For Francisco, moving his son into a residence hall was “a bittersweet moment — he’s moving out of the house, but it’s best for his future.”
Jules Chavez moved from the Los Angeles area to study computer science: “I really loved the area and I like the programs CSUF has.”
While she already has some friends here, she said she’s excited to join clubs, meet new people and be independent.
Addison Grant came from farther afield — South Carolina — and got a big Titan welcome from CSUF President Ronald Rochon, who introduced himself and helped push her moving bin into the lobby of her new home.
Grant said it was the pleasant community and nice people who inspired her to study civil engineering at CSUF.
For Ella Njike-Chatien, a second-year theatre major and first-time resident adviser, the top-notch acting program, affordability and community were what made CSUF her pick.
“I know how important living here is and how much it matters in your academic life,” she said, so she wanted to give back to the university by helping new students in her advisory role.
She hopes students realize that everyone working at CSUF wants to support them and facilitate their growth: “I think they’re going to love it here.”