Cal State Fullerton leaders hailed the start of construction this month to build a new 510-bed, apartment-style student housing complex, which when completed, will include affordable options for students facing housing insecurity.
At the Oct. 9 groundbreaking event, CSUF President Ronald S. Rochon unveiled that the university’s newest residence hall is named Sequoia, keeping the tradition of student housing buildings named after trees.
“Today, we celebrate building new campus housing and a commitment to provide affordable housing for students, which we should be proud of,” Rochon said to campus community members. “This truly is a small dent in a huge demand. We have students who want to come here and pursue degrees.”
The nearly $160 million state-funded, apartment-style housing project includes about $89 million for affordable student housing, said Sarab Singh, associate vice president for capital programs and facilities management.
The six-story, 155,000-square-foot building will accommodate four students — seniors and graduate students — in each two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit, which includes a kitchen and a living area. The U-shaped building design also features student resident adviser apartments, one staff apartment, laundry area, mail room, a market, and outdoor eating and seating spaces.
Singh said that the project, built on the north side of campus adjacent to the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton, touts a garden-home concept and a tranquil courtyard for studying and relaxing.
When completed by fall 2026, the project will bring the total student housing community to over 2,600 beds. Singh said of the total number of beds, 390 affordable beds will be provided to students in need.
With rising housing rental costs impacting low-income students, university leaders said affordable housing is needed to improve student well-being.
“This new housing has a wellness vibe. Wellness is something that our students continue to talk about. We want to have a nice and calming space for our students to relax and live,” said Vincent Vigil, senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
Vigil, who oversees Housing and Residential Engagement, lauded the addition of affordable housing for students, including those needing financial assistance and students who commute and want an on-campus living experience.
“We want to provide a home for our Titans,” he said.
Vigil added that currently, there is a waitlist for on-campus housing, which is at capacity with about 2,100 students.
The affordable units will be offered at rental rates below the standard rate and accessible to students who would otherwise be facing housing insecurity or the cost of housing is a significant financial burden and barrier, added Kafele Khalfani, director of housing and residential engagement.
Liberal studies major Sedona Escudero, a junior and president of the Resident Student Association, called making some units affordable a “huge win” for students.
“More affordable options mean more options for students to have a home away from home,” she said.
Escudero, who has lived on campus since her first year, is a first-generation college student who shared that she works part time to pay for housing and tuition.
“With this project, we’re not just getting additional beds — we’re building a community, a place that already feels like a home for so many of us. There will be more opportunities for laughter, connection and engagement.”
Singh added that the project design symbolizes the university’s vision, progress and commitment to shaping students’ dreams and empowering their futures.
“We are not just laying the foundation for a new building,” he said. “We’re creating spaces where students will live, learn and grow. With this project, we’re ensuring that future generations will have a safe, comfortable and inspiring space to thrive — and every opportunity to succeed.”