Your CSULB roadmap for the new semester

The summer break is nearing an end, and the 2026-27 school year is just about here. With the fall semester right around the corner, students, faculty and staff have a variety of new, relocated or expanded resources at their fingertips.

New offerings this year include free dental screenings and cleanings for students, a new, temporary location for Counseling and Psychological Services and a "mini" Beach Pantry on upper campus.

Explore this useful guide for the 2026-27 academic year.

Campus renovation and expansion

The Future U project - the renovation and expansion of the University Student Union (USU) - continues to make significant progress as it enters its second year of construction. This fall, the project enters a more visible phase as new spaces begin to take shape across the site.

Construction continues on the future Marketplace and ballroom expansion, renovations and upgrades to essential building systems. As work progresses, more of the building's exterior will become visible, giving the campus community its first look at the future USU.

While the USU remains closed through summer 2028, student services continue to operate across campus. Many student-facing offices remain centrally located in Peterson Hall 1 (PH1). Temporary service locations are available on the Resource Relocation page of the Future U website.

Additional seating and study spaces remain available in the University Bookstore, University Library, Horn Center and other locations across campus. Students can also enjoy free pool tables in PH1 218 and at Sports Basement, and the Esports Lounge is now open on the first floor of the University Library.

For construction updates, relocation information and opportunities to get involved, visit the Future U website.

This fall will see the opening of the university's latest residence hall, La Playa. The state-of-the-art facility will add 424 beds in a mix of single and double-occupancy rooms. The five-story project - lauded as part of the Long Beach Housing Promise at its groundbreaking - will increase the inventory of below-market student housing available across campus.

Parking and Transportation

First four weeks - traffic impact

Traffic congestion and parking demand are at their highest during the first four weeks of the fall semester, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. After the first four weeks of the fall semester, traffic and parking availability generally return to normal levels.

If you plan to drive to campus during these times, allow extra travel time and expect parking to take longer than usual. You may also want to consider sustainable transportation.

Drop-off and pickup zones

CSULB has dedicated drop-off and pickup zones, providing ample vehicle space away from high-traffic lanes and including curb ramps and other ADA-accessible features.

Drivers can also take advantage of the 15-minute, no-fee cell phone waiting area near the University Library. Drivers can wait in these spaces, contact their passenger(s), and when they're ready, proceed to a nearby drop-off and pickup zone for a quick pickup.

For lower campus, the East Turnaround near the Central Plant is recommended. For upper campus, use the South Turnaround. Both locations are separated from local bus routes and provide additional space for increased pedestrian safety.

For more information, visit the Drop-Off/Pickup Zones website.

BeachGO app and rewards

The free BeachGO app helps plan sustainable trips to campus while earning rewards along the way. Whether you're driving, carpooling, taking public transit, biking or walking, BeachGO provides personalized routes to help you get to campus efficiently and safely.

In addition to trip planning, the app makes it easy to connect with potential carpool partners, locate Bike Share stations, nearby bus stops and track your environmental impact.

Every sustainable trip you log earns points that can be redeemed for gift cards, prizes and discounts at participating on-campus vendors.

Download the BeachGO app for Apple and Android devices.

Discounted off-campus overflow lot

The off-campus overflow parking lot and discounted permit option will return during fall semester 2026.

Students who choose to park off campus for the first five weeks of the semester receive a discounted fall permit price of $150, instead of the full price of $259. The location of the lot is Gaslamp Music Bar & Grill, 6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, about a mile from campus. A free shuttle service runs from 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., departing every 15 minutes. Information about this permit is available at the Overflow Parking website.

First Month Free - new bus pass program

New this fall, students who wait until after the first four weeks of the semester to purchase a parking permit will receive either a free 30-day unlimited Long Beach Transit bus pass or a $40 credit toward a 150-day bus pass.

Additional details about the First Month Free program will be available on the Parking & Transportation Services website as the start of the fall semester approaches.

Students can also take advantage of the university's ongoing Go Beach! Discounted Bus Pass program, which offers 70% off unlimited Long Beach Transit bus passes year-round. For additional information about parking and transportation discounts available to students, staff and faculty members, visit the Parking & Transportation Services website.

Student Learning Resources

Day 1 Textbook Access (D1TA)

Day 1 Textbook Access (D1TA), CSULB's digital-first course materials program, continues to provide students with access to required textbooks and course materials on the first day of classes each semester.

For the 2026-27 academic year, students can choose the option that best fits their schedule:

• Bundle option: Pay a flat $289 per semester for all eligible required course materials.
• Flexible option: Participate on a course-by-course basis by selecting only the classes you want to keep in the program and paying the individual material price for those courses.

To switch from the bundle to the flexible option, log into the D1TA portal, click the "switch programs" button near the top right of the page, then choose which courses to remain enrolled in and which to opt out of.

Beach XP

Beach XP, short for Beach Experience, supports both first-year and transfer students in building connections, finding support and thriving at CSULB.

A key component of Beach XP is the learning community model, where first-time, first-year students can participate in a cohort with peers from their college. These cohorts include at least one shared class and provide a built-in network of support throughout the first year.

Beyond the cohort experience, all incoming students have access to the Beach XPerience Hub, a self-paced Canvas community filled with resources, tools, tips, campus connections, and student insights designed to support success throughout the academic year. Transfer students also have access to Transfer Connection, a dedicated Canvas hub that provides tailored resources, support services and opportunities to stay engaged throughout their CSULB journey.

Students interested in learning more about Beach XP can connect with their college representative for additional information.

Beach Central

Beach Central offers support options to help students navigate admissions, financial aid and scholarships, plus student records. As a one-stop shop, Beach Central can help students find what they need in the way that works best for them.

• Direct Support: Students can visit the intake windows located in the Brotman Hall first floor courtyard, Monday through Friday. Students can also submit a help ticket or schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor - virtually or in person - through the Beach Connect app in their CSULB SSO.
• Enrollment Services Workshops: To learn more about key topics, students can attend free workshops on registration, educational leave, financial aid, scholarships and more, on the Enrollment Services Workshops webpage. New workshop topics include scholarships and FAFSA/CADAA.
• Video Resources: Students can also explore the Financial Aid TV Video Library for quick videos that explain financial aid and scholarship basics or browse the Enrollment Services YouTube channel for how-to guides on using the schedule of classes, understanding FERPA and more.

• Transfer Success Pathway Workshops: Students can attend in-person and online workshops for CSU Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) covering topics such as Cal State Apply, financial aid and other enrollment services resources to help students prepare for their journey at CSULB.

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Where can I eat on campus?

Beach Bites helps students find free food from on-campus catered events and meetings through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Students can also use the Eat and Shop website to locate dining venues, food trucks and microwaves across campus.

New dining options introduced as part of the Future U project include Coastal Coffee near the College of Business and temporary kitchen trailer dining locations.

Students can now order ahead at select campus dining locations using the Transact Mobile Ordering app or through single sign-on.

Community dining plans

The Beach Community Meal Bundle returns for 2026-27. Commuting students, faculty and staff may purchase 10-, 25-, 50- or 75-meal plans for use in the residential dining halls. Meal plans may be used anytime during the academic year and repurchased as needed.

On-Campus Technology

Canvas at The Beach

Access Canvas, the official CSULB learning management system (LMS) through SSO or directly at CSULB's Instructure site. The "Passport to Canvas" orientation course is also available on all student Canvas accounts as a reference guide for using the platform.

Free software

Adobe Creative Cloud is free for CSULB students. With the campus license, you'll get access to Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and more. Try out the Adobe Express app to easily create graphics and flyers using assets from the Adobe Stock Image library. Spice up your assignments, social media or web designs with these creative tools.

Visit Adobe Creative Cloud for download instructions and details.

Artificial Intelligence resources

• Check out AI Technology to find resources for the CSULB community.
• Find AI tools and resources available systemwide at the CSU AI Commons.
• Visit ATS Events and Workshops for the current schedule of AI workshops.
• "Bots and Beyond: AI Awareness and Ethics" is a new, self-paced course where faculty, staff and students can learn about ethical AI use and earn a digital badge.
• Familiarize yourself with AI tools for specific subject areas in the LinkedIn Learning collection of online tutorials.
• Students, review the Student AI Guidelines to understand when to use AI for your courses.

Computer labs

There are several computer labs on campus, including the Horn Center, Spidell Technology Center and University Express Lab.

Students can access CSULB-licensed software programs through the Student Virtual Lab from any location with an internet connection.

Wireless printing

Access the Mobile Print Portal while on campus to upload and print documents at designated self-service printing stations. For more information including printing locations, visit Campus Wireless Printing.

The Innovation Space

ISPACE, located on the lower level of the University Library, offers 3D printing and laser cutting services. The 360° Theater, XR Lab and Podcast Studios can be reserved for special events and academic projects. Fill out the ISPACE request form to sign up for a tour.

University Police Department

The University Police Department (UPD) is located in front of the Student Recreation & Wellness Center, just south of Parking Lot E5, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. UPD's non-emergency telephone number is (562) 985-4101. 

Bike U-Lock Program

UPD will continue to offer this free program to students, staff and faculty. Students can register bicycles or e-bikes at the UPD tables at Beachside, Hillside and Parkside residential villages on Aug. 20 and 21 during move-in day to receive a free U-lock. Students, staff and faculty can also submit this bike registration form to receive a QR code confirmation email to pick up a U-lock in the UPD lobby. For questions about the program, email Community Engagement Officer . (Note: Bike locks are limited in quantity and available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Night Safety Escort Program

The Night Safety Escort Program is available to all students, staff and faculty every day, 6 p.m. through 2 a.m. This is for those who need a safe ride to their vehicles anywhere on campus, on the perimeter streets surrounding CSULB, or to their dorms (including off-campus dorms). Campus members requesting a night safety escort can contact UPD's non-emergency telephone number at (562) 985-4101 or can use one of the "Blue Light" emergency phones located throughout campus.

Health and Wellness

Wellness resources

CSULB offers many Crisis and Mental Health resources for the Beach community. Beach Wellness is a comprehensive one-stop shop with resources designed to address health and wellness needs. Here, you will find confidential resources such as Find Help Now and the Beach Crisis Text Line.

For in-person visits, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will temporarily move to the Foundation Building, Room 332, starting Aug. 1. You can find out more about this relocation on the CAPS temporary location site.

Student Recreation and Wellness Center

In addition to providing a space where students, staff, faculty, alumni and affiliates can exercise, the ASI Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers a range of programs and services ranging from massage therapy to intramural sports. The Center also has an SRWC GO app and a newsletter.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services (SHS) offers many health programs and services, such as reproductive health information, lab services and low-cost pharmacy services. Recently added offerings include scheduling an appointment with an on-site registered dietitian and attending a training about the fight against opioid overdose. For questions, call (562) 985-4771 or email Student Health Services. (Note: After the opioid overdose training, students will receive free Narcan kits and fentanyl test strips.)

A new app launched through Single Sign-On allows students to order top pharmacy items online. Many items are offered at lower prices than in the community, and a broader selection is available through SHS directly.

Free Dental Services

In a new partnership with West Coast College, Student Health Services is offering free dental screenings, check-ups and cleanings on site on Wednesdays. You can learn more about this program and make an appointment at the SHS website.

Peer support

Student Health Services is also rolling out a new peer-to-peer support system called Aspire. It's a collaboration with Athletics, and first-year, first-generation college students are particularly welcome. Visit the SHS website for more details.

CARES

The CARES team provides non-clinical case management for students experiencing a broad range of distress. CARES services include a comprehensive assessment of the student's needs, the development of an individualized action plan, education on resources available both on and off-campus, and linkage to appropriate campus supports and departments. CARES utilizes a holistic approach to address students' needs, improve students' well-being and academic success, prevent and mitigate crises, and promote campus safety.

Basic Needs

CSULB's Basic Needs program addresses food and housing insecurity among students and provides services including emergency funds, medical bill assistance, eviction avoidance grants, meal support and more. Look for Basic Needs in PH127 during the USU renovation.

ASI offers an on-campus mobile Beach Pantry. BeachSync will provide upcoming dates and locations of Beach Pantry mobile locations.

The Laurén Chalmers '83 Beach Pantry will continue to be in Student Health Services, Room 115-A, during the Student Union renovation. New this year is "The Mini" Beach Pantry, located on upper campus in PH1, Room 213. It offers grab-and-go snacks, fruit and small essentials, and quick access pantry staples. Hours are 3-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Visit the Laurén Chalmers '83 Beach Pantry site for details.

In addition, the CalFresh Outreach team helps students sign up for the CalFresh nutrition program, which helps low-income individuals access free money for groceries. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment, ensuring no student's education is hindered by basic needs challenges.

Students who wish to get peer counseling on financial matters can visit Basic Needs in person or online to learn more about the Peer Financial Wellness Coach program.

Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC)

Students with non-apparent and/or visible disabilities may qualify for academic and classroom accommodation services through the Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC). Registration is completed on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to connect with BMAC at the beginning of the semester. Visit BMAC's registration steps for new students.

BMAC's LIFE Project Program serving students with autism has moved to LA5, Room 173. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Also, the Testing Department is now a part of BMAC and has relocated to the main office in SSSC-110.

MyBMAC, BMAC's database management system for students and faculty, has recently been updated. BMAC will be hosting drop-in hours during the first four weeks of the fall semester to support students and faculty with any questions they may have. BMAC Drop-in Zoom Support will be 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Sept. 18.

Upcoming events

Save the date for important events like Week of Welcome (Sept. 2-3), Rec Fest (Sept. 4) and the 25th anniversary of Smorgasport (Sept. 11). Additional events and activities are available on the CSULB homepage and the CSULB Events & Orgs website.