Fall 2025 resource guide: What’s new on CSULB campus

Published July 28, 2025

By Richard Chang Campus Update

The fall 2025 semester at Cal State Long Beach is almost here! With a new school year just around the corner, students, faculty and staff can take advantage of a variety of new, relocated and recently expanded resources. New offerings this year include increased artificial intelligence resources, a Beach Community Meal Bundle for commuters and an app that allows students to order lower-cost prescriptions online.

Explore this helpful guide for the 2025-26 academic year.

University Student Union renovation and expansion

The Future U Project – the renovation and expansion of the University Student Union (USU) – kicks off in earnest in August. Construction fencing around the USU will go up by Aug. 23 and the building will remain closed through August 2028.

Offices and resources that were in the USU have been relocated. Many of the student-facing services have found their new home in Peterson Hall 1 (PH1) to keep everything centrally located and easy to find. You can find temporary locations for resources on the Resource Relocation page on the Future U website.

Temporary food spots are on the Food Relocation page. Details on menus, hours of operation and food service locations can be found on CSULB’s interactive campus food map.

New seating and study spaces have been created on the second floor of the Bookstore, the University Library, the Horn Center and other locations across campus. Free pool tables have been moved to Sports Basement at 2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.

For a comprehensive overview of Associated Students Inc.’s (ASI) relocation efforts, visit the Future U website.

Day 1 Textbook Access (D1TA)

The digital-first CSULB textbook program returns for a second year, providing students access to all their required textbooks at one price on the first day of classes each fall/spring semester. The price is $250 for full-time students and $165 for part-time students per semester. Please keep an eye out for emails starting the week before classes start on how to access D1TA.

Beach XP

Beach XP, short for Beach Experience, is a learning community program for first-time, first-year students. In Beach XP, students can join cohorts with peers from their college to boost their learning, establish networks on campus and build career connections through friendship and fun. Students interested in joining Beach XP can reach out to a college contact.

Beach Central

Beach Central offers an array of support options to help students navigate admissions, financial aid and scholarships, plus student records. Students can visit the intake windows located in the Brotman Hall first floor courtyard, Monday through Friday. For added flexibility, 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 Single Sign-On.

To learn more about key topics, students can visit the Enrollment Services YouTube channel and attend free workshops on registration, educational leave, financial aid, scholarships and more, all available on the Enrollment Services workshops webpage.

On-Campus Technology

Canvas at The Beach

Canvas is the official CSULB learning management system (LMS). Students, faculty and staff can access their Canvas accounts through SSO or directly through Canvas. The “Passport to Canvas” learning guide is also available as a reference on all student Canvas accounts.

On-campus Wi-Fi

The Division of Information Technology continues to expand Wi-Fi on campus. Wi-Fi is available inside most buildings and outdoor areas. Students, staff and faculty can connect to Eduroam, a secure Wi-Fi access service developed for the international research and education community. Learn more about Wi-Fi setup.

New Artificial Intelligence resources

Check out the AI Technology website: Under “Resources” on the left navigation of that site, there are pages for faculty, staff and students, as well as Generative AI do’s and don’ts.

LinkedIn Learning collection: Academic Technology Services (ATS) has assembled these AI tutorials to help people get started on using AI tools for art and design, business, education, engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, health and human sciences, and liberal arts.

Students, pay attention to the Student AI Guidelines.

The CSU AI Commons offers tools and information for students, faculty, staff and alumni.

AI workshops for students, faculty and staff

ATS continues to offer workshops every semester on assorted topics. Visit ATS Events and Workshops for the most updated schedules. This summer, several sessions are dedicated to artificial intelligence to improve study habits, teaching and learning:

The Challenge of Bias in AI: 11a.m.-noon, Tuesday, July 29
Crafting Effective AI Policies for Your Courses: 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11
AI Crash Course: Tips, Tricks and Assistants: 11 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Aug. 6
Creating Your Own Custom AI Agent: 10-11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 8

Phishing scams – don’t get hooked

Universities are a major target for phishing attacks. Learn how to spot phishing, get advice and tips for protecting your CSULB account by visiting Beware of Phishing Scams at CSULB. To add more protection, set up a “passwordless” login.

Computer labs

Students using computers at the Spidell Technology Center

There are several computer labs on campus, including the Horn Center, Spidell Technology Center and University Express Lab. The Accessible Technology Program, part of the Bob Murphy Access Center and previously known as the Accessible Instructional Materials Center, is also a technology and accessibility resource lab that provides support and services for students with disabilities, faculty, staff and the campus community.

And students can connect to the Student Virtual Lab from anywhere with an internet connection to access licensed software programs.

Wireless printing

The Mobile Print Portal has recently been updated for the Beach community to print documents at designated print locations while on campus. For more information, visit Campus Wireless Printing.

Elbee Chatbot

The Elbee Chatbot is a feature that CSULB website visitors can use to ask questions. The Chatbot is live on Technology Help Desk, Enrollment Services, Student Health Services, Testing Department, Educational Opportunity Program, Student Financial Services, University Housing & Residential Life and Parking & Transportation Services sites, and will continue to be added to more pages on the CSULB website.

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 Studio can be reserved for special events and academic projects. Fill out the ISPACE request form to request services.

Parking and Transportation

BeachGO app

A free commute-planning app, which launched in February, is back and available to all CSULB students, staff and faculty. BeachGO can streamline the way you travel to/from campus. Match with others who wish to carpool to campus, find the nearest bus/train routes, safe bike corridors or even walking paths. You will earn points for each trip that you record, which can be redeemed for rewards at local restaurants, salons, gyms and more.

Off-campus overflow lot

The off-campus overflow parking lot and discounted permit option will return during fall semester 2025.

Students who choose to park off-campus for the first eight weeks of the semester can enjoy a discounted fall permit price of $180, instead of the full price of $259. Full information is at Overflow Parking.

Discounted bus passes

CSULB students, staff and faculty can also access resources such as the Go Beach! Discounted Bus Pass, personalized commute planning, donations for citations, campus shuttles, drop-off/pick-up zones, the ParkMobile app and the Parking & Transportation Services website. Students can enjoy a 70% discount on bus passes with Long Beach transit. Visit Bus.

University Police Department

The University Police Department (UPD) is located directly in front of the Student Recreation & Wellness Center, just south of Parking Lot E5, and is open 24 hours per 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. 21 and 22 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 Corina Washington. (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, beginning at 6 p.m. through the early morning hours. 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). If CSULB community members are requesting a night safety escort, they can contact UPD's non-emergency telephone number at (562) 985-4101, or use one of the "Blue Light" emergency phones located throughout campus.

Food

Beach Bites

Beach Bites is a mobile food app for students on the Apple Store or on Google Play that alerts students about free food from on-campus catered events and meetings. This Eat and Shop website also serves as a helpful resource for options on campus, such as campus food locations, food trucks and microwaves. Students can use Grubhub to order ahead at select on-campus dining locations.

Community dining plans

The Beach Community Meal Bundle is new for 2025-26. Any commuting student, faculty or staff member may eat in the residential dining halls with one of four tier plans: 10 meals, 25 meals, 50 meals or 75 meals. The meal plan may be used anytime during the year and can be repurchased as desired.

Health and Wellness

Wellness resources

Self-care matters! It’s OK to ask for help. 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 Beach Crisis Text Line. Students can text BEACH to 741741 for free, 24/7, high-quality, text-based mental health support.

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) is an on-campus clinic resource that offers many health programs and services, such as reproductive health information, lab services and low-cost pharmacy services. Students can take advantage of recently added offerings, including 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 fight against 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.

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 with services like an emergency fund, medical bill assistance, eviction avoidance grants, meal support and more. Look for Basic Needs in PH1 during the USU renovation.

ASI offers an on-campus mobile Beach Pantry, and a Beach Kitchen where students can learn to cook healthy meals using pantry provisions (fall semester only). BeachSync will provide upcoming dates and locations of Beach Pantry mobile locations.

The Lauren Chalmers ‘83 Beach Pantry will be temporarily located in Student Health Services during the Student Union renovation.

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

Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC)

CSULB continues to promote Elbee with a sunflower to raise awareness about non-apparent disabilities and support a sense of belonging for all students. The sunflower symbol allows individuals on campus to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that might not be apparent. The bookstore has added the sunflower to Elbee merchandise for faculty, staff and students who wish to represent non-apparent disabilities or to stand in solidarity as an ability ally.

Students with non-apparent and/or visible disabilities may qualify to receive 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.

MyBMAC, BMAC’s database management system for students and faculty, has recently been updated to a new version. 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. 25 through Friday, Sept. 19.