Frequently Asked Questions
MyCSULB is a self-service, online portal that all students can access. You can view your personal information (e.g., phone number, address, emergency contact info), academic record (e.g., test scores & grades), finances (e.g., outstanding balances) and much, much more! Login to MyCSULB via the university's Microsoft MyApp Portal (Single Sign-On), then click on the MyCSULB icon. If you have any problems accessing Single Sign On or MyCSULB, contact the Technology Help Desk at 562.985.4959 or helpdesk@csulb.edu.
Student Email/Outlook is often called a variety of names by the campus community like CSULB email, Outlook, and student email. Your Student email account is your official university email account where messages are sent from the university regarding upcoming deadlines and important announcements along with information from your faculty members and reminders from your assigned advising center. The university transitions to sending messages exclusively to your Student Email account:
- Fall Admits: Late May
- Spring Admits: Late November
Access your Student Email/Outlook account by logging in to Microsoft MyApps/Single Sign On using your Beach ID Number and password. Then locate and click on the Outlook chiclet.
SOAR Confirmation will be emailed to you within one week of making your reservation.
Didn't receive a SOAR Confirmation? Please check both your personal email AND Student Email/Outlook accounts. Check your Junk Folder as sometimes it is accidentally re-directed to this folder.
A reminder will be sent to your Student Email/Outlook account approximately 2 days prior to your scheduled SOAR date.
Still cannot find it? Contact SOAR at least three (3) business days prior to your scheduled SOAR session date, so we can re-send the email confirmation.
For first-time/first-years (freshman), you will be advised by your college specific advisor, and register for classes when you attend your one-day SOAR Workshop. If you miss your SOAR workshop you will need to reschedule to ensure you get registered for classes.
For transfers, a series of emails from your assigned advising center or department faculty advisor will be sent to you which provide the specific steps for completing your required Advising Process. Then all transfers will then have the ability to register for classes the day after they attend their SOAR Orientation workshop.
Check your Student Email/Outlook AND personal email accounts on a regular for the latest information. These messages include directions for accessing your assigned Advising & Registration Canvas course along with any pre-work you must complete prior to enrolling in classes.
Didn’t receive these emails? Visit Advising & Registration to find your assigned advising center's website, which provides an overview of your required advising & registration process.
Visit the Advising & Registration page to view a list of all undergraduate majors and their assigned college, as well as access a link to the advising center websites.
The system will NOT allow you to change your SOAR session date once you select the Confirm Sign Up button.
Contact SOAR for assistance with making changes to your dates – call 562.985.5515 or submit a SOAR Support Ticket.
We understand that extenuating circumstances occur like family emergencies, transportation issues, schedule conflicts, or an illness. It's important you communicate with our staff if you miss your scheduled workshop date and need to re-schedule.
Please contact us as soon as possible or within 24 hours of your scheduled workshop date to reschedule – call 562.985.5515 or submit a SOAR Support Ticket.
Orientation is a CSULB requirement of all incoming students - both FTFY and Transfers. All students attending their SOAR workshop should plan to be on campus for one full business day. The dates and times for FTFY and Transfers are listed below. Attendance and participation in the entire workshop is needed to satisfy your University orientation requirement.
First-Time/First-Years
8:30 AM - approximately 4:30 PM
Transfers
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
All day attendance is required
- If you have been away from the university for less than two (2) years, you may be exempt from attending SOAR. Please contact us at soar@csulb.edu to request an exemption – your request will be reviewed and a decision will be made as quickly as possible.
- If you have previously attended the university and are resuming your studies, you may be required to attend SOAR.
- Students who have been away from for more than two (2) years will be required to complete the Pre-SOAR Canvas Courseand attend a SOAR session because of the changes to university policies and requirements.
SOAR sessions are for registered student-participants only. We offer parents and guests an orientation at each of our SOAR sessions. Please visit the Parent & Family Orientation website to learn about upcoming orientations and virtual workshops.
Exception to this policy is for students requiring additional assistance. Please complete the SOAR-BMAC Disability-Related Accommodations Request Form to make any necessary arrangements at least five (5) business days prior to your scheduled workshop.
Family Members
Parents/family members/supporters are encouraged to subscribe to the Beach Family Newsletter for campus announcements and upcoming events.
Beginning in summer 2025, parking on campus for your SOAR workshop day is included in your SOAR fee. You must park in the designated area inside the Pyramid Parking structure, or you will be cited, and subject to citation fees.
All participants must park on the south end of the Pyramid Parking Structure - this is the end furthest away from the Pyramid. Please follow these directions to enter the structure:
From Beach Dr.
- Turn north on to Merriam Way
- Do not take the ramp, and go past Lot G5
- Turn right into the first flooor of the Pyramid Parking Structure and turn right
- Park in any available space
- SOAR check-in is located on the first floor of Brotman Hall
From Atherton St.
- Turn south on to Merriam Way
- Go past Lot G11, and through the first stop sign
- Turn left into the first floor of the Pyramid Parking Structure and turn right
- Park in any available space
- SOAR check-in is located on the first floor of Brotman Hall
Please refer to the campus map for assistance.
Course fees, payment deadlines, Payment Plan Sign-Up, and Financial Aid Disbursement information can be found on the Student Financial Services website as well as the Tuition and Fees website. Your specific account information is listed on the Finances section of your MyCSULB account.
Your Beach ID Card grants you access to an array of on-campus services and privileges including the use of library services and meal plans, as well as access to the multiple computer labs, athletic events, and university-sponsored entertainment.
You have two options to obtain your Beach ID Card.
- In-Person from the University Bookstore
- Order Your Beach ID Card via the Online Portal
Visit Get Your ID to learn about the details on how to obtain your Beach ID Card.
Student interested in on-campus housing can visit the University Housing & Residential Life website to start an application. The City of Long Beach offers a variety of housing options from apartments, condos, rooms, and houses.
University Housing & Residential Life maintains an Off-Campus Housing website that allows students to search for housing vacancies based on the type of housing (apartment, condo, single room, etc.) and location.
First day of classes is Monday, August 25.
New Student & Family Program is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Please submit a SOAR Support Ticket or call 562.985.5515 with your specific question or concern, and be sure to include your Beach ID number (student ID number) so we may quickly access your files and expedite service. Please know your message is important to us and we will respond in 2-3 business days. We thank you in advance for your patience!
