Starting a new life in Fullerton begins with finding a place to live. For some students, that means residing with family members or close friends as commuters. Others may relocate from across the US or from other areas of California. It’s all about finding the option that works best for you! There are many great neighborhoods and options all around MBKU, and I found myself living in the downtown Fullerton area.
There are many things to consider when choosing an area to live. The most important is what kind of lifestyle you have and how you balance it with schoolwork. There are many options in the downtown area, including apartments, townhomes, and houses. I also appreciated that many of the places I toured had fitness centers or outdoor living spaces for their residents. When I can, I like to study outside and change up the scenery from my desk or being on campus. Additionally, downtown Fullerton is a hub for transportation, including buses, Amtrak, and Metrolink. Whether you want to explore California or just get around locally, there are tons of options!
One of the biggest attractions of living in downtown Fullerton is the ability to take a short walk to shopping, food, and drinks. You may notice the large SOCO sign, which stands for South of Commonwealth. This newer area is one of the most popular for its restaurants and entertainment. It’s also very convenient to be able to walk down Commonwealth or Harbor and find a nice café to study or meet up with friends. Some of my favorite places are the Classic Café, Sip & Savor, and 525 Coffee. They have delicious drinks and pastries, as well as great Wi-Fi to get some work done. Additionally, Vivot Café has amazing matcha—but they can get super busy.
On the weekends, there are plenty of options for food, which is great when friends or family come to visit. I have my guests park at my apartment complex, and we can walk over to wherever our appetites take us! There are tons of cuisines and a range of dining experiences to fit any occasion. After finals week, my friends and I walked to El Farolito to enjoy their happy hour prices on food and drinks. We also frequent All About Pho, Fuoco Pizzeria, and PourCo Brewery. Some places are also open late, like the Night Owl or Tokyo Eats, where you can study or grab a bite without worrying about closing. If you’re more of a homebody (or trying to budget), there are a couple of grocery stores and markets within the area as well.
Lastly, besides restaurants and cafes, there is plenty to do in the area when you need a study break. There are stores where you can find clothing, games, or knickknacks, as well as some vintage and thrift shops. Also within walking distance are escape rooms, pottery studios, and there’s a bowling alley not too far away! I also enjoy the outdoor spaces and love when there’s a farmers market or vendor market in the Downtown Fullerton Plaza. Fun fact: our Spring Formal was also in downtown at the Charleston! This was super convenient—I didn’t have to worry about parking and could just walk over with my friends.
Even if you don’t end up living in the downtown Fullerton area, I hope you enjoyed these recommendations! Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions. There are plenty of great neighborhoods around MBKU. Give yourself those study breaks and enjoy Orange County!
Hannah Marine, SCCO Class of 2028