Picking your residence at SDSU shapes your Aztec experience—whether you’re heading toward your bachelor cap and gown, pursuing a master’s degree, or working toward doctoral regalia. SDSU offers modern on‑campus dorms and trusted nearby apartment complexes that fit every phase of collegiate life.
This CAPGOWN guide spotlights 5 undergraduate halls—Zura, Chapultepec, Tenochca, Cuicacalli, South Campus Plaza—and 4 graduate/family living options like off‑campus complexes in North Park, La Mesa, and College Area. Each includes Reddit quotes, location insights, fun facts, and reasons CAPGOWN students like them.
Zura Hall – New, Social & Poolside Freshman Living
Address: 5170 East Campus Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Fresh, modern dorm with pool, study lounges, and BBQ area.
- Built for Honors & international students but open to many.
- Close to dining and campus core amenities.
Fun Fact: Zura opened in 2017 and shares backyard and pool space with Chapultepec and Cuicacalli.
r/SDSU Says:
“I’d say Zura is one of the best freshman dorms… communal areas are quite nice.”
“Zura hall is without a doubt top 2 freshman dorms… newest… overall vibe is great.”
“The building is really nice. The rooms are a little small if you are living in a triple or quad.”
Chapultepec Hall – Quiet Hilltop, Balanced Community
Address: 5400 Remington Rd, San Diego, CA 92115
Why CAPGOWN Students Love It:
- Scenic hillside setting with AC and steps from fitness and rec center.
- Shared backyard and pool with Zura and Cuicacalli.
- Milder foot traffic and peaceful dorm life.
Fun Fact: Built in early 2000s, Chapultepec once housed gender-inclusive LLCs.
r/SDSU Says:
Redditors describe it as calmer than Zura while sharing amenities and location benefits.
Cuicacalli Suites – Stylish Suites & Spacious Private Rooms
Address: 5150 East Campus Dr, San Diego, CA 92115
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Suite-style with private bathrooms and mini-kitchens.
- Access to same pool and lounges shared with Zura/Chapultepec.
- Great for students wanting more privacy in freshman year.
Fun Fact: Cuicacalli is the largest of the trio and known for spacious self-contained suites.
r/SDSU Says:
“Widely seen as the most “suite” option among freshman housing, good for privacy yet close to central quad.”
Tenochca Hall – Elevated Campus Life & Rec Lounge Access
Why CAPGOWN Students Love It:
- Central location near dining, Rec Center, and academic buildings.
- Mid‑rise design with social lounges and study spaces.
- Very walkable, making campus errands simple.
Fun Fact: Named after the ancient Aztec city-state of Tenochtitlán, its murals reflect local heritage.
r/SDSU Says:
“Mentioned as part of "traditional halls" cluster but still praised for location and newer feel."
South Campus Plaza – Urban Edge, Retail & Study Blend
Address: 5120 College Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
Why CAPGOWN Undergrads Love It:
- On-campus building mixing dormitory floors above retail shops.
- Quick access to eateries, convenience stores, and classes.
- Ideal for commuters and freshmen who want minimal campus travel.
Fun Fact: Built in early 2010s to bring mixed-use style living to SDSU’s southern edge.
r/SDSU Says:
“Favored by students who want walking access to shopping and minimize travel between class and home.”
North Park & Normal Heights Apartments
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Popular off-campus communities within 2–4 miles of SDSU.
- Affordably priced private studios and one-bedroom apartments.
- Pet-friendly, good for grad students needing quiet and flexibility.
Fun Fact: These neighborhoods are top-recommended by grad students for walkability, charm, and transit access.
r/SDSU Says:
“Pretty sure North Park and Normal Heights are also popular areas for grad students.”
“I work for a property management company … we have multiple properties in North Park.”
City Heights / La Mesa Off-Campus Complexes
Why CAPGOWN Grads Favor It:
- Mix of multi-bedroom units and houses near transit.
- Quiet, diverse communities with easy SDSU access.
- Many options for flexible leases and shared housing.
Fun Fact: Grad students often choose La Mesa for affordability and calm surroundings.
r/SDSU Says:
Mentioned as go-to options when SDSU hall spots fill up. Reviews note better space and quieter living.
“To any current grad students … good apartment complexes … places to find rooms for rent”
5025 Apartments (College Area)
Address: 5025 Collwood Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115
Why CAPGOWN Students Appreciate It:
- Semi-private rooms, shuttle service, under $1,000/month.
- Moments from SDSU campus and transit corridor.
- Affordable entry point into student apartments.
Fun Fact: Offers on-campus shuttle pick-up and early discounts for grad students.
r/SDSU Says:
“Most affordable off‑campus housing… semi‑private rooms… shuttle to campus.”
Sanctuary Suites & University Terrace Areas
Address: 5841 Aztec Walk, San Diego, CA 92115
Why CAPGOWN Grads Choose It:
- Mixed-use student apartments nearby campus.
- Quiet 21+ complexes and grad lease options.
- Nice amenities and student-focused pricing.
Fun Fact: San Diego State does not offer on-campus grad housing, so these complexes serve the grad and transfer student market.
r/SDSU Says:
“SDSU has no Graduate or Transfer housing available on campus.”
Sanctuary Suites called “the only fairly affordable on‑campus housing option”—though considered upperclass/grad-affiliated.
Final Thoughts
San Diego State University provides diverse housing—from modern freshman dorms with social energy at Zura and Cuicacalli to reliable off-campus graduate options in North Park, Normal Heights, and College Area. Whether you're forming friendships in your first year or seeking quiet as a grad student, there’s an SDSU home for every Aztec.
When it's time to graduate, CAPGOWN is your go-to for commencement regalia. Our San Diego State bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral gowns blend comfort, tradition, and Aztec pride. Wherever you lived, walk the stage with style.
