Frequently Asked Questions

Does it rain all the time?

Well, it definitely rains. Arcata averages in the neighborhood of 40 inches of precipitation a year. Even so, the great majority of that comes during the winter months and absolute downpours are surprisingly rare. In the summer, a typical pattern is morning fog followed by midday sun, followed by early evening fog. Most students become accustomed to the weather, sporadic as it is, and acquire a new appreciation for sunny days. Average temperatures remain cool year round with winter highs in the 50s and summer highs in the 60s. Yet a half day's drive to the East can mean 90 degree weather at the river or snow conditions in the mountains, depending upon the season.

Does everyone smoke marijuana?

Marijuana use at Humboldt is comparable to use at other regional colleges and universities. Research indicates that most students do not use illegal drugs. HSU considers drug violations a very serious matter, and takes appropriate action when an incident is reported.

Will I be safe on campus?

Humboldt is quite safe in comparison to other campuses, yet you should always take precautions. The University Police Department has officers on duty at all times to patrol the campus and respond to calls. There are emergency phones at many sites across campus and an escort service available to take you to your car after dark.

What's the story with parking?

Parking is definitely a challenge because spaces are limited. Students are encouraged to use alternate transportation if possible. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon can make the hunt considerably easier. Planning ahead is the best bet to avoid running late for a class or meeting.

What if I get totally stressed or something?

Going away to college (and dealing with the various pressures once you're there) is often a difficult and troubling experience. Trained counselors are available to consult with students, at no charge, for a certain number of hours each semester. Counseling and Psychological Services also offers workshops on stress management and other useful subjects. Drop in for a free assessment.

How long will it take me to graduate?

Mostly due to the need to work part-time while taking classes, it is increasingly common for students to take five years to earn a bachelor's degree. Those who are disciplined can finish in four years.

What happens after I graduate?

The Career Center offers a number of support services, from getting ready for the big job interview to locating summer internships. Meeting with a career counselor is excellent for people who aren't sure what they want to do when they grow up. It's never too early to be thinking about the next step in your life. Don't wait 'til you're a senior to discover you're in the wrong major.

How much will it cost to go to school?

The total cost of attendance for all CSU schools is roughly $10,000 per year. This figure includes rent, food, entertainment, transportation, books, and college fees. College fees for California residents run about $2,000 per academic year. Summer expenses are not included in these figures.

How do I find out about financial aid?

To determine your eligibility for aid you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which becomes available in January of each year. Forms and information are available at the HSU Financial Aid Office.

Will I be able to find a job?

In all, there are about 1,100 on campus jobs; these are held by students in various offices, in the bookstore, and in food service. Many students also work off campus for employers in Arcata, Eureka and McKinleyville. The Career Center lists both on and off campus job openings.

How do I register for classes?

Registration is done through the campus Web Reg website. During orientation you will be guided through this process in a lab. After that, it's up to you to pick up your registration ticket from your major advisor, select your classes, and register at the appropriate time. Help navigating the web registration system is available online and in the Academic Support Center.

Will I be able to get into the classes I need?

The University does a good job of making sure classes are available for both incoming and returning students. While you may not get your first pick, you will get a full schedule of classes that will count toward graduation requirements. Registration priority is based upon units completed, so the longer you're here, the more likely you are to get the classes you want.

What if I can't decide on a major?

Even if you haven't declared a major, you do have a Major Advisor who is qualified to discuss options with you. It is not unusual for students to change majors often or to go through periods without having a major. In addition to Major Advisors, the Career Center can help with finding types of jobs that seem to fit your personality. Also, talking with professors and older students can give you a better sense of what particular majors are about. Taking a variety of courses is another way to learn about career possibilities you never thought of before.

Be sure to complete the proper form to declare a major. If not sure how see the Academic Support Center.

Should I have a minor?

Many students do have one or more minors in areas similar to or completely different from their major area of study. Because a significant number of elective units are needed to meet graduation requirements anyway, it makes sense to take several courses in a single area of interest and earn the minor. Minors are a common but not necessary part of one's academic life.

To declare a Minor you must complete the appropriate form available in the Academic Support Center, Siemens Hall room 210.

Will I get to know my professors?

Many students develop close relationships with their professors at HSU. The student to faculty ratio is about 17.5 to 1, much lower than schools with larger enrollments. In addition to serving as major advisors, supporting student activities, and keeping regular office hours, some professors even give out their e-mail addresses and home telephone numbers to make themselves accessible.

How can I get good grades in college?

Good grades in high school or community college do not necessarily translate into good grades at HSU. Without regularly assigned homework, students often find they must be more disciplined about studying and reading than ever before. The Learning Center and the Tutorial Lab are valuable resources for those looking to enhance their academic prowess.

What kind of computer facilities are there?

Students have access to a variety of computer labs on campus with both Windows and Macintosh platforms where you can get online, check your e-mail, or use a wide variety of software. There are three labs designated exclusively for general use by students and eight additional labs available for general use when classes are not in progress. In addition, several academic departments maintain their own labs for students in their majors. Work stations fill up fast when mid-terms and finals come around, so be sure to plan ahead. The residence halls are wired for e-mail and internet access. Information about the labs, including Schedules can be found here.

What should I know about the Health Center?

Once you are enrolled at Humboldt you have paid for most basic health services including routine check-ups, tests, and immunizations. Medications can be purchased at the pharmacy at discounted prices. If you become ill or injured, by all means go to the Health Center for treatment. They will arrange for you to see a specialist or be taken to the hospital if they are not equipped to handle your needs. You can make an appointment or just drop in during regular business hours.

Will I be able to get child care?

The Children's Center has a program for Toddlers and for Preschoolers that primarily serves low income families. Hours of care offered depend upon the parent's school and work schedules. Space is limited, but there are openings each Fall. Registration and enrollment is done early in August.

Is there a fitness center for students to use?

Students looking for some exercise can enroll in physical education classes, sign-up for intramural sports, join a sports club, or take advantage of open recreation hours at the Forbes Complex. On campus facilities include an all weather track, tennis courts, racquet ball courts, a swimming pool, a weight room, a dance studio, three gymnasiums, and an indoor softball field. Off campus, some students pay membership fees at HealthSPORT, a privately owned gym nearby, or at the Arcata Community Pool.

Is there a student union?

The University Center is Humboldt's equivalent to a student union building. It is home to the Bookstore, the Depot (cafeteria), Windows Café, the Kate Buchanan Room (events area), the information desk, two lounge areas, Center Activities, the Clubs Office, a travel agency, and the Associated Students (student government) offices.

Is there anything to do on campus?

Things are happening on campus all the time! There are two good ways to keep up with all the action: read the Lumberjack newspaper each week or check out the online Campus Events Calendar.

As is typical in a university town, Humboldt is the area's focal point for music, theatre, and art. More than 50 events are staged each year on campus, ranging from international celebrities to intimate performances by talented students.

Our CenterArts program brings world-renowned and culturally diverse talent to the University. Dance, theatre, film and the visual arts are also important components of student sponsored cultural events, such as Black History Month, Native American Cultural Activity Day, and Cinco de Mayo. Humboldt State University also hosts the oldest student-run film and video festival in the country.

Are there leadership opportunities at Humboldt?

You can get practical experience as a student leader through involvement with Student Government, Clubs & Organizations, Youth Educational Services, Residential Life, the Humboldt Orientation Program, University Seminar, Health Advocacy, and Outdoor Education, to name the most common ones. Students who combine hands-on experiences with classroom instruction in leadership theory can earn a Minor in Leadership Studies; for more information, contact the Clubs and Activities Office in the South Lounge of the University Center.

Is there anything to do in Humboldt County?

When you need a break from books and classrooms, you'll have no trouble finding relief in Humboldt County. Whether you favor a bird watching expedition at dawn, a brisk jog during the afternoon, or chamber music after twilight, you'll have numerous options.

Humboldt students spend much of their free time exploring nearby ocean beaches, bays, lagoons, rivers, marshes, and forests. You can go for a solitary walk or bicycle ride through the ten miles of trails in Redwood Park directly behind the campus. You can join a group of fellow students for an adventurous raft trip down the rapids of the Trinity River, or spend the day at the beach, surfing or clam digging.

Partly because of our unique atmosphere, the arts have flourished in Humboldt County. Statewide, Humboldt County is second only to Mendocino County in number of artists per capita, and is the home of many fine galleries and theatres. Blue Lake, just a little more than five miles from Arcata, is home to the internationally known comedy and mime troupe, Dell'Arte. Ferndale, a tiny town famous for its Victorian architecture, lights up with the Ferndale Repertory Theatre. More drama can be found with Eureka's North Coast Repertory Theatre and the Humboldt Light Opera Company. The Humboldt Cultural Center hosts weekly Friday night concerts from October through June. For sculpture, painting, photographs and other fine arts and crafts, you can visit one of the many galleries or restaurants which display works by local artists.

Other sources of entertainment are found within the local community as well. Music is very popular with our students and Arcata's nightclub scene features modern rock-and-roll, R&B, funk, reggae, jazz, and folk music for dancers and listeners over and under 21 years of age. Downtown Arcata is also home to two movie theatres (4 screens), including the newly refurbished Minor Theatre, the oldest operating movie theatre in the nation. These theatres feature first-run, foreign, and artistic films. First-run movies are also presented at two theatres (15 screens) in Eureka.

The following URL's are also helpful for looking for things to do in Humboldt County: www.visithumboldt.com, www.humguide.com, www.humscape.com, http://www.arcatachamber.com.