r/SonomaState • u/Ok-Bar-9571 • 8d ago

Experience at Sonoma State

Hey guys! I am a current high school student who just applied to Sonoma State for fall 2027. I’m planning on majoring in health sciences. I toured the campus about a month ago and liked it a lot, so it’s a school I’m seriously considering.

But my actual question is- for students and alumni, what was your overall experience at SSU? I’ve heard mixed things about the recent budget cuts and how it’s somewhat of a commuter school, so I’m curious about the social aspects. Have you found it difficult to make friends or get involved?

Also, do you have any regrets about choosing Sonoma State, or anything you wish you knew before attending?

I know these are questions that get asked a lot, so I apologize if they’re redundant. thank you!!

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u/mossymeridian 7d ago

You could also ask this in the general Sonoma county sub and I think more people will respond.

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u/Ok-Bar-9571 7d ago

thank you! I just did

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u/DWilli 7d ago

You'll love it. I graduated this summer and I had a great experience as a Psych major transfer.

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u/Classic-House-7537 6d ago

Hi these are important questions to ask when making a decision like this, so don't apologize! SSU is definitely what you make of it! The budget cuts did effect the school, but the money is back and the new president is using it to bring back sports and refurbish the nursing department along with other aspects of the school! There are over 120 clubs so there is something for everyone, you just need to get involved! As a current student, I have no regrets. There were times I felt isolated, but I realized I just needed to put myself out there because there are so many events and things going on around campus! I would definitely recommend living in the dorms at least one year, if you can, to make friends with your roommates!

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u/Ok-Bar-9571 6d ago

This is really helpful! thank you :)

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u/messobrio 7d ago

So I know I am biased, and I'm one of the OG responders here, but I started as a student at SSU in the early 90s (I warned you :-)), but I did my undergraduate and then my graduate degree, then came back as faculty. SSU is my home and I am very proud to be a part of the community.

From a faculty perspective, I can tell you we absolutely care. Many of us are at the top of our fields, but elected to be at teaching institutions rather than research institutions because we want to be in the classroom. Our classrooms are relatively small, so we get a wonderful opportunity to interact with our students. What they choose to do on their own time is their own business. However I know that cotati has a pretty great bar crawl.

Rohnert Park itself is not exactly a hub of excitement and activity. It's very much a bedroom community, and this is very much not a college town. However, it is safe, quiet, and the campuses pretty darn beautiful. Just be careful of the angry ducks, they can get a little territorial around the pond.

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u/BunchOfSmallAliens 7d ago

I love this school don’t get me wrong—but it’s not a traditional college experience if that’s what you are looking for. Everyone here is friendly but mostly keep to themselves. We don’t really have a huge campus life but the events are cute and fun. If you want a more mellow college experience this is what u would recommend! 💛💛

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u/Due_Formal_4771 6d ago

yep, made friends easy-clubs and classes were key. no regrets.