Topic: I'm going to CSU in the fall, question about campus life

[shadowofanubis]

I'm wondering what its like to commute down there everyday coming from i-90 and how parking is. And whats the college life like, are there places to go downtown between classes (if you have time) or is it just all pretty much on campus stuff.  Anything you can add is appreciated.

[8ShadesofGray]

Hi Shadow,

Welcome to the board. I can't really comment on the commute, as I generally took the train and then walked to CSU. Parking has rarely seemed to be a problem on campus ... there are several parking garages and surface lots on campus. Only during a very large event might it be a problem. Even then, there are parking facilities all over the east end of downtown.

As for campus life, my general preference was usually to spend time off campus during breaks. There is a nice little strip of retail, a coffee shop and a restaurant between the bookstore and Trinity cathedral along Euclid (I particularly heart Ten Thousand Villages and Elements), as well as some coffee kiosks and snack bars on campus. Beyond that, I don't know what the food options are right now, what with the Student Life Center under construction, but maybe current students on the board have more info on that.

The Theater District is a great place to explore during a short break ... there are a number of cafes and restaurants, interesting buildings and usually something going on on the ground level of the Idea Center. From my perspective, the Financial District is a little less stimulating, but Phoenix Coffee and the Market Cafe on E. 9th near Chester are both great places to hang out. To the north of campus, the warehouses along Superior also are interesting ... there are a ton of artist lofts and galleries tucked away in the buildings, and Artefino is a nice cafe at the corner of E. 19th and Superior. Closer to the center of downtown, you again have a ton of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from, and with the HealthLine, you can be at E. 4th Street or Public Square in a matter of minutes. One of my favorite rituals when the weather was nice was to walk down to Tea House Noodles on E. 6th, get some noodles and limeade and then spend a little while in the Eastman Reading Garden ... it's really nice. For a longer break, the Warehouse District might also be a nice visit, as is Asiatown, between E. 30th and E. 40th and St. Clair and Payne. This isn't such a long walk from campus, and nothing beats walking down Payne, stopping at one of the many Asian markets and then grabbing a bun and a bubble tea from Koko Bakery. I would also recommend checking out Tastebuds at E. 30th and St. Clair, where they serve gourmet cafeteria-style food (think of a twist on pizza or meatloaf or other elementary school chow) for just a couple bucks. Around the corner, at E. 31st and St. Clair, Slyman's is a neighborhood legend ... they serve a mean corned beef sandwich that Rachel Ray called the best she'd ever eaten ... which is why there is usually a line out the door. Further to the east along Euclid, the Agora is a great place to catch a show. And I've heard that one of my favorite restaurant/bars, the southern comfort-food-style Town Fryer, has moved there, so be sure to grab lunch there at some point ... deep-fried Oreos. Yum.

So while I can't comment on your commute, I can say that you can find a crazy amount of good stuff to eat and to see, all within a mile of campus. Happy exploration!

[shs96]

Welcome...I went to CSU, part time, for graduate school so my perspective may be a little different but I would say downtown is effectively part of campus life, especially around playhouse square and businesses along E 9th.  And like 8shades said, with the health line (and e-line trolley) getting to E4th, public square or the warehouse district is pretty easy and there are plenty of places to grab lunch, coffee, or sit and read.

Parking is a non-issue; CSU has a lot of commuters and with the Wolstein Center and Playhouse Sqaure right there, there are plenty of garages/lots.  Commuting to CSU during morning rush hour on 90 might get backed up, but if you don't have early morning classes, I don't think it will be a problem.

[Keith]

As far as commuting goes, it depends on the direction you're coming from on 90. Coming from the East side, you'll have no trouble, just get off on Chester and there's plenty of lots and garages. Coming from the West side you'll probably have some issues with the work starting soon on the Innerbelt Bridge, but so long as you avoid rush hour it shouldn't be a serious issue.

May I recommend the bus though? As a CSU student you'll get free rides on RTA and there's plenty of routes that either go to CSU or go to downtown which is just a short walk or trolley ride from campus. As a bonus, you can always take care of some homework while riding to class.

[palijandro7]

Shadow,

By not living on campus, you are automatically limiting the chances of enjoying campus life.  However, I am not so sure what you'll miss.  I currently go to grad school there and never lived downtown (Lakewood, Tremont, Cle Hts). 

There are plenty of places to go when you have a break.  The main places are Cafe Ah Roma (around Euclid & E.22), Starbuck's (Euclid & E.14), Cafe Moko (Euclid & E.14), and the rec center (Chester & E.24).  Also, you are well connected to Public Square, which houses Tower City (a rather subpar, but beautiful, shopping mall). 

I think someone already asked, but where exactly will you be living?

Regarding parking, if you arrive before 9:00am, it's no problem finding a spot.  The worst time to find a spot is 6:00pm.  When I drive, I always park at the parking garage on E.17 bw Euclid & Chester.

[shadowofanubis]

I appreciate all the help so far. I'm going to be coming from westlake (from the west on I-90) so i figured it'd save me a ton of money to just live at home and drive to CSU. I'm not sure where i can check to see if i can catch a bus to CSU but driving seems to be my first option right now. I dont drink coffee but it'd be pretty cool to check out some of these places as i've never really been downtown much in all the time i've lived here. I have an orientation on the 2nd of June so i'll be able to walk around and check out the place a little more. most of my classes will be at noon till around 3 or 4 so i might catch the back end of rush hour coming home. Any other things you can tell me based on whats down there or what i said would be appreciated as well.

Oh and will i have to buy a parking pass (does that make it easier) at csu or are there even some free places to park down there?

[jpop]

Isn't there a park-and-ride lot in Westlake? Could save you money on parking and gas, at least?

[MuRrAy HiLL]

Are you fairly new to the area if you don't mind me asking?

[shadowofanubis]

I've been around a long time. I have no idea if there is a park and ride here, where would i see that and how long would it take using the bus to get down there. I think its ridiculous by the way that there isn't a train system setup like a light rail or something where you can just ride to different places in cleveland (like westlake to downtown). That would be wonderful.

[jpop]

Here is information about Park and Ride fares: http://www.riderta.com/ro_fares.asp

And here is information in regards to the station itself, including bus schedules and routes (click on the bus route number). http://www.riderta.com/park-n-ride_loc_Westlake.asp

[doctabroccoli]

If the price of parking at CSU is like that of Case, and then you factor in gas from Westlake, you're better off taking the bus (especially with UPass!).

Westlake Park N' Ride
http://www.riderta.com/pdf/246.pdf

EDIT:  Also Rocky River-Westlake
http://www.riderta.com/pdf/46.pdf

[BelievelandD1]

Get a parking pass.  WHen i got my MBA, i had a pass to the attach business garage...its very very convenient, close and safe.  If you are looking for something to do down there...if you work out there is a gorgeous workout facility...bring a duffle bag and you can shower at the gym as well...you can do anything from swim to talk zumba classes.

[AMN]

I've been around a long time. I have no idea if there is a park and ride here, where would i see that and how long would it take using the bus to get down there. I think its ridiculous by the way that there isn't a train system setup like a light rail or something where you can just ride to different places in cleveland (like westlake to downtown). That would be wonderful.

http://www.riderta.com/park-n-ride_loc_Westlake.asp

[doctabroccoli]

I've been around a long time. I have no idea if there is a park and ride here, where would i see that and how long would it take using the bus to get down there. I think its ridiculous by the way that there isn't a train system setup like a light rail or something where you can just ride to different places in cleveland (like westlake to downtown). That would be wonderful.

http://www.riderta.com/park-n-ride_loc_Westlake.asp

Beat you to it, AMN .  And seriously, shadowofanubis, why the snobbery towards the bus?

[AMN]

You guys are fast.

While I love rail, I'd be more satisfied with more frequent/later bus service to more neighborhoods in the city. But we all have our wishes.

[shadowofanubis]

Get a parking pass.  WHen i got my MBA, i had a pass to the attach business garage...its very very convenient, close and safe.  If you are looking for something to do down there...if you work out there is a gorgeous workout facility...bring a duffle bag and you can shower at the gym as well...you can do anything from swim to talk zumba classes.

wait your saying there's a workout facility like that on the csu campus that i could use as a student? Thats pretty sweet if thats the case. As for the bus i guess i never got used to it, we as a family only used it when i was like 5-10 years old before we moved out here and its been car driving ever since. I like trains too so thats why i wished there was a rail from here to there.

[doctabroccoli]

Get a parking pass.  WHen i got my MBA, i had a pass to the attach business garage...its very very convenient, close and safe.  If you are looking for something to do down there...if you work out there is a gorgeous workout facility...bring a duffle bag and you can shower at the gym as well...you can do anything from swim to talk zumba classes.

wait your saying there's a workout facility like that on the csu campus that i could use as a student? Thats pretty sweet if thats the case. As for the bus i guess i never got used to it, we as a family only used it when i was like 5-10 years old before we moved out here and its been car driving ever since. I like trains too so thats why i wished there was a rail from here to there.

Giant CSU rec facility at E. 24th-ish and Chester.  CSU peeps, correct me if I'm wrong (since I only know the Case UPass rules), but isn't the UPass included in tuition?  That means you'd be paying NOTHING to commute to school.

[Hts121]

The trip down I-90 is not too bad if you don't schedule your classes too early.  If you have to come in during the morning commute, you might want to consider exiting on 55th and taking Payne Ave towards campus.  After rush-hour, just loop around dead-man's curve and get off at Chester.  Whatever you do, don't be one of those a-holes who cuts the DMC line just before the curve.... I've cursed many a drivers for that move... it slows down the entire line when the person you just cut off has to apply the brakes to let you in.   

BTW, I am totally lost.... can you tell me what lies in your shadow?

[jam40jeff]

The trip down I-90 is not too bad if you don't schedule your classes too early.  If you have to come in during the morning commute, you might want to consider exiting on 55th and taking Payne Ave towards campus.  After rush-hour, just loop around dead-man's curve and get off at Chester.  Whatever you do, don't be one of those a-holes who cuts the DMC line just before the curve.... I've cursed many a drivers for that move... it slows down the entire line when the person you just cut off has to apply the brakes to let you in.  

BTW, I am totally lost.... can you tell me what lies in your shadow?

Hts, shadow is coming from the west side, not the east side.

[Hts121]

Whoops

[BelievelandD1]

Get a parking pass.  WHen i got my MBA, i had a pass to the attach business garage...its very very convenient, close and safe.  If you are looking for something to do down there...if you work out there is a gorgeous workout facility...bring a duffle bag and you can shower at the gym as well...you can do anything from swim to talk zumba classes.

wait your saying there's a workout facility like that on the csu campus that i could use as a student? Thats pretty sweet if thats the case. As for the bus i guess i never got used to it, we as a family only used it when i was like 5-10 years old before we moved out here and its been car driving ever since. I like trains too so thats why i wished there was a rail from here to there.

Giant CSU rec facility at E. 24th-ish and Chester.  CSU peeps, correct me if I'm wrong (since I only know the Case UPass rules), but isn't the UPass included in tuition?  That means you'd be paying NOTHING to commute to school.

You have an option of paying $25.00 bucks and you will have A U-pass...that means you can ride the buses with that pass everyday in the semester, which actually ends up being a huge steal...Yes, the workout facility is on campus and it is new and awesome.  You need 8 hours of school for it to be included.   Anything under 8 hours and you have to pay to use.

[jpop]

Also, as long as it's an express bus from a Park and Ride lot, they're the bigger coach buses, not the regular RTA bus. So they tend to be much more comfortable, and you can read, do homework, etc.

[shadowofanubis]

Get a parking pass.  WHen i got my MBA, i had a pass to the attach business garage...its very very convenient, close and safe.  If you are looking for something to do down there...if you work out there is a gorgeous workout facility...bring a duffle bag and you can shower at the gym as well...you can do anything from swim to talk zumba classes.

wait your saying there's a workout facility like that on the csu campus that i could use as a student? Thats pretty sweet if thats the case. As for the bus i guess i never got used to it, we as a family only used it when i was like 5-10 years old before we moved out here and its been car driving ever since. I like trains too so thats why i wished there was a rail from here to there.

Giant CSU rec facility at E. 24th-ish and Chester.  CSU peeps, correct me if I'm wrong (since I only know the Case UPass rules), but isn't the UPass included in tuition?  That means you'd be paying NOTHING to commute to school.

You have an option of paying $25.00 bucks and you will have A U-pass...that means you can ride the buses with that pass everyday in the semester, which actually ends up being a huge steal...Yes, the workout facility is on campus and it is new and awesome.  You need 8 hours of school for it to be included.   Anything under 8 hours and you have to pay to use.

doesn't sound that bad then. I'll be full-time there (12 credit hours i assume) so i should get it for free if im reading that right. This is sounding alot better than LCCC already.

[Confiteordeo]

Shadow, I used to live in Westlake and took RTA from Cracker Park to the east side every day.  I'd either take the 46 bus (down Detroit) or drive to the Triskett rapid station (which is just off of 90 and has a free parking lot) and then take the rapid into downtown.  That might be a good option for you, since you'd save on both gas and parking.

[BelievelandD1]

well besides the fact that you will be going to a 4 year accredited university and not a community college, you will like CSU...its in the midst of great, great transition..with new facilities and opportunities.  Definitely voice your opinion if you feel like starting a group, and for just about every major there are extracurriculars.  Make sure to become a big basketball fan, because they have an up and coming program

[palijandro7]

CSU has a phenomenal workout facility.  The $25 u-pass is not optional, you have to pay it.

[mrnyc]

how's the rascal house these days? that was thee csu pub/pizza/games/hangout.

[palijandro7]

Never been there, but there always seems to be people hanging out there. 

[KStay2]

how's the rascal house these days? that was thee csu pub/pizza/games/hangout.

Get a fake ID and just go to Becky's everyday between classes, that's what I did and look how sweet I turned out.

[palijandro7]

Becky's now refuses to allow a certain CSU graduate school to host socials there.  Not sure if that expands to the rest of the university.

[KStay2]

Becky's now refuses to allow a certain CSU graduate school to host socials there.  Not sure if that expands to the rest of the university.

I know the law school holds events there.

[palijandro7]

That was the grad school I was referring to.  I was informed that we were banned from having socials there.  Maybe they reneged on their demand?

[KStay2]

I got to know the owner, and he's a pretty cool guy.  The law school kids (mainly 1L's) were acting like pricks the night I was there.

[McCleveland]

There's this fancy new feature called the PM button.  Learn about it.