Student Housing

Driven by our mission to support higher education and cultural enrichment in the Eastern Sierra, South Gateway Student Apartments opened its doors at the Grand Opening on August 9, 2008. This is the first community college student housing facility to open in California in over two decades. The construction of South Gateway in Mammoth makes a total of 12 community colleges in the state (of 109 total California community colleges) that provide optional housing for students.

The deluxe apartment-style housing units are located adjacent to the fully-accredited Mammoth Campus of Cerro Coso Community College in the heart of Mammoth Lakes. The new facility is owned and operated by the Mammoth Lakes Foundation (MLF) and will exceeds common expectations of student housing more… Amenities include a fitness/exercise room, a large recreation room with couches, large flat screen TV and game tables; outdoor gas barbeques, wireless internet, XM radio, basic cable and something no other student housing in California offers: panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range that homeowners pay millions for. Each student will have the option to pick from a single occupancy studio or double occupancy one bedroom apartment.

Affordable student housing in Mammoth offers students the option to go to college in California’s most genuine mountain town while cutting the cost of attending a four-year university. The Mammoth Campus of Cerro Coso Community College offers a range of classes taught by a long-term, highly-qualified faculty, and can lead to an associate degree or transfer as junior status to a four-year university. For more information, to schedule or tour or to reserve a spot contact the South Gateway Student Apartments Housing office at 760.934.5215, e-mail maya@mammothlakesfoundation.org or visit MammothStudentApartments.org.

This first building is approximately 24,000 sq. ft. and will include 59 beds - 10 singles and 25 one bedroom apartments. The units will be fully furnished with private baths, convenience kitchens and televisions. There will be laundry facilities on each floor. An exercise/fitness room, outdoor BBQ and bocce court are all planned for the development. Cox Construction (also the contractor for the new fire station) is the contractor for the project which is anticipated to be completed by fall 2008. The Mammoth Lakes Foundation and community partners are creating a campus community which enhances Mammoth Lakes as a vibrant place to live, learn, work and visit.

For additional information or to make a tax deductible donation please contact the Foundation at (760) 934-3781 or log onto: www.mammothlakesfoundation.org.

South Gateway Student Apartments Efforts to Grow
The staff at South Gateway Student Apartments have been diligently working to spread the word about this incredible housing opportunity available to potential college students. There have been various forms of outreach by attendance to college fairs, advertising in school papers and plastering the town and most of Southern California with fun looking posters that promote student life in Mammoth. Staff efforts have paid off with the apartments being 60% occupied in their first semester!

Student Profiles

There is no question that the student housing has made a big impact on enrollment, but its impact does not stop there. Currently 38 students reside in the housing and in this section some of the students give us a bit of insight on why they picked going to college in Mammoth and how the student housing has helped with their experience.

Byron Herman
Age: 18
Hometown: Tehachapi, CA
Why Mammoth?
I wanted to come here because it was a good opportunity to go to college, get a good education, snowboard and get a good job. The student housing helped my experience because it keeps me more dedicated to school because it is right next door. There are lots of opportunities that keep popping up because I like in the housing like, work or more class offering. It is a lot easier to participate in the college because I live in the housing and I also hear about events more often by living in the housing.

James Goodman
Age: 19
Hometown: Long Valley, NJ
Why Mammoth?
I picked going to college in Mammoth because it’s the perfect snowboarding town to get an education.  Student housing is a great addition because it’s helped me become a local faster than ever. When you first move somewhere you feel lost but living in the housing, everything is at your fingertips because there are so many similar age people that want to do things with you.

Eric Clayborn
Age: 18
Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA
Why Mammoth?
I picked going to college in Mammoth because of the skiing. The student housing has helped my experience because I was able to move here without knowing anyone and I didn’t need to find a roommate.

Sharon Carroll
Age: 18
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Why Mammoth?
I wanted to try living in a small town and I figured it would be a good experience…and I wanted to improve my snowboarding. The student housing made it easier to meet people and it’s great that everything is included in the bill. It’s also great having a fitness room and pool table. Plus, it’s in a really convenient area of town.

Matt Corathers
Age: 19
Hometown: Coleville, CA
Why Mammoth?
It’s close to home, has lots of skiing and I knew it would be fun. The student apartments are great because they are close to school and it makes it easier for me to get to class. Living in the apartments makes it easier to stay away from the party scene and stay focused.

Kori Hazard
Age: 18
Hometown: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Why Mammoth?
I picked going to college in Mammoth because it was close to home and I could get a scholarship through the Mammoth Lakes Foundation. The student housing has been amazing! I’ve been able to meet a lot of new and awesome people while being able to live on my own, but close to home, and going to college all at the same time. It’s just been the best time of my life!