Goin’ Chico 2009: Listen up, newbies

Welcome to Chico, students. First, we’d like to congratulate you for choosing to live in this amazing little college town. Rest assured, you’ll find plenty to do and see both inside and outside of the academic realm.

Second, since you’re new here, we at the Chico News & Review, the region’s alternative weekly newspaper, would like to shine a light on your new surroundings. We’re revealing insider information—things only the locals know through years of experience. The real Chico, if you will.

To give you a clear picture, we present Goin’ Chico—a guide featuring a variety of stories about your new home, including the stuff you won’t hear during campus tours.

Sure, you’ve probably read stories about Chico State. Who hasn’t heard of the party-school reputation? Over time, you can decide for yourself if it’s warranted. In the meantime, follow around a graduating senior as she hits the town, exposing what nightlife is really like. You’re not 21? No problem. Take a look at the options for under-agers: music, arts, parks and other entertainment.

If you’re having trouble figuring out where to live, we’ve got you covered. We know the student neighborhoods inside and out, because at one time or another, we’ve lived in them. Or at least spent a lot of time there. We’ll give it to you straight. We’ve also got practical advice on getting the most for your hard-earned buck and ways to get involved in campus life. (Look at the tips and other tidbits scattered through the guide, too. You’ll impress your roommates with these little nuggets of Chico info.)

Our stories are filled with those in the know and crafted from our long institutional memories. We want you to settle in. Heck, you may find yourself getting a little too comfortable; many people head here for college and end up staying. It happens (ahem) to the best of us.

Last, but not least, be sure to pick up a free copy of the Chico News & Review each Thursday or check it out here. Think of it as your weekly guide to everything Chico.

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Look for these bits of info throughout this Guide