Seniors recommend

Whether you’re new to Sacramento, to the CSUS campus or both, you’re probably asking yourself some mighty serious questions. Is there anything to do in this pancake of a city? Who sells a good, cheap burrito? Where can I go to watch the Kings game?

These seniors, who’ve toiled at CSUS for four years or longer, know the answers to these questions—and many more you haven’t even thought to ask yet.

Soroush Rahimian
Major: mechanical engineering technology
From: Sacramento

Sacramento fun?
“Wakeboarding on the Sacramento River or at Folsom Lake.”

A great date? <be> “Fair Oaks Village. Eat at the vegetarian place there, the Sunflower Drive-In, then walk to the river. There’s an old train bridge with nice views.”

Over-21 fun? <be> “Lots of places on K Street, K-Bar, anyplace in Old Sac, the new Pyramid brew pub.”

Campus eats?
“Gordito Burrito in University Union is authentic and fairly cheap. … At La Crêperie in the River Front Center, you can custom-make any crepe, and the ingredients are very fresh.”

Not-to-miss professor?
“[History] professor Al Holland is great. He’s an ex-ski bum and furniture maker and wears handmade wooden ties.” It’s true. We ran into Professor Holland. Sure enough, he was sporting a wooden-bowtie-and-belt ensemble.

Campus fun?
“The Ski Swap! Every fall vendors bring last year’s gear and sell it at wholesale prices, about half what you’d pay in a ski shop.” There’s consignment merchandise, discount lift tickets and live entertainment, too.

Phoenix Ross
Major: math
From: Monterey

Sacramento fun?
“Some of the fairs and events at Cal Expo, like car shows and gun shows.” At least she didn’t suggest joining the NRA.

Under-21 fun?
“T.G.I. Fridays on Howe Avenue—everyone seems to go there on Friday and Saturday night.”

Campus eats?
“Gordito Burrito in the University Union. I’m a sucker for the bean-and-cheese burrito.”

Between-class hangout?
“The Union is the best place to sleep. You always see people curled up in the chairs upstairs.”

Hindsight 20/20?
“I wish I had known about Rec[reational] Sports when I got here. I just found out about it, and I’ve been taking workout classes.”

Best digs?
“Anywhere near campus! There is so much traffic, and parking sucks.”

Alberto Cortes
Major: criminal justice
From: Chico

A great date?
“Wow, I haven’t dated in a while, I’m a little rusty. Probably a nice restaurant in Old Sac or downtown.”

Under-21 fun?
“Find out where the frat parties are.”

Over-21 fun?
“Definitely 815 L Street or The Empire.” Why? A shy smirk. “Everybody is friendly and social.” Hmmmm… code for “hot people in revealing clothing?”

Campus eats?
Without missing a beat, “Kung Fu Fats for the one-item combo.”

Not-to-miss class?
“Summer Bridge. It’s a six-week class before freshman year. It helps you meet lots of students and break the ice.” Card games are not involved.

Best digs?
“The dorms, which I hear they’re remodeling, or somewhere on College Town Drive where you can take the shuttle to campus.”

Abigail Fox
Major:communication studies
From: Sacramento

Under-21 fun?
“Catch an independent film at the Crest or the Tower.”

Campus eats?
“I like the cultural variety of the University Union. You have Mexican sandwiched in between Indian and Chinese…plus Burger King.” Who can overlook the cultural impact of the Whopper?

Between-class hangout?
“The library has tons of magazines, and the University Union is a great place to take a people-watching break.”

Not-to-miss class?
“Communication, Self and Society with Mark Stoner. It’s like therapy, lots of self-reflection.” A pause. “And there’s no final or midterm.”

Best digs?
“I personally love East Sac and River Park. If you can get roommates and find a house, it’s the way to go.”

On-campus fun?
“UNIQUE [a student-run group that plans campus entertainment] does quality stuff. They have concerts every Wednesday at noon. I’ve been introduced to a lot of new music that way.”

Peter Ucovich
Major: communication studies
From: Loomis

Sacramento fun?
“We have a great environment to just be outside and walk around … like the bike trail or Old Sac.”

A great date?
He recommends a stroll to the Capitol Mall seating area along 15th Street, a picturesque spot to talk and watch a sunset. Do the ladies like it? “Oh, yeah, it’s a winner.”

Under-21 fun?
“Anything you can do with a group of friends.” He suggests “Glo Bowl” at Country Club Lanes or the RPM indoor racetrack on Bradshaw Road. “I’m over 21 and I still do these things.” Is this really the same guy who watches sunsets with his dates?

Not-to-miss professor?
“[Matthew] McCormick for philosophy. It’s probably one of the most challenging classes on campus. I had a great time arguing philosophical ideas with him.”

Hindsight 20/20?
“Be willing to find a job in a field that might interest you, even if it pays less. It’s worth it for the contacts and experience.”

Best digs?
“Anywhere in the Arden area. It’s near campus and you’ll be with other students. Plus, most complexes have amenities students want, like pools and weight rooms.”

Eric Twohey
Majors: communication studies and art studio
From: Redding

Under-21 fun?
“All kinds of concerts, from country to heavy metal … that’s one thing I love about Sacramento.”

Campus eats?
“I like Round Table Pizza, a.k.a. The Hive. … Some garlic Parmesan twists and a Hefeweizen will get you going.”

Between-class hangout?
“The library quad … you can enjoy a nice cool breeze from the fountain.” He also lauds the “nooner” Wednesday concerts at the Union or Serna Plaza.

Not-to-miss class?
“Public speaking … who can’t use better public-speaking skills? You can apply it to every other class you take on campus.”

Sports-fan heaven?
“Mandango’s on Fulton Avenue near Hurley Way is the best place in town to watch a Kings game.”

Best digs?
“You get to experience more of the city in Midtown … interesting culture, fabulous houses … and you can get to campus without using the freeways or congested roads.”

Julio Velázquez
Majors: government and business
From: Williams

Sacramento fun?
“I like to go to Kings games, River Cats games and events at Arco Arena.”

A great date?
“I don’t date much.” Well, if you did? “El Novillero on Franklin is a really nice, authentic, classy Mexican restaurant.”

Under-21 fun?
“It can be kind of boring unless you’re involved with something on campus—a club or a fraternity.”

Campus eats?
“Mother India in the University Union is really good.”

Between-class hangout?
“The library quad. You can socialize and meet new people.”

Hindsight 20/20?
“Get involved early, especially with the administration. You can have an impact on things and build relationships with people, even as a freshman.”