Living in the IE
CUSM is nestled between the stately mountains and active cities of the Inland Empire,
with Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and beautiful Southern California beaches less than
an hour away. Whether it's culture, music, performing arts, sports, world-class restaurants,
and more, the area is overflowing with activities for everyone.
Our students embrace the rich cultural environment of Southern California by attending
events at many of our local museums and theaters. Alongside nearby gardens and hiking
hotspots, the natural and cultural centers of the Inland Empire are affordable, nearby,
and accessible.
The Inland Empire, comprised of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, offers world-class
recreational activities. You can spend an afternoon sipping wine at a vineyard in
Temecula or hiking through the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. Or spend
the weekend camping around Big Bear Lake or fishing at Lake Arrowhead. In the winter,
you're just a short drive to Southern California's best ski resorts.
The Inland Empire also has a thriving music scene, headlined by the Coachella Valley
Music and Arts Festival – one of the country's largest and most celebrated festivals.
Prominent name artists regularly visit the Inland Empire, performing at venues like
the Glass House in Pomona and the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino.
Music & Performance | Distance from Campus |
---|---|
National Orange Show Events | 10 minutes |
California Theatre of Performing Arts | 12 minutes |
Redlands Bowl | 15 minutes |
Citizens Bank Arena | 30 minutes |
Fox Performing Arts Center | 20 minutes |
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival | 60 minutes |
For sports fans, the Inland Empire offers several options for watching a game of Baseball, Basketball, or race car driving.
Sports | Distance from Campus |
---|---|
The Inland Empire 66ers (MILB) | 15 minutes |
Auto Club Speedway | 22 minutes |
Ontario Reign (AHL) | 25 minutes |
Ontario Fury (MASL) | 30 minutes |
Agua Caliente Clippers (NBA G League) | 25 minutes |
The Lake Elsinore Storm (MILB) | 50 minutes |
Los Angeles' theme parks are just over an hour's drive and offer options from Disney
to Universal Studios. Locally the Splash Kingdom Waterpark offers three premium entertainment
destinations just 10 minutes away.
Theme Parks and Recreation | Distance from Campus |
---|---|
Universal Studios | 90 minutes |
Disneyland | 60 minutes |
Just over an hour from San Bernardino are beaches that offer blends of city sophistication and the tranquil atmosphere of a beachside community.
Beaches | Distance from Campus |
---|---|
Newport Beach | 60 minutes |
Laguna Beach | 65 minutes |
Long Beach | 80 minutes |
CUSM is near several natural getaways, including Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead!
These spots are preservations of the natural beauty of Southern California's Inland
Empire, offering hiking spots, skiing, and even dining opportunities.
Big Bear Lake, less than an hour's drive from CUSM's doorstep, is a city and a lake
in Southern California. Famed for its fishing resources and ski terrains, the destination
is a hotspot and emblem of the natural beauty in the Inland Empire.
Lake Arrowhead, itself only a 45-minute drive away, is another icon of the Inland
Empire. The lake is a quaint mountain jewel hidden in the San Bernardino National
Forests. Considered the 'Alps’ of Southern California, it is a destination for hikers,
bikers, casual walkers, and all kinds of folks who love the outdoors.
The San Bernardino National Forest is a vast, sprawling wilderness of mountains and
nature. Featuring thirty miles of the world-famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail,
the area is a favorite for camping, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
San Bernardino National Forest | Distance from Campus |
---|---|
National Forest | 25 minutes |
Lake Arrowhead | 45 minutes |
Big Bear Lake | 55 minutes |
CUSM does not offer student dormitory facilities. Several rental properties are available within a 5-mile radius of the campus (20+ apartment complexes), ranging from $900 ‐ $1,600 per month for one- to two-bedroom apartments. Most rentals cost an average of $1,400 per month and can be found here. Note that CUSM assumes no responsibility to find or assist students in obtaining housing.
Rental prices vary. You can check for the most up-to-date information and available property listings at
A few local options are noted below but are subject to availability, and CUSM is not responsible for any aspect of the rental process.
Broadstone Serrano Apartments 1930 W College Ave San Bernardino, CA 92407 909-474-7956 Rent Range $1,095 - $1,600 |
Ascot Parks 1422 E 9th Street San Bernardino, CA 92410 909-252-7019 Rent Range $1,000 - $1,400 |
Additional information can be obtained at the links below:
Public transportation is limited in the area and primarily consists of a local bus
service (OminTrans).
On-campus parking will be available to all students and staff on a first-come, first-served
basis. Designated parking spaces are open to disabled persons with Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) permits.
Transportation | Distance from Campus |
---|---|
OmniTrans (Bus) | 15 minutes |
Metrolink (Train) | 10 minutes |
Ontario International Airport (ONT) | 30 minutes |
John Wayne Airport (SNA) | 50 minutes |
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) | 54 minutes |
The Inland Empire has a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average daily high-temperature hovers on the coast around 70 degrees, and summer can reach over 100 degrees. There is an average of 277/365 sunny days out of the year. January's average low is 40 degrees, and July's average high is 92 degrees.