Creating an off-campus community

Due to COVID-19, some Fresno State students struggled to find housing for the fall semester. Topanga Ridge, a new off-campus student housing complex, reached out to student-athletes and members of greek life when the pandemic closed down their usual homes.

“We try to get everyone involved community-wise, obviously with social distancing,” said Topanga Ridge property manager, Elaine Wilkinson.

At the complex, students are able to form a campus community, despite being online for classes. “I love the environment that Topanga Ridge provides and gives off that college environment while my sorority house shut down by giving me that same feeling of being college even though we are online,” said Fresno State student Sydney Marsoobian.

To make that college connection, the apartment complex has a designated spot for socially distant studying and virtual classes to take place.

Virtual instruction will continue through the spring 2021 semester at Fresno State. Many of the residents will remain at Topanga Ridge for health, safety, and community reasons during that time.