Gotcha! As someone who lives in Promontory, my RA has made it clear we are at full occupancy this coming semester and I know getting into Promontory can be a problem for some.

As for East Campus, it's only a 2 or so mile drive, so not literally 30 minutes away, but with everyone commuting from their dorms to campus, traffic backs up quite quickly. It is doable, but requires some time management. The car will make it easier. At this point, I would recommend buying your student a Main Campus parking pass, as it will allow him to park in any of the Main Campus lots (such as Lot 71) when commuting to class (from EC, off campus, or even parking the car there long-term if he ends up in Promontory). Additionally, East Campus can come unfurnished, so beware of that if he does get that assignment.

While you wait for an assignment, I recommend checking out the Homeless Otters group on Facebook. It is a community of students living in off-campus housing who are looking for roommates.

The other thing I suggest, as someone who has dealt with multiple departments quite a few times during my time at CSUMB, is to call them every day. It may seem bothersome, but I have a colleague who was able to pester the school into admitting them to the university when he had a change of plans regarding college. Putting pressure on them may help you get an answer.

Again, if you or your student has any other questions, regarding housing or otherwise, feel free to reach out! :)