Transfer & Graduate Student Housing

Step 1: Accept your offer of Admission to Cal Poly

Students can sign up for campus housing after accepting Cal Poly's offer of Admission. It takes 1-2 business days after you accept your offer of admission to view the housing application. The housing application opens on April 10.

Transfer/grad housing fills quickly — sometimes on the first day. If your first choice is to attend Cal Poly and live on campus, accept your offer with enough time to be ready to sign up on April 10.

Step 2: Sign up for housing on April 10 

New transfer/grad students sign up for next year's housing

In the housing application you will:

• Agree to the housing contract. (Designate a cosigner if you are under the age of 18.) Make your initial payment ($500 for housing.) 
• Select your Residential Learning Community (RLC) preference. Choose from academic, social, identity, and interest-based communities. 
• Request up to three roommates, for a maximum group size of four.
• Let us know if you plan to request a disability-related accommodation from the Disability Resource Center (DRC). 
• Let us know if you plan to stay for Winter Break, Dec. 13, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026. Winter Break is not included in your housing contract so an additional fee applies if you choose to stay. 
• Let us know if you prefer to live a room that is Queer-affirming, which goes beyond “acceptance,” and is an environment where students who identify as Queer are fully welcomed in a supportive community. Housing expects that all residents will create an inclusive room for students regardless of identity. If you identify as Queer and want further support, the Pride Center can be reached here.

Step 3: Finalize application preferences by June 1

Last day to edit your housing preferences

Edit preferences in your application by returning to the Housing Portal on MyCalPoly.

• You may edit your preferences, even if you have already submitted a completed application.
• Be sure to add any roommates you wish to request. You can add roommates once they have submitted a completed housing application. Make sure your living preferences match those of your roommate(s).

Step 4: Choose your space from June 19-July 11

Choose Your Room!

You will be emailed an appointment date and time to select your space. Appointments are determined by lottery and group size and may not be the same as others in your roommate group.

• Viewable spaces are based on your RLC preference, which you select in the housing application.
• Since some communities fill quickly, preferences are not guaranteed. If your preferred community fills, you will see other available spaces.

Step 5: Change rooms from July 21-Aug. 6

Individuals can change rooms in the Housing Portal, based on availability. Students cannot change rooms for their whole roommate group or for other individuals.

Step 6: Prep for fall

• View your Housing fees on Aug. 14
• The last day to cancel housing is Aug. 12
• Reserve your Mustang Move-in Appointment in August
• Make your first payment on Sept. 1
• Mustang Move-In for new students is scheduled for Thursday Sept. 11 and Friday Sept. 12

Sign up for the housing interest list (for those unable to secure housing)