Freshmen: How to Apply for On-Campus Housing
Only students who "accept" their offer of Admission will be able to apply for on-campus housing. Once the student has accepted admission to Cal Poly, the student begins the housing application process by entering the Cal Poly portal (my.calpoly.edu) using their Cal Poly portal user name and password. Next, the student selects the "Housing" tab to enter Housing Application System. Students should follow the instructions provided to submit the online portion of the housing application.

Also during the online application process, the student has the opportunity to read and print the "Terms and Conditions": rules and regulations that must be followed when living on campus. Students and parents should keep the copy of the "Terms and Conditions" and read thoroughly before signing the "Student Housing License Agreement."

Transfer Students: How to Apply for On-Campus Housing
Only students who "accept" their offer of Admission will be able to apply for on-campus housing. Once the student has accepted admission to Cal Poly, the student begins the housing application process by entering the Cal Poly portal (my.calpoly.edu) using their Cal Poly portal user name and password. Next, the student selects the "Housing" tab to enter Housing Application System. Students should follow the instructions provided to submit the online portion of the housing application.

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Continuing Students: How to Apply for On-Campus Housing
During the sign-up periods, students begin the housing application process by entering the Cal Poly portal (my.calpoly.edu) using their Cal Poly portal user name and password. The student selects the "Housing" tab to enter Housing Application System. Students should follow the instructions provided to submit the online portion of the housing application. Also during the online application process, the student has the opportunity to read and print the "Terms and Conditions": rules and regulations that must be followed when living on campus. Students and parents should keep the copy of the "Terms and Conditions" and read thoroughly before signing the "Student Housing License Agreement."

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Is housing available for Summer Quarter Students?
Summer housing will be available for continuing Cal Poly students attending Summer Quarter. This includes "Beginning," "Ending," and "Eight-Week" sessions. Continuing Cal Poly students on local co-ops, internships, Senior projects, working locally, or graduate students can also live on campus during Summer.
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What information will I need to provide on the Housing application?

Before viewing their room assignment on-line in mid-August, students will need to have submitted their emergency contact/medical information through the on-line Housing application system via the Cal Poly portal (my.calpoly.edu).

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When do we get the Fall housing assignments?

Fall Housing assignments are finalized throughout the summer and are posted online. View your appropriate apllication checklist for the exact date of assignment posting. To view the room assignment, students re-access the housing application system through the Cal Poly web portal (my.calpoly.edu).

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Computer connectivity
All rooms have direct, high-speed internet access (Ethernet) to the Cal Poly Computer Network and the Internet at no additional charge. Students wishing to connect to the campus network will need to purchase a 10/100Base-T Ethernet card. For more specific information go to the ResNet Homepage.
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Are on-campus residents required to purchase a Dining Plan?
FRESHMAN STUDENTS:
All Freshmen who live on-campus, either in Residence Halls or Apartments, are required to purchase a dining plan. Freshmen sign up for their mandatory Dining Plans, after registration and payment for on campus housing have been received and processed by clicking on the Dining Plan Channel through the Cal Poly web portal (my.calpoly.edu). For more information about meal plans and payment due go to Campus Dining's Dining Plan page. For students with special dietary requirements, food allergies, or other dietary concerns, please contact Campus Dining at 805.756.1175.

CONTINUING/TRANSFER STUDENT:
Continuing or Transfer students living on campus in apartments are not required to purchase a meal plan. See Campus Dining for optional dining plans. Students living on and off campus can also have a Campus Express Club which can be used at restaurants on campus, El Corral Bookstore, Health Services, Pony Prints in Poly Canyon Village and in Kennedy Library and for printing at campus computer labs.

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Where can I use my Dining Plan?
Dining Credits and Plu$ Dollars may be used at several locations including the dining options available at Poly Canyon Village.

There are over twenty on-campus restaurants and food venues available to all Cal Poly students with at least one food operation open every day. There is a wide variety of fare that is vegetarian, non-dairy, wheat/gluten-free, low-fat, and more to accommodate various food preferences and allergies. Fresh foods are brought in from local and regional producers to develop healthy and delicious menu items. Restaurants located in the Poly Canyon Village Plaza include "Jamba Juice", "Einstein Bros. Bagels" and "Peet's Coffee and Tea" as well as the "Village Market." For more information visit Campus Dining.

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Who is eligible to live on campus?
It is recommended that students who desire to live on-campus, not delay in making on-campus housing arrangements.

FRESHMEN/TRANSFER STUDENT:
Housing is not guaranteed and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have accepted their admission to Cal Poly. The "admissions acceptance" to Cal Poly can be accessed via the "Accept/Decline" link on the student's portal account (my.calpoly.edu).

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Are Freshmen guaranteed housing?
Cal Poly and University Housing are committed to providing housing to as many new students as possible; however, on-campus housing space is limited and cannot be guaranteed to any class level, including freshmen. University Housing operates on a first-come, first-served basis as space and demand allow, so keep an eye on dates and schedules. On-campus housing options for incoming freshmen include residence halls (double and triple occupancy rooms) and apartments (single occupancy bedrooms).
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What about housing for my second year?
All Freshmen will have the opportunity to enter the Poly Canyon Village lottery to live in Cal Poly's on-campus Poly Canyon Village apartments for their second year. Those continuing Cal Poly students who have not lived on campus must attend a mandatory informational meeting to be eligible for the lottery. For additional information on Poly Canyon Village please see PCV FAQ's.

Off-campus housing information is available online at University Housing's online rental listing service and an off-campus housing faire is offered thru the Mustang Daily office mustangdaily.net/.

Additionally, University Housing has compiled a list of valuable off-campus housing resources.
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Why should I live on-campus instead of off-campus?
Living on-campus is convenient and exciting. Here are just a few of the benefits:

High-speed internet access in each room
Convenient to classes and computer labs
Close to the library
Cable TV
Individual leases
Academic year leases
Easy access to various recreation facilities including:
- 95,000 square-foot ASI Recreation Center
- Bowling
- Tennis
- Aerobics
- Swimming Pool
Meal choices at several locations
Food available and meals prepared by Campus Dining
Custodial services keeping halls and common areas clean
Live and study with others in your field
Great learning environment
Convenient in-hall laundry facilities
Trained, professional residential life staff
Organized social activities
Interaction with faculty

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Can I stay for one quarter only?
Students starting in the Fall Quarter sign a "Student Housing License Agreement" that is financially binding for the full academic year (three quarters, September through June). Students starting Winter Quarter sign a
two-quarter "License Agreement" and Spring and Summer are each separate one-quarter "License Agreements". A student may be released from the "Student Housing License Agreement" if they are withdrawing from the University (a 30-day notice is required).
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Are halls and apartments open during the quarter breaks?
The periods of occupancy are indicated on the Housing License Agreement. Winter break housing is available to students who indicate on their housing application that they prefer to stay on campus during the break. A separate housing license agreement and payment are required. Note: Most Residence halls and apartments are closed during Winter break to help ensure students' personal safety and for cost-saving measures which enable University Housing to offer the lowest housing rate possible for our residents.
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Students with Disabilities or Special Needs
Many of our residence halls and on-campus apartments are accessible to students with physical disabilities. Please submit a written description of your needs as soon as possible via email to housing@calpoly.edu. Early notification and complete information about your needs allows us to best assist you with accommodations such as wheelchair accessible facilities, devices/alarms for hearing impairments, etc.

Any required supporting medical documentation must be sent to the Disability Resource Center. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the primary campus resource for students with disabilities. The Students seeking assistance should contact the DRC at drc@calpoly.edu or 805.756.1395.

Students with Special Dietary Requirements If you have special dietary requirements, food allergies, or other food concerns, please contact Campus Dining at 805.756.1175.
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What about married / family housing?
Cal Poly's University Housing does not offer married or family housing. To find off-campus housing, please see the following resources:

Cal Poly's University Housing website provides an online rental listing service (available houses, apartments, condos, studios, private rooms, and shared rooms).

www.sanluisobispo.com - The Tribune, San Luis Obispo's daily newspaper (click on Search Classifieds).
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How do I decide which Learning Community to live in?
Cal Poly's offers three excellent programs: "The Living Learning Program," associated with South Mountain Halls, also known as the "Redbricks," "Connections," associated with the Sierra Madre and Yosemite Residence Halls, and "Transitions Program," located in the Cerro Vista apartment complex.

Please note:

Housing assignments, which are made during the summer months, are based on the student's application date and therefore hall preferences cannot be guaranteed.

Second year students are housed in the Poly Canyon Village Apartments. The Sophomore Success Program at Cal Poly is designed to provide resources that assist students in their academic planning and academic achievement.

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What if I change my mind about which Learning Community I want to live in?
Changes to your housing application can be made without affecting your original application date by going back into your housing application at my.calpoly.edu. For last date to make edits to the housing application see Housing Calendar.
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What types of social activities occur in the on-campus housing communities?
Activities such as barbecues, casino nights, coffeehouses, semi-formals, beach bonfires, and various recreational tournaments have occurred in the past. Students have a chance to plan their own activities by participating in Hall Council.
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What about receiving mail and packages?

RESIDENCE HALLS (pdf)
CERRO VISTA (pdf)
POLY CANYON (pdf)
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What recreation facilities are available?
ASI
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Where can I store my belongings during the summer break?
Cal Poly does not have storage facilities on campus. There are several Storage Rental Companies in San Luis Obispo that may accommodate your storage needs during the summer.

Alamo Self Storage - 805.541.1433
Derrel's Mini Storage - 805.546.8300
SLO City Storage - 805.544.9201
SLO Mini Storage - 805.543.4179

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What about parking on campus?
On-campus parking is extremely limited and residents are encouraged to leave their cars at home for the first year and use a bicycle or utilize the excellent city bus service.

Many students ride bicycles on the campus--a bicycle is handy for riding to class, riding in town, or just taking a leisurely ride throughout the campus! There are outside bike racks at each hall and at various locations on campus. With their roommate's agreement, some students keep bikes in their residence hall rooms.

The San Luis Obispo City and County bus routes have expanded and public transportation out of San Luis Obispo has increased (airline, Amtrak, etc.). Currently, students can ride the San Luis Obispo city bus at no charge by showing their Cal Poly ID. The city bus services San Luis Obispo, with frequent stops around the Cal Poly campus.

For additional information regarding parking, types of permits, or alternative transportation options, go to http://www.afd.calpoly.edu/Police/
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When do I need to pay for housing?
Housing Payments/License Agreements are accepted only as long as space is available, on a "first-come, first-served" basis. See Housing Fees for a specific type of housing for a complete timeline.

Incoming Freshmen

Transfer

Continuing Students
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What if I'm getting financial aid?
Students who expect to receive sufficient Financial Aid to cover both their estimated registration and housing fees may mark "Financial Aid" as method of payment. By choosing this payment option, housing and dining plan payments may be paid directly by Financial Aid. A printed, signed "Student Housing License Agreement" marked with the Financial Aid payment option must be returned to the Cal Poly State Cashier. For more information visit the Financial Aid website. lf the student's Financial Aid award falls below the needed amount,
the Student Accounts Office will notify the student of any additional fees due.
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How do I make my housing payment?
On-Campus Housing Payments can be made by one of the following methods:
1. "E-Check" (free of charge) online* at http://www.afd.calpoly.edu/Student_Accounts/onlinepayments.htm. A copy of the online receipt must be attached to the "Student Housing License Agreement" and mailed to the Cal Poly State Cashier. Online payments received after 4:00 pm will be recorded the following business day.

2. Credit Card online* at http://www.afd.calpoly.edu/Student_Accounts/onlinepayments.htm (a convenience fee of 2.9% will be charged). Visa not accepted. A copy of the online receipt must be attached to the "Student Housing License Agreement" and mailed to the Cal Poly State Cashier. Credit card payments received after 4:00 pm will be recorded the following business day.

3. Financial Aid - Students who expect to receive sufficient Financial Aid to cover both their estimated registration and housing and dining fees can mark the Financial Aid box as method of payment and return the "Student Housing License Agreement" as soon as possible to the Cal Poly State Cashier. If the student's award falls below the amount needed , the Student Accounts Office will notify the student of any additional fees due. For more information visit the Financial Aid website. Mailed payments are recorded as received by postmark date.

* If you experience any problems making your payment online, please contact the Student Accounts Office at 805.756.5872 or 805.756.7632.
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Can I get a refund if I change my mind about attending Cal Poly?

Students must cancel in writing 30 days prior to the move-in date to receive a full refund minus a $5 installment fee. Charges per day will apply thereafter. For last day to cancel without financial penalty please refer to the Housing Calendar for dates to cancel. The Cancel Form must be faxed or postmarked by the last date to cancel.
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Occupancy and Private Rooms
FRESHMEN
All rooms in the residence halls are double or triple occupancy. University Housing reserves the right to assign a new roommate or to reassign the remaining resident to another room in order to consolidate space. The resident may also be offered the opportunity to occupy the room at the higher single/double occupancy rate. For more information contact the Housing Administration Office at 805.756.1226.

Cerro Vista Apartments:
The Cerro Vista Apartment complex offers private rooms in an apartment style living for freshmen and who are independent and have the abilities and experience to live and cook on their own.

CONTINUING AND TRANSFER STUDENTS:
Poly Canyon Village is a new apartment development on campus which houses 2700 continuing residents. Poly Canyon Village spans approximately 30 acres and is located at the northeast corner of Cal Poly at the base of picturesque Poly Canyon. Within nine 4 and 5 story buildings, 618 furnished apartment units nestle around a large plaza, bustling with student activities, dining, and retail vendors. The central retail plaza includes Einstein Bros. Bagels, Peet's Coffee and Tea, Jamba Juice, and the Village Market. This state-of-the-art complex includes a recreation center, swimming pool, study rooms, knowledge center, and conference room. Throughout the Poly Canyon Village Apartment complex there are 4 floor plans, housing 4 to 6 students in private and shared bedrooms. Eighty percent of the apartments are four private bedroom units.

Cerro Vista Apartments consist of two hundred four-bedroom apartments and represent a unique opportunity for many Cal Poly students to combine apartment-style living with the convenience of a few minutes walk to class.

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How do you assign spaces and match roommates?

Assigning spaces:

Spaces are assigned based on applicant's date of application and building/program preferences requested. When requests for buildings/programs exceed availability, applicants with the earliest application dates are given priority for placement in the impacted building/program. Students who have earlier application dates do have priority of their request over those who apply later, however all students applying for housing should be prepared for assignment into ANY one of our bedspaces (private, double, or triple).

Matching Roommates
If the student has not requested a specific roommate via the housing application system at my.calpoly.edu, roommates are matched based on building/program preferences requested, gender, and smoking or non-smoking.

Freshmen can be assigned throughout the residence halls (double and triple rooms) and Cerro Vista Apartments (private rooms).

Please note that smoking is not allowed in any building on campus.

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What if my roommate and I are not compatible?
If all communication/resolution efforts fail, a resident can request a room or hall trade with the approval of the Coordinator of Student Development of the hall in which they reside. Accommodating a room/hall/apartment trade is dependent upon space availability and priority in the desired hall or apartment. For more detailed information regarding room/hall/apartment trades, refer to the Residence Hall/Cerro Vista Handbook which is provided to each resident upon move-in.
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Can residents trade rooms during the year?
Students can trade within their residence hall/apartment or into another residence hall/apartment throughout the year based on availability. Refer to the "Residence Hall/Cerro Vista Handbook" for trading restrictions, dates, and other specific information. Note: Trading is frozen for the first two weeks of Fall Quarter, and the first week of Winter and Spring Quarters.
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Can I request a specific person to be my roommate?
Yes. During the on-line housing application process, there is an opportunity to indicate a "Roommate Preference." For the roommate request to be considered, both students must request each other on the application by using the selected roommate's Housing Identification Number (HID), which is assigned to each student during the housing application process. For last date to make edits to the housing application (i.e., hall choices, roommates, etc.) before assignments are finalized see Housing Calendar or your application checklist.
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How and when can I see the residence hall rooms and apartments?
Cal Poly's residence halls and apartments are locked 24/7. Access into each hall and apartment is by residents using their keys. For the security of students living on-campus, tours of the residence halls or apartments are given by University Housing ONLY during Cal Poly's OPEN HOUSE and traditional high school spring breaks (Spring Break Tours). Rooms can be viewed in our panoramic photos and our new virtual tours.
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What do I need to bring if I live on campus?

RESIDENCE HALL
CERRO VISTA APARTMENTS
POLY CANYON VILLAGE

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How big are the rooms?

RESIDENCE HALL ROOM SIZE
Room sizes vary by residence hall. South Mountain Residence Hall rooms are approximately 11 feet by 13 feet; Yosemite and Sierra Madre Halls rooms are approximately 8 feet by 19 feet; the North Mountain Residence Halls rooms are approximately 13 feet by 16 feet.

CERRO VISTA APARTMENT BEDROOM SIZE
The bedrooms in the Cerro Vista Apartments are approximately 9 feet by 12 feet.

POLY CANYON VILLAGE APARTMENT BEDROOM SIZE
There are several different floorplans for the bedrooms at Poly Canyon Village Apartments.

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Loft and Furniture Policy
Due to safety concerns, only furniture provided by Cal Poly University Housing, designed specially for the purpose of lofting, can be lofted. Use of risers, blocks, bricks, etc., are NOT ALLOWED in the residence halls or apartments.
Free-standing storage units taller than 48" are NOT ALLOWED in the residence halls or apartments.
Due to space constraints in residence hall rooms, it is recommended that couches, large stereo speakers, personal furniture, etc., be left at home.
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Is there a telephone line in my room?
One phone is installed in each room.
Each room is assigned a phone number.
Roommates may decide among themselves to bring an answering machine.
Local calls and basic monthly service charges are included in the housing fees.

To make long distance calls from on-campus, students can use:

their personal cell phone

"pre-paid" long distance card

phone company calling card

For answers to questions about the telephone system and services provided in the on-campus housing rooms, please contact the ITS (Information Technology Services) desk at 805.756.7000 (option 2) or go to ITS Service Desk and select "Telephone Support." ITS can also provide information about cellular service providers in the San Luis Obispo area that may offer discounts and other incentives to Cal Poly students.
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Can I bring a TV and stereo?
All rooms come with a basic cable TV service hookup (students must provide their own coax TV cable). Students may bring a TV and/or stereo but keep in mind space constraints in residence hall rooms. It is recommended that personal furniture, couches, large stereo speakers, etc., be left at home. Free-standing storage units taller than 48" are NOT ALLOWED in the residence halls or apartments.
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What channels will I be able to watch on TV?
Each Residence Hall room and Apartment has basic cable TV service. The Channel Listings are available on the Housing and Business Services website.
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Can I bring a mini refrigerator?

Only students living in the residence halls may bring their own. If the student brings their own refrigerator it must meet all the following criteria without exception:
- Cannot exceed 4.9 cubic feet
- Measures no more than 23"W x 23"D x 34"H
- "Energy Star" rating preferred
- Mini refrigerators can be purchased at Discount, Department and "Big Box" stores or on-line.
Free standing freezers of any size are NOT allowed in residence hall rooms or apartments.
Rooms in the North Mountain Halls are provided with a small "micro/fridge".
Students living in on-campus apartments are not allowed to have mini refrigerators. Standard refrigerator/freezer units are provided in the kitchen.

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Can I bring a microwave?
Microwaves are provided in lounge areas of each hall, in rooms in the North Mountain Halls, and in the Apartment kitchens. Students living in on-campus halls and apartments are not allowed to bring microwaves.
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Can I have a pet?
Students may not bring or keep any animal in or around the residence halls or apartments other than fish in an aquarium not to exceed 5 gallons per resident, 10 gallons per residence hall room, or 20 gallons per apartment.
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Is smoking permitted in the residence halls or apartments?
Governor's Order EO599 prohibits smoking in any university building. Smoking is also prohibited within 20 feet of a building. This policy applies to all residents, staff, guests, and visitors.
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Can I hang pictures on the wall?
Use of nails or tacks that penetrate the wall material is prohibited. Damage or unapproved alterations to the interior or exterior of the housing facilities as well as the grounds is prohibited and subject to charges.
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What are "Quad and Overflow" spaces?
Cal Poly Housing Department is committed to housing as many first-time freshmen as possible. By placing students in one of our "special assigned spaces" (Quad or Overflow rooms) located within the residence halls, we are able to house students who would not have the on-campus living opportunity.
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What types of measures are taken to protect my safety?
Safety of our residents is our highest priority. Cal Poly's residence halls and apartments are locked 24/7. Access into each hall and apartment is by residents using their keys.

Resident and Community Advisors are available to students, conduct rounds three to four times a night and make sure exterior doors are secured.

A Coordinator of Student Development is assigned to each hall is a full-time, live-in professional who is able to respond to emergencies if they occur, and alert the community if anything suspicious occurs.

A University Police Officer works cooperatively with residence hall staff to provide residents with safety information, community response, and ongoing resources for public safety awareness.

Courtesy phones are placed outside Sierra Madre, Yosemite, and each South Mountain Hall. These allow residents to call friends within a hall or contact Pubic Safety Services in case of emergency. We call upon our residents to participate in a partnership with the University Housing Department in creating a safer community.
More resident safety information from University Housing.