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Continuing and Transfer/Grad Learning Communities
Updated: Jan. 30, 2025
At Cal Poly, an RLC is more than just a place to live — it’s a space where students with shared interests come together to connect, grow, and feel at home. Each RLC is themed around things such as academics, culture, or personal passions, offering fun programs, new friendships, and chances to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Living in an RLC means being part of a supportive community.
What is a Residential Learning Community (RLC)?
Residential Learning Communities are about blending together academics, personal growth, and a strong sense of connection from day one. Being so close to the campus core, you’ll have access to a wealth of academic resources and mentorship designed to help you succeed. Learning communities are more than just a place to sleep — they’re designed to inspire, support, and connect you to everything you need for a successful and meaningful college experience.
| Poly Canyon Village | Residential Learning Community (RLC) |
|---|---|
| Aliso | Pride, Cultural RLCs |
| Buena Vista | Cal Poly Scholars, CAED |
| Corralitos | Cal Poly Scholars, TRIO |
| Dover | CAFES |
| Estrella | CAFES |
| Foxen | CAFES |
| Gypsum | CAFES, CENG |
| Huasna | Cal Poly Scholars |
| Inyo |
CAED |
| cerro vista apartments | Residential Learning Community (RLC) |
| Morro |
Substance Free |
| Bishop | Transfer and Grad Communities |
| Islay | Transfer Pride, Transfer Community, Cultural RLCs |
| Cabrillo | CENG |
| Hollister | Engage, Transfer Community |
|
Romauldo |
CENG |
Cal Poly Scholars
for Continuing students
The Cal Poly Scholar RLC is for Cal Poly Scholars program participants. While living on campus for your first two years is required, living in this RLC is optional but highly encouraged as you'll have the opportunity to develop deeper connections with fellow Scholars. Dive into events and experiences tailored to help you succeed academically and socially as a continuing student at Cal Poly. Cal Poly Scholars can add roommates who are not part of the program.
TRIO ACHIEVERS
for Continuing students
TRIO Achievers, this community is all about YOU! As part of the TRIO program, living in this vibrant RLC as a continuing student surrounds you with peers who share your drive and determination. While living on campus for your first two years is a requirement, living in this RLC is optional but highly encouraged. TRIO Achievers can add roommates who are not part of the program.
Educational opportunity (EOP)
for Continuing students
The EOP RLC is for students who want to connect, succeed, and empower each other. EOP students are not required to reside on campus for their first two years at Cal Poly, but can select to live in the EOP RLC if they secure campus housing. EOP students can add roommates who are not part of the program.
Cultural Residential learning communities:
for Continuing and Transfer Students
Cultural Residential Learning Communities provide opportunities for any and all students interested in engaging with various cultures and making connections in their residential communities. We offer all students the following options in the application:
- APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans) Scholars
- Black Scholars
- Cross Cultural Scholars
- Latine/x Scholars
- Native American and Indigenous Scholars
- SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) Scholars
Communities will be formed based on student interest. If there is not enough interest in a specific community, students will be offered a space in the Cross Cultural Scholars Community. Regardless of Housing RLC, students are welcome to attend events provided by Student Diversity & Belonging. These RLCs are open and available to all, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
College-based Communities: CAED, CAFES and ceng
for Continuing students | All Majors Welcome
Your college, your community, your home. Whether you're in CAED, CAFES, or CENG, these RLCs offer the chance to live alongside peers in your major or college while diving into academic, career-focused, and social activities. Share experiences, study together, and build connections with classmates as you thrive in a community tailored to your academic journey.
Engage
for Continuing Students
Not quite sure which community fits? The Engage RLC is the perfect place for students who want to be part of a lively, social environment without being tied to a specific academic or cultural focus. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, explore fun events, or simply enjoy a more relaxed vibe, this community offers a space where you can connect, grow, and thrive on your terms.
Pride Community
for Continuing and Transfer Students
The Pride learning community is open to all students interested in engaging with LGBTQ+ identities and advocacy while participating in a supportive community. All room types in the Pride RLC are Queer-affirming spaces, and students in this (and all) residential communities are welcome to attend programmatic offerings through the Pride Center. The Pride RLC is open and available to all, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
Substance Free
for Continuing and Transfer Students
The Substance Free community is for those committed to a living environment of wellness and having a great time without tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, or already in recovery or impacted by the addiction of a loved one. Residents of the Substance Free community sign a Statement of Understanding and agree to live in an environment that is conscientious of the well-being of all by forgoing substances within the community. The priority of this living community is to provide a space without the pressures of alcohol or other drugs, so that all individuals can have a space to find community on campus.
Transfer/Grad Program
for Transfer and grad students
Starting fresh at Cal Poly? The Transfer/Grad RLC is here to help you hit the ground running. This supportive community is designed for students transitioning to Cal Poly, offering tailored resources, events, and opportunities to connect with peers. Whether you’re looking for academic support, career advice, or ways to get involved, you’ll find everything you need right here.
