Continuing and Transfer/Graduate Learning Communities

Updated: Jan. 29, 2026

At Cal Poly, a Residential Learning Community is more than just a place to live. It brings together students with shared interests in an environment designed to foster connection, growth, and belonging. RLCs are centered on themes such as culture or personal interests and offer programs, friendships, and support that enhance the student experience both inside and outside the classroom.

College-based RLCs have been removed based on student feedback and to provide greater flexibility during room selection. This change helps students more easily find roommates and open spaces while still offering meaningful community options.

What is a Residential Learning Community (RLC)?

Residential Learning Communities blend academics, personal growth, and connection to create a supportive on-campus experience. Located near the campus core, RLCs offer convenient access to academic resources, mentorship, and engagement opportunities that support student success.

Second-year students may choose Open housing with no RLC or select from themed communities, including cultural communities, Pride, Substance-Free, Cal Poly Scholars, EOP, and TRIO Achievers. Each option offers a distinct living environment focused on belonging, engagement, and support.

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.

OPEN Housing
for Continuing Students

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/GradUATE Program
for Transfer and gradUATE students

Starting fresh at Cal Poly? The Transfer/Graduate 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.