California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, California
🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1901🔗 www.calpoly.edu
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's campus is anchored by The Powerhouse, its oldest standing building since 1909-1910 and a former student-run power plant embodying the university's own "Learn by Doing" philosophy, with all first-year students required to live on campus for their first two years amid a $1 billion Future Housing Plan, the largest housing investment in university history.
Enrollment
22,313
Total Students
Freshman Class
5,578
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 17 - August 17, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
28%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Students must present a government-issued ID or PolyCard (the Cal Poly ID) at check-in. Check-in locations and instructions are sent by email and posted on move-in maps prior to arrival. Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, Cal Poly is transitioning from quarters to semesters, so academic year housing contracts now run from August through May and include fall and spring breaks; winter break is not included and requires a separate sign-up. Ongoing construction as part of the university's Future Housing Plan may affect noise levels - bring noise-canceling headphones if sensitive to construction sounds.
August 17 - August 17, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Sierra Madre Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Yosemite Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Links open California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 18 - August 23, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$16,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
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