To Future Cal Poly Cadets,

I want to start off by saying that I highly recommend doing Cal Poly at Sea. It is truly an unbelievable experience, the best two months of your life. You make great friends that you will take back to Cal Poly with you. Tanning, sunsets, bbq's, and dances are all so much fun. You are in the middle of the ocean with not a care in the world, besides maybe a little homework. Don't take more than the required 12 units; you want to be able to enjoy yourself.

They tell you to pack super light, but I can tell you that you have more room than you think. Bring lots of going out clothes, and also bring a full body lawn chair to tan with. Sharing a tiny room with two other people really isn't as bad as it sounds. But you also have absolutely no privacy on the ship. Every room has at least someone else in it, so don't expect to really be able to "get away". The hot, starry nights are amazing and sometimes really late at night you can be by yourself out there.

If you have a significant other, break up and leave your conscience behind. Everyone hooks up on this ship whether you have a boy/girl friend or not - it just happens.

The food is not that bad; it's like dorm food, but a little better. "Mom", the baker who makes all of the cookies and cakes and anything else you can think of is AMAZING! Get to know her; she'll love you.

Wearing a uniform isn't that bad either. It's a navy blue t-shirt and jeans or khakis. Leisure wear starts at 6 pm every night when you can wear anything you want except flip flops and tank tops.

The ports are unbelievable. You get to experience many whole new worlds. Soak in every minute of it and, no matter how tired you are, just keep going. You can sleep on the ship when you are at sea. Also, don't get too drunk! Waking up the next day with a hangover and going all day long takes a toll on the body and then you won't be able to go out the next night, so take it easy on the alcohol

If there is any doubt in your mind, STOP, fill out the form, write your essay, get that letter of recommendation and GO! You won't regret it.