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Student Life

Life at cal poly

Learn by Doing is as much a lifestyle as an academic approach. And nowhere is that more clear than right here, where it was born. On campus, and in the surrounding area of San Luis Obispo, a supportive community, opportunities for exploration and endless possibilities strengthens your academic experience.

The secret is out

Just 10 minutes from the Pacific Ocean along scenic Highway 101, and midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo — SLO to us — is arguably California’s most collegiate of college towns.

Live the SLO Life 

Students sitting outside Cal Poly downtown

Make Yourself at Home

From modern residence halls and campus apartments to chic downtown San Luis Obispo lofts, on- and off-campus housing is as varied as your dining options. Campus alone offers 800 menu options across 34 dining venues, including Jamba®, which started here as a senior project. Welcome home. Hope you are hungry.

Housing and Dining

students relaxing in dorm

find your place

Cal Poly soccer player kicking during a game.

Sports and Recreations

Getting and staying fit benefits the mind as well as the body. So cheer on your Division 1 Mustangs, participate in a club or intramural sport, workout or rejuvenate in our 30,000 square foot rec center or become a member of Cal Poly’s racing or rodeo teams – or maybe both.

Get Active

Student doing a back flip with a group standing around him.

Clubs & Organizations

Learn by Doing opportunities are everywhere. Enhance your education, while also making lifelong friends and building a professional network, by joining a club or organization. You have more than 400 to choose from. Still can’t find one? You can start your own.

Get Involved

Studio art major completing a senior project painting

Arts and Culture

Creativity is consistently ranked among the top skills employers look for in candidates. Whether it’s expressing your creativity or appreciating another’s, you’ll find robust music and arts programs and vibrant arts communities across campus and throughout the Central Coast.

Get Creative

Being, Becoming and Belonging

We have diligently worked toward a learning community in which individual differences are a collective strength. There’s work still to do, and you can help. When you bring your authentic, whole self to Cal Poly, we all move closer to becoming our best selves and to realizing true belonging. 

Diversity, equity and Inclusion

A Healthy, Happy Environment

California’s population routinely ranks among America’s healthiest, and locally, we've been called America’s happiest city. We care deeply about your physical and mental health and offer a wide range of programs and services to build healthy practices and support your wellbeing.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Three students sitting on a bench on Madonna Mountain with a dog