California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
- Local Atmosphere

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California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo - Local Atmosphere - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Local Atmosphere

Quick Stats

Fun Local Trivia
  1. San Luis was born when Father Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in 1772, the fifth of 21 California missions.The original mission is now the centerpiece of downtown San Luis.
  2. One weekend in April, parking lots, driveways, and the town square downtown are roped off for the annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival. Artists gather with colored chalk to paint beautiful masterpieces on concrete.
  3. Every Thursday evening, Higuera, one of the main streets in town, closes down for one of the biggest farmers markets in California. It includes music, produce, crafts, and barbeques.
  4. San Luis is home to the elegantly quirky Madonna Inn. Each of the 108 guest rooms in this historic hotel is individually decorated with its own theme and color scheme. The men's bathroom in the lobby alone is worth the visit—for gentlemen and ladies alike!
  5. Every year from October through March, the San Luis area (especially Pismo Beach) is host to thousands of Monarch butterflies, who consider this area to have the perfect climate for wintering in.
Local Slang
  • AG: Arroyo Grande
  • Farmers: The weekly farmers market held every Thursday on Higuera Street, downtown SLO
  • The Grade: Steeply inclined, dangerous section of 101 just north of SLO that has been under construction for the past decade (and probably the next decade as well)
  • The PAC: Cal Poly's Performing Arts Center
  • SLO: Common abbreviation of San Luis Obispo
Points of Interest
  • Avila Beach
  • Bishop’s Peak
  • Bubblegum Alley
  • Hearst Castle
  • Madonna Inn
  • Montana de Oro

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The atmosphere of San Luis Obispo is very relaxed and friendly. The atmosphere in town is comfortable. Although SLO is a college town, it is also a tourist destination, so there are occasional tensions between college students, locals, and business people, but in general everyone gets along. Visit Bubblegum Alley, Bishop’s Peak, the “P,” the beaches, the men’s bathroom at the Madonna Inn, and Montana de Oro state park. The only other college in the area is a local junior college, Cuesta, but the majority of students there are attempting to get into Cal Poly anyway.

There are very few places that would be considered dangerous, but most stay clear of the nude beach (fortunately, it’s small). There are also increasing numbers of homeless people downtown. The students, especially those used to large cities, are disappointed by the lack of pop culture activities available. Most will come to enjoy the fact that outdoor activities are the norm here. Whether or not they are the athletic type, all students will end up trying some sort of physical activity, such as surfing, kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing. There are many opportunities to engage in all of these pastimes.

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Cal Poly Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

Inkie

Animal Sciences '15

4.6
A

An Excellent Town

San Luis Obispo is a fun, exciting, and safe place to go to school/live. The locals are very kind, and Oprah rated San Luis Obispo as the happiest city in America!

May 23, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

mlsponce

Electrical Engineering Technician '13

5.0
A+

SLO Behavior

Everyone here in San Luis Obispo is extremely friendly and everyone is very welcoming. The environment is great and the weather is also very great.

Mar 26, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

mbsperry

Engineering '15

5.0
A+

Small, Tight Knit Community, Great School

I have really enjoyed my first quarter at Cal Poly. It was a perfect choice for me. There are a lot of things to do and everything is close enough to get to.

Jan 10, 2012

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User rating for California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo - Local Atmosphere is 4.6 out of 5 based on 35 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • Albertson’s Shopping Center
  • Madonna Plaza Shopping Center
  • Madonna Road shops
Major Sports Teams None:
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities Los Angeles: CA: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Fremont Theatre
1025 Monterey St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 541-2141

The Movie Experience 7 at Downtown Centre
888 Marsh St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 546-8600

Palm Theatre
817 Palm St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 541-5161

Sunset Drive-in Theatre
255 Elks Ln.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 544-4475

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Sarah Parr
Hometown
Simi Valley, CA
Major
Journalism/Pre-Law

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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