California Polytechnic State University - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Housing at Cal Poly is only guaranteed for freshman, and getting on campus after that is decided by raffle. Your best option is to move out. Students would rather live on their own than be packed like sardines in the dorms, but living off-campus is also give and take because there is a lot of responsibility. If you prefer to cook for yourself, or like to live with friends, it’s definitely better than on campus. However, living with friends is often a challenging way to test relationships. Some will break, but others will last for the rest of your life. School life is easiest if you live close to campus, but housing prices tend to be higher around the campus area.

If you wind up moving farther away, make sure your abode is near a bus stop that runs to campus or prepare to leave early because of traffic and parking. Housing prices continue to rise, so look early and look hard. Beware of evil landlords—they may not be so helpful or nice. Housing in San Luis is very profitable for owners because it is scarce, so apartments tend to be a little behind on maintenance. If you’re thinking of moving into a complex, talk to other tenants to see how satisfied they are with the landlord’s responses and willingness to do repairs. Also make sure you’ve inspected the apartment you will be living in for mold. This is a problem in the area and can be dangerous to health.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Cales says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Psychology

Off-campus housing can be tricky,... Off-campus housing can be tricky, but this is a college town so you will find something. Try Poly Canyon, too. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 19, 2009 Report

CalBL says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Engineering

It's pretty convenient. There are... It's pretty convenient. There are a lot of places very close to campus and lots more farther away. It's easy to manage off-campus housing. No stress about not being able to find a place to live. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 16, 2009 Report

CalBW says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Engineering

Off-campus housing is abundant and... Off-campus housing is abundant and extremely close to campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 02, 2009 Report

CalKM says: California Polytechnic State University 2015 Philosophy and Religion

Trying to find a house in a good... Trying to find a house in a good location is hard, especially if money is tight. Second-year living is pretty reasonable on campus, and the facilities are really nice. Apartments are the easiest route for good locations. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: February 23, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I love living off campus. It can... I love living off campus. It can get a little pricey, but I like the responsibility of being on my own. It gives me a sense of being in the real world. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Most Recent Contributing Author

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

Sarah is into astrology.

Contributing Author Internship

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more about the internship.