If you’re a freshman at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, you’ve probably gone through WOW week, SLO days, and many other orientation activities where you’ve had lots of information thrown at you about how to best get through your freshman year at Cal Poly. But if you’re looking to thrive, not just survive, here’s some tips from current and past students that helped them make the best of their time as the newest members of the Mustang family.
1. Take full advantage of the 24 hour study room at Kennedy Library.
Located on the first floor of the Kennedy Library is Hub24, a study space that can be accessed by students 24/7, and has over 50 PC and Mac computers for students to use at any time. Your student ID is needed to get in, so don’t forget it!
2. You can get free meals from Cal Poly!
It’s no secret that college is expensive. Sometimes, you may not be able to afford all the food you need for the next few days or maybe even weeks, and that’s okay. Cal Poly’s Health Center has you covered! The Health Center has a food pantry that is free to all students, and you can get 10 free meal vouchers each quarter, good at all restaurants on campus!
3. Your major doesn’t dictate what clubs you can join.
While it’s good to become involved with clubs related to your major or college, you might end up meeting some of your best friends in a club that has nothing to do with your major. With over 300 organizations on campus, you’re sure to find a club that’s a great fit for you!
4. Get to know your instructors… and make sure they know you.
On the first day of class, take time to go to your professor, shake their hand and introduce yourself. They will remember this interactions, and will be more willing to help you when you need it. Maintain the relationship – drop by your professor’s office hours a, not just during midterms and finals. One day, you may need a letter of recommendation, and you’ll be much more likely to get it from an instructor who knows you well.
5. “Learn by Doing” isn’t just a motto… it’s a lifestyle.
Within days of starting classes at Cal Poly, you will find yourself immersed in activities, labs, and programs specially designed to give students the most enriching, hands-on experience possible. Not sure which one is best for you? Visit your academic counselor and talk to professors about the programs you’re interested in, and how you can get involved!
6. Take full advantage of the rec center.
The Cal Poly Rec Center is one of the “Coolest in the Country” according to Men’s Health magazine, and for good reason! The rec center has a number of facilities, including an indoor track, three fitness studios, two pools, a climbing park, and more! They are also home to PolyEscapes, a program that takes students on a number of outdoor adventures throughout the year, such as hiking in the Sierras and kayaking at Avila Beach.
7. Cal Poly is ranked as the 39th smartest public university in the US because of its students… live up to this reputation.
You’re going to make mistakes in college. Everyone does, and when you do, the best thing you can do is fix it (if you can), learn from it, and move on. But avoid big mistakes that can get you put on academic probation, kicked out of your dorm, suspended, or even expelled. Partying and skipping class may seem like a good idea at the time, but you’ll come to regret it when you realize you have no chance of passing your finals because you’ve forgotten to study for the past six weeks.
8. Make the most of these years – you can never get them back.
The quality of the next four years of your life are going to depend on one thing – you. You can make or break your life at Cal Poly with each choice you make during your time here, so be aware of the consequences of your decisions. This is an amazing school, and being a Mustang is a unique experience, so make the most of it while you can!