Now that I’m almost graduated from college, I have enough credibility to give you this advice, so listen closely… Here are some of the most important things that I would give to someone about to go to Cal Poly SLO:
Spend more time outside. Especially in San Luis Obispo, there is so much fun to be had and memories to be made from doing things outside. Whether that be laying out at Shell Beach, rolling around in the Montana De Oro sand dunes, visiting the Leaning Pine Arboretum on campus, etc… Get some sun! You will be shocked at the dopamine you get from the sights you could see.
On that note, go on a hike! We live in an area notorious for hiking of all levels of difficulty. Definitely do the Tri-Tip challenge, completing the P, Madonna, and Bishop’s Peak hikes before finding your way to Firestone downtown for a Tri-Tip sandwich. Another notable mention is the Bluff Trail hike in MDO.Â
Don’t take your education for granted. You go to an incredible school with incredible professors, which most people don’t get to experience. Try to go to class and develop relationships with your professors and your classmates, and get engaged in the learning. I ended up becoming really close with some of my professors and now have great letters of rec for future jobs and an awesome advisor for my senior project (shoutout Professor Fitzhenry– who will be retiring after Spring of 2026). Taking advantage of the education you have been provided with is cool.
Say yes! This has been something I’ve especially tried to be good about during my last year of college…say yes to more things. You will regret not doing something more than you will regret doing it. Make as many memories with as many people as you can before your college years go away.
Become a part of something! I joined Her Campus’s editorial team my sophomore year of college looking for more girls to become friends with. There were zero intentions behind it aside from meeting new people and exercising my love of writing in a group. Now, two years later, I have completely devoted myself to this club and these girls that I love as the president of our Cal Poly Chapter. I have also met some of my best friends in the club who have made my college years some of the best years of my life so far. You never know where things can take you.
Take advantage of the amenities at school. This might be kind of an obvious one, but we pay so much to go to school at Cal Poly, the least you can do is take advantage of everything available. For one, go to the health center. The medicine there is significantly cheaper than spending $17 on Midol at Target, the appointments are actually somewhat helpful, and they offer a bunch of different services for free or very cheap ranging from therapy appointments to pap smears (speaking from experience, I recommend). Another amenity to take advantage of is the REC! Take the pilates class, use the pool, play some racquetball…there are not many other times in your life where you will be able to have so many workout opportunities available for “free,” and the classes are actually pretty fun! Try to take yoga with Lynn if you can. Also, remember that the food pantry and Front Porch are available for free coffee and food. You don’t have to be stuck with Vista Grande or spending your last $20 at Food for Less. And use the library! I might be biased since I work there, but it is a great space to be productive and get your schoolwork done in a quiet (depending on the floor) area for free.
Try to engage in all of the Cal Poly SLO specific activities offered at least once. Go to the rodeo, do something for St. Frattys (even though it’s kind of done now), get ice cream at the creamery, hangout on Dexter during passing period, get tickets for Shabang and for Beerfest, go to the Thursday night Farmers Market, do all of it. It’s fun to get involved in all of the things that Cal Poly SLO students are known to do, just so you can say that you’ve done them!
Introduce yourself to everyone. Freshman year, get familiar with everyone in your dorm (or at least on your floor). Sophomore year, say hi to your apartment neighbors. Junior and senior year, make friends with all of the houses surrounding you and have a housewarming party to hangout with said neighbors. There are potential friends and connections everywhere in our little college town, so take advantage of it. Knocking on the door next to you might be the start of your closest friendship, or one really weird wine night…Â
Try to have wiggle room in your schedule to take a class you’ve always wanted to. Look more into all of the GE’s available and take something that piques your interest within areas that you wouldn’t normally take. For example, try to take an English class with John Hampsey, even if you aren’t an English major– you will not regret it.Â
Learn how to use public transit! This is especially important for those of you without cars, as you can get to pretty much anywhere you want with a bus for free as a student. You can get downtown with the buses, you are now able to get to grocery stores with the new systems available, and you can use the Amtrak to get home for break.Â
Look into possible minors or certificates available that you would want to add on to your degree. I’m an English major that was introduced to the Technical and Professional Communications Certificate through a mutual friend my sophomore year, and decided to enroll in it my senior year. I am now about to graduate with the certificate on my degree and it is my main interest in terms of jobs once I am done with school! You never know what kind of interests you might find through other areas of your degree.Â
Try to breathe and enjoy it. You will never get these years back, and even though you need to focus on school and potentially work, do your best to take a step back every now and then and live in the moment. “These are our years, Kendall,” as Kylie Jenner would say. You’re finally out living on your own, take advantage of it. Good luck to you all!Â