Just trying to wrap my head around the housing at cal Poly. We are still in the decision phase (still waiting for some reach schools) but have been accepted for fall 2017- if we do not put our housing deposit on April 1st and wait until May 1st will the chances of getting housing be more difficult?
What dorm would you recommend to request and why?
Confused Mom
The longer you wait to apply for housing, the lower the chances for your preferred housing choices.
All freshmen are required to live on campus, so you will get housing, just less likely you will get your first choice. In general, very general, red bricks are more typical dorms somewhat divided by school and more “academic”, Towers are considered more social and party oriented, but Cal Poly is trying to fight that by not offering many choices that attract party kids but the reputation (see reddit for example) is hard to break. The apartments used to give a lot more room, many have been converted from 4 single bedroom apartments to 3 double bedroom (bunk beds only) apartments with the 4th bedroom now either a study room or the “living” room. Some complain they are less social since you tend to spend time in your apartment rather than in social areas, but they are loved by many. It is likely the last year freshmen will have the option to live in the apartments.
If you end up choosing Cal Poly, I highly recommend doing a housing tour, if you are able. My current freshman son had ideas about his priorities that completely switched after we went on the tour. One of the less straightforward things about housing is that you can’t actually request a particular building, you have to request learning communities. The learning communities are often associated with certain buildings (e.g. major-specific communities are usually in the Red Bricks, otherwise know as South Mountain), but there are no guarantees that they will stay the same from year to year.
My son is in one of the double suite apartments in Cerro Vista. The bedrooms are definitely cramped with bunk beds, dressers and wardrobes, but it has turned out just fine for him. He has 5 great guys to live with and he and his actual roommate aren’t in the room together much beyond sleeping at night. They all spend time together at home in the living area or study room (two separate spaces). Having a kitchen has been a really positive experience for him.
You will find folks who are passionate about every housing option. They all have pros and cons. Go with what feels right to you.
Since your son has lived in a double at cerro vista, and I am hoping to do the same I was wondering if you knew if he was able to choose his room and roommate in the apartment or if he was assigned both?