<p>I thought maybe it’s time for an update on need to information as the old threads are looking a little dated by now. Some possible questions: What are the benefits/drawbacks of certain dorms? What is the latest reasonable time to sign up for on-campus housing? Which meal plan is recommended? Is it feasible to change your major after the first quarter? Dorms vs. on-campus apartments? Survival tips, etc…</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Poly Canyon Village:
Pretty bad for first years. The apartments are nice, but you’ll be stuck in the back of PCV away from all the other freshmen. You also get less food money because they expect you too cook more and use less campus dining. PCV is also the farthest away from campus. Most sophomores live in PCV, so if you can hold off living here for 1 year I would highly advise that.</p>
<p>Cerro Vista Suite-Style Apartments:
Another apartment style, it’s decent. It still lacks the “freshmen dorm” feeling because you’re in an apartment. It can be a bit of a walk depending on which one you’re in (still closer than PCV). Overall, a better option than PCV for freshmen.</p>
<p>Trinity, Santa Lucia, Muir, Sequoia, Fremont, Tenaya:
Also called the “red bricks”, each one is focused towards one of the colleges. For example, trinity is for most liberal arts majors, tenaya for business, and santa lucia for engineering. Each red brick has 3 floors and each floor has 2 wings. Males and females are on one side of the wings. There is a common room in the first floor and a study lounge. They are pretty cramped if you get a triple, but all the dorms are pretty social because you’ll share internal hallways and large bathrooms for your floor.</p>
<p>The North Mountain Dorms:
North mountain is mainly engineering students (60%), but there is a good mix of all majors here. Each of the 5 buildings is motel style meaning the walkways are outside facing. Each room has two doors: 1 to the outside, and 1 to the restroom. 1 restroom is shared between 4 rooms. The north mountain dorms are much more spacious than the red bricks and offer much larger windows and fresh air. North mountain is social, but not as much as the red bricks or the towers, but this may promote better studying habits. North mountain residents don’t have a common area, but have access cards to the entire santa lucia hall giving them a close by study lounge and hangout spot. They are the located nicely equidistant from both of the main dining areas and are a short walk to the engineering buildings and library.</p>
<p>Sierra Madre and Yosemite:
The towers are supposedly themed, but from what I’ve heard it makes very little difference. The buildings are concrete and ugly, but if you can get over the aesthetics it isn’t that bad. There is a common are for each of the towers and they are located slightly far off campus. (Other side of campus than PCV). Often there will be lots of parties here weekends because it is the farthest off campus. If you don’t like excessive noise and partying, then this might not be the place for you. </p>
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<p>Get the freedom plan, you won’t regret it. 8 meal credits per week is harder to spend than you think.</p>
<p>Don’t forget that plus dollars roll over between quarters but meals don’t roll over per week.</p>
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<p>Yes it is feasible to change major after the first quarter. Generally the following will help: Switching from a more impacted major to a less impacted major, having a good Cal Poly GPA, staying on top of degree requirements and classes that will contribute to the new major.</p>
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<p>Survival tips:
-Try lots of clubs, there are plenty to try until you find ones that work
-GO TO TEACHERS OFFICE HOURS
-Talk to your advisors regularly
-Keep tabs on what you are spending time on. (school, work, sports, social etc) and balance accordingly
-go to every class.
-read the book and stay ontop of material
-get binders and organize your stuff, get a planner too.
-freshmen 15 is a thing. Don’t keep too many fatty snacks in your room.
-introduce yourself to everybody on your room/floor sooner rather than later.
-find buddies in your major
-sign up for free study groups
-plan your classes to take ahead of time.
-farmers market is cool and worth the time
-attend WOW (week of welcome)</p>
<p>Other tips:
<a href=“http://mustangnews.net/how-to-become-a-mustang-—-some-words-of-advice-for-prospective-students/”>http://mustangnews.net/how-to-become-a-mustang-—-some-words-of-advice-for-prospective-students/</a></p>
<p>@r77r77 I love you. I don’t know you, but I love you for this.</p>
<p>thanks a lot @r77r77!</p>
<p>Very accurate post, not sure I can add anything. Towers have more partiers typically, but haven’t heard much about it this year. and with all the walking and hills, and the mediocre food, the freshman 15 is often a loss rather than a gain.</p>