Hi I’m from the Pasadena, LA area and I’m going to be attending San Luis Obispo in 3 weeks for the fall quarter. I’m having a lot of second guesses about my decision to attend SLO and I was hoping I could talk them out with other people who may feel similar.
First off for my dorm I got the towers and I never heard of their rowdy reputation before but now I am quite worried because I enjoy kickbacks but I am for sure not a drink every weekend type. In addition my roommates applied for a double together after they met at orientation but got a triple with me so it feels like I am already the odd one out. They also both plan on rushing and I for sure do not.
I’m also worried about how small the downtown is. Coming from Pasadena I’m used to millions of options for everything and I’m afraid I lost out on a lot of that when I picked SLO.
Finally, at orientation a few weeks ago I didn’t find anyone similar to me and it was really disheartening because I really did try to find people of all sorts but found no one I really connected with. Most of the people from so cal weren’t from the Pasadena/LA area and I just felt like I didn’t belong.
I’ve had a week to think about all of this since most of my friends left about a week ago as they are on the semester system and I find myself getting tangled in these negative thoughts. Much of the reason I chose SLO was for the cost. UW was always a dream of mine but the price was way too much. I always dreamed a school in a city like Seattle with those amazing trees all around. Could anyone help me calm my nerves?
Try not to worry so much. It is a huge step and it is normal for you to be concerned about your decision (you are probably a person who sees the glass as half-empty, instead of half-full: just naturally more cautious).
On a personal note…My D is also starting at CPSLO. She’s in the red bricks and guess where her random roommate is from – “Pasadena” ! If you don’t like your dorm room you are allowed to switch after a week or two. However, I doubt your roommates made that deep of a connection at orientation. There is no rule that says you have to be best friends with your roommates, just try and get along.
You will find friends, you have some now don’t you? From what I heard, orientation wasn’t the best place to connect, as many students were there with family and friends (WOW, will be better). Also, try out reddit/calpoly where you will get advice/input from actual CPSLO students.
Have you joined the Cal Poly Class of 2020 Facebook group? You may be able to make some connections there. Going to college is a huge transition, no matter where you go. Some things will be challenging, but chances are you will make some good friends and you will find things about SLO that you really like. I have heard that WOW is a great time to meet people and do fun stuff, so hopefully that will work out well for you.
I just saw this today. You’re probably moving into your dorm as I’m typing! I live in SLO and have met hundreds of CP-SLO grads who felt the same way you do when they arrived, and now wish they could return to SLO for good. You will learn to love it here. The locals are nice and the area is beautiful. If you need to get away, hop on the bus and head for the beach, or jump on a bike and hit a local trail.