California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoMove-In Guide
San Luis Obispo, California
🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1901🔗 www.calpoly.edu
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's campus is anchored by The Powerhouse, its oldest standing building since 1909-1910 and a former student-run power plant embodying the university's own "Learn by Doing" philosophy, with all first-year students required to live on campus for their first two years amid a $1 billion Future Housing Plan, the largest housing investment in university history.
Enrollment
22,313
Total Students
Freshman Class
5,578
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 17, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
28%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Students must present a government-issued ID or PolyCard (the Cal Poly ID) at check-in. Check-in locations and instructions are sent by email and posted on move-in maps prior to arrival. Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, Cal Poly is transitioning from quarters to semesters, so academic year housing contracts now run from August through May and include fall and spring breaks; winter break is not included and requires a separate sign-up. Ongoing construction as part of the university's Future Housing Plan may affect noise levels - bring noise-canceling headphones if sensitive to construction sounds. Do not use GPS once you arrive in San Luis Obispo - it will not reflect your specific entry point, traffic routes, or drop-off zone.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Follow the Mustang Move-in map for arrival day, specific to your housing assignment - maps show your designated campus entry point, traffic routes, drop-off zones, long-term parking, shuttle info, and resident check-in locations. If you enter through the wrong campus entry point, you will be turned around.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Absolutely no RVs, oversized vehicles, U-Hauls, or trailers - they cannot navigate the height limits of parking structures, sharp turns on campus roads, or the standard-size drop-off zones. No re-entry to campus via Grand Avenue will be permitted until after 6 p.m.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Sierra Madre Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Yosemite Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 18 - August 23, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$16,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy1.5 miles
- Target3.5 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.