This story originally appeared in The Peak, Mustang Media Group’s arts and student culture magazine. Check out more from “The Peak: Sh*t we weren’t told, the Adulting Issue.”
Dorm life can be an adjustment for first-year students learning to live on their own. Being surrounded by other students in a single building, sharing a room and having limited resources can be a challenge.
Everyone knows to bring the basics like a mattress topper and shower caddy, but there are a few Cal Poly-specific items I kept around that made dorm life a lot more livable. Here’s a collection of must-have objects you might not think to keep in your dorm sweet dorm.
Umbrella
The beginning of fall quarter welcomes students with warm weather and clear skies, but don’t be fooled, a rainy season always follows. Because San Luis Obispo experiences a fair amount of rainstorms in the winter, you’re going to need a sturdy umbrella that won’t collapse in the wind.
Sure, the Cal Poly Bookstore sells umbrellas, but they can be pricey, as are the ones at downtown boutiques. With atmospheric rivers (shoutout 2023) and extreme weather, it is best to prepare yourself in advance.
I learned this the hard way during my freshman year when I woke up to blaring flood warning alerts, and the only thing I had was a small, flimsy umbrella.
Screwdriver
Specific to the Sierra Madre and Yosemite towers, a screwdriver is the key to discovering what was left behind for you. In one of the two closets, is a panel on the wall that can only be opened with a screwdriver. Inside, my neighbors and I found everything from seltzers to handwritten notes tucked away by whoever lived there before us.
Hammock
Enrolling in Cal Poly basically means signing up to be dropped off in the middle of nature. Most students find themselves spending more time outdoors than they expected, so you might as well take advantage of it! One of the most popular and relaxing ways to do that on campus is with a hammock.
The numerous trees around campus make it easy to set one up for a group hangout, or even for some solo reading, because trust me, you’re going to want to find an easy activity that gets you out of your crowded dorm.
Cowboy boots
As much as I wanted to resist the San Luis Obispo country aesthetic, I had to give in to cowboy boots eventually. Between the Cal Poly Rodeo, Shabang and themed dayges, cowboy boots quickly became a fashion staple.
Not only do they make an appearance at every event, but also get students through the trails of dirt and mud along the way. Both practical and fashionable for Cal Poly, you’re going to need a pair of cowboy boots or boots of a similar kind.
Air fryer
The day my mom sent me to school with an air fryer, I had no idea what I’d ever do with it. As a freshman, you get dining dollars, and the grocery store isn’t exactly close enough for regular trips. However, it didn’t take long for Vista Grande’s dining options to get old, and suddenly that air fryer became the only thing saving me from the stale and flavorless chicken tenders.
Instead, I could warm up my own, and before I knew it, my appliance became a tower favorite. By the end of the year, my air fryer stayed in the common room where we would cook everything from Trader Joe’s frozen snacks to an entire chicken.
If you’re debating bringing an air fryer or any kitchen appliance, just do it, but make sure to hide it well during room checks. If an air fryer isn’t in your budget, consider bringing a variety of different seasonings to spice up the Vista Grande food, because trust me, you’re going to need it.
Reusable cup
Whether it’s a fun drink for St. Fratty’s or a coffee on the way to class, a reusable cup is a must. With so many events on- and off-campus involving walking, it’s the easiest way to keep a drink with you.
Luckily, the school already gives us a reusable cup for the soda machines around campus, which also makes a great chase or to-go cup for other beverages. For those early mornings and classes, I recommend using the reusable cup for your leftover Scout latte from the morning before.
Hiking shoes
The hikes in San Luis Obispo can be rocky and steep, which regular sneakers aren’t fit for. As my friends and I have learned the hard way, you’re bound to slip unexpectedly. Not to mention, rattlesnake season, which creeps up around the spring.
In spring 2023, the school sent out an email warning that rattlesnakes had been spotted near the dorms and along the trails, reminding students to wear suitable shoes when hiking. Whether it’s to avoid an embarrassing mid-hike tumble, or to protect yourself the day you actually cross paths with a snake, hiking shoes are the way to go.
With hiking shoes on the pricier side, there are plenty of outdoor stores that have occasional sales. A bit of a drive away, but worth the Uber is REI. It always has a sale section for members, and additional sales throughout the year. The Switchback on Marsh Street, also has used outdoor gear for discounted prices.
Tote bag
A tote bag is something most of us already own, but with all the things you have to remember to pack for college, don’t overlook it. San Luis Obispo is a place where tote bags come in extra handy for activities like the Farmers Market or a beach day. I ended up doing both pretty often, and found it’s a lot easier to haul one tote back to the dorm rather than juggle multiple small bags.
Plague preparation
The crowded buildings and shared spaces create a widespread spread of germs — and the age-old, yet inevitable, “poly plague.” You’ll realize this quickly, as you find yourself sniffling and coughing every few weeks due to the same cold your neighbors are experiencing. That’s why keeping a stash of medicine on deck is essential.
Whether it’s a bulk pack of NyQuil and DayQuil from Costco, or discounted remedies from the health center, there are plenty of college-budget-friendly ways to fight off the not-so-friendly plague. For all my Red-Brick, Sierra Madre and even Yosemite warriors, black mold is another battle growing in the window seal. A humidifier might be the only thing that saves you from becoming a double target of illness.
For more stories from “Sh*t we weren’t told, the Adulting Issue” check out the full edition.
