Nearly 5,800 new Cal Poly students are moving into on-campus housing Tuesday and Wednesday.
The move-in comes nearly a month earlier than in previous years as Cal Poly transitions from a quarter system to a semester system.
For first-year students, move-in marks the beginning of a new chapter.
“I’m looking forward to just meeting all new people, all new friends. It's awesome just starting the chapter two out here,” said Sergio Barron, a first-year forest and fire sciences student.
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong toured campus during move-in, greeting students and their families as they settled into their new homes.
“Our first-ever fall semester,” Armstrong said, calling it “a lot of excitement” and “a great day to be a Mustang.”
For some families, the excitement came with a mix of emotions.
“We're really excited for her, but also, you know, feeling a little bit sad,” said Vanessa Shim, Cal Poly mom to Olivia Shim. “Trying not to cry today, I did bring tissues in my purse, and that’s why I’m wearing sunglasses.”
Another 3,300 continuing students are expected to move into campus housing Friday and Saturday.
The influx of students is expected to bring busier streets, limited parking and detours around campus as San Luis Obispo adjusts to the back-to-school rush.
The city has also launched a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone that is in effect through Aug. 31.
During that period, fines for certain violations, including noise, unruly gatherings and open-container violations, are doubled. City officials say the effort is designed to help keep the community safe as students return to town.
Classes at Cal Poly are scheduled to begin Monday.
