For all you freshmen out there who have no idea where you are living next year: I got you. Because a year ago, I was just as clueless as you are. As if the limited Cal Poly housing wasn't stressful enough, they make you meet all these early deadlines and know exactly who you want to live with by, like, week eight of fall quarter. Many freshmen don’t even know where to start looking for housing. If like me you aren’t blessed with a hook-up to a house as a sophomore, here are some options for you to consider.

Lee Arms

Lee Arms (shoutout) is located at 258 California Blvd, it has 21 units that typically four tenants occupy. It has a grassy courtyard that is great for lounging, tanning, and congregating with friends. It's relatively close to campus and central to most of the other living options in the area, A.K.A. your friends will be nearby. However, Lee Arm’s applications are due very early and it is a very in-demand apartment complex, so I had to apply in December of my freshman year to solidify a spot. I also had to know who I was living with and we all had to be ready to sign by late January. If this time constraint doesn't sound feasible to you, there are many other amazing options in the area.

Cedar Creek

Many of my friends live in Cedar Creek, which is located right across the way from Lee Arms. It is better known as "The Jungle." In order to get to Cedar Creek, you have to pass through a tunnel that goes under the tracks. Don’t be alarmed by the name that the tunnel has been given over the years, it is a very short tunnel and Cedar Creek also provides security to ensure a safe environment for its tenants. All of my friends that have lived there have enjoyed their time and many are reoccupying come next fall. I have one word for you: DISHWASHER. They have them and it is glorious. You totally appreciate all the times you used your dishwasher at home or your mother did your dishes for you. Thankfully, Cedar Creek has many other reasons to join the fam.

Carhill

Another option are the Carhill apartments right on Foothill Blvd., which is super close to campus and in general, very accessible. However, they are all privately owned, so that means you would have to find tenants that are moving out and have them pass along their owners information to you. I’ve heard it is definitely worth the extra effort.

Pike Apartments

Campus Pointe, better known as Pike apartments, are brand new beautiful apartments located on Foothill Blvd., directly next to campus. You could not be in a better location than Pike apartments, you basically step out of your apartment and are on campus. The apartments are much more luxurious than your typical San Luis Obispo apartment complex. However, all these added luxuries hike up the price and Pike apartments can turn out to be pretty expensive.

Mustang Village

I am sure most of you are familiar with Mustang Village. Many people are turned off by Mustang Village for one reason or another, however I have many friends that live there and they have few complaints. It is very close to campus and has cut-throughs that make the walk even quicker. There are also many amenities that come along with being a resident at Mustang. Some include a private gym, pools, on-site laundry, study rooms, a TV room, a front office that provides tea and food, and last, but not least, dishwashers. Clearly, I get pretty stoked about dishwashers.

These were just a few options to get you started, since I know the search for housing can be treacherous even when you aren’t a freshman anymore. I hope some of these ideas can make the hunt a little easier.