By
Editor’s Note Sydnie Bierma
After winning multiple awards for SLO Living over the years — including Best Living (Renters) Guide from the College Media Business and Advertising Managers in 2024 and third place Best Special Issue/Section from the California College Media Association in 2024 — it is my pleasure to bring you SLO Living 2025.
San Luis Obispo, also known as SLO, is filled with so many things to experience. Whether that’s food, activities or destinations. In this edition of SLO Living we’ll cover daily life essentials like what local grocery store to shop at, what workout space to use and cleaning hacks for around the house. We’ll also discuss different weekend activities from fine dining to exploring pottery options around the city. Additionally, we’ll highlight how to embrace San Luis Obispo’s country lifestyle.
Whatever your interests, I hope you find something new on every page. Whether you’re new to the San Luis Obispo community or a graduating senior at Cal Poly, I hope you utilize this edition to your advantage.
- Sydnie
Country living SLO
By: Samantha Orradre
style
While strolling through San Luis Obispo, you are sure to see an equal number of flip flops and cowboy boots, signifying that the city is a mix of coastal and cowboy. It’s easy to slip on a swimsuit and tan at the beach, but engaging in classic Western activities can take a bit more effort. Fear not, because if you want to pull on cowboy boots for anything other than a country themed party, here are some ways to help you experience the country living in San Luis Obispo.
Get your boots
First things first, a good pair of boots. Pop on down to Boot Barn located at 491 Madonna Rd. for an array of options. They have everything from classic leather to metallic purple square toes. If you need some help, simply ask an assistant and they will get you sorted. Farm Supply Company on 224 Tank Farm Rd. has everything from Wranglers to animal feed, so it’s worth stopping in if you need a reliable pair of jeans or a hat fit for a cowboy. You can’t forget about accessories and luckily, downtown is home to a variety of cute boutiques harboring Western goods. Summerland Co. at 1023 Morro St. seasonally rotates their stock, but consistently has country inspired clothes. From the outside, The Ritual at 787 Higuera St. may advertise as a barbershop, but they also sell an assortment of Western accessories from hats to broaches.
Saddle up
If you’re going to go through the trouble of picking up a decent pair of boots, you might as well get them dirty. Madonna Inn offers a one hour trail ride for $125 per person. Whether you have been riding since birth or this is your first time on a horse, riders of all levels are welcome. You can book a reservation between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at https://www.madonnainn.com/trail-
rides-1. If you want to see an operating cattle ranch with lush terrain, Central Coast Trailrides offers horseback rides along the 14,000 acre Santa Margarita Ranch with prices starting at $130 per person. The sunset ridgeline tour provides views of the expansive valley and its vineyards. Call or text 805-610-1306 to book any day of the week and visit https://www.cctrailrides.com/booking for more information.
Get some BBQ
After all that horseback riding, a country lunch is in order and BBQ is the only answer. Whether you are hankering for a rack of ribs, side of coleslaw or pulled pork sandwich, located at 1001 Higuera St., Firestone Grill has got you covered. For a historical classic, their tri-tip is worth a try. The tri-tip cut originated in Santa Maria – just 30 minutes south of San Luis Obispo – alongside a unique cooking style utilizing red oak.
You cannot call yourself a cowboy or a San Luis Obispo local, until you’ve tried it. Also situated on Higuera St., Old SLO BBQ Co. specializes in Santa Maria style BBQ by pre-
paring family recipes that date back nearly a century. Beyond their chicken sandwich and BBQ sauce, they house 33 craft taps if you need a cold beer to cool down after your trail ride.
Boot scoot and boogie
To round out the perfect country day, head to the dance floor for some country classics and line dancing. The Libertine at 1234 Broad St. hosts line dancing every Wednesday with live lessons, partner dancing and free style. You can find more information at https://libertinebrewing.com/publiceventsatlibertine.
If you want to stay on campus, the Cal Poly Country Line Dance Club hosts a workshop every Friday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where you can learn two to three dances. If you are fairly new to line dancing, I suggest going earlier because the dances increase in difficulty as the night goes on. Make sure to bring $2 in cash for the entrance fee and keep an eye on their Instagram @calpolycldc for updates.
GET ACTIVE GET EXPLORING and
ALTERNATIVE WORKOUT OPPORUNTUNITIES IN SLO
By Ava Welcher
At the start of 2025, many of us resoluted to become more active – whether in the form of going to the gym, getting outside or buying a class membership. Then, at the start of the school year, we restated the resolution and said, “this quarter, I’ll go to the Recreation Center.” But whether or not we stayed true to our resolutions, the busy treadmills and crowded stair climbers have a funny way of discouraging us all the way back to our couches at home. Luckily, there are many dynamic options to choose from in town, to combine working out with exploring San Luis Obispo. With 2025 coming to a close, let’s resolve not only to get active, but to get off campus while we’re at it.
Off Campus Classes
1.For an energizing pilates experience, Ritual Reform at 3055 Duncan Rd. is a great option. Workouts involve the reformer machine, so cardio and strength training come together on the platform, which serves as a tool to guide and aid the exercise. Each class at 50 minutes long, creates the perfect amount of time to have a continually productive day outside of your workout, but just long enough that you’ll be winded by the end. The small class sizes, of only about eight and fun playlists make Ritual Reform a great in-town pilates option. They also offer a student discount. For memberships, visit https://www.ritualreform.com/ for more information.
2.If the reformer machine isn’t your cup of tea, Spark Yoga offers numerous classes in a variety of forms, from barre
to flow. With three different locations in San Luis Obispo, classes vary not only in theme, but in length, so you can customize your workout itinerary depending on what you’re looking for. Spark Yoga incorporates heated classes and hosts different events, like candlelit workouts, wellness popups and restorative workshops. The new member special offers three classes for $50. For more information on membership prices, visit https://sparkslo.com/.
3.If the prospect of heated exercise piqued your interest, Hotworx studio at 790 Foothill Blvd. is another great choice. Workouts are held in a sauna that uses infrared energy to help strengthen and activate the regenerative processes
in the human body, according to the Hotworx website. Classes range in length from 15 to 30 minutes, but since they involve heat, they are a quick option for the same level of impact as a longer class. Yoga and pilates are two of the many class varieties Hotworx offers, in addition to barre, stretch and other workouts targeting particular parts of the body. For information on the different membership levels offered, visit https://www.hotworx.net/.
Alternative Workout Opportunities
1.Head to Morro Bay and rent a paddleboard for a scenic experience and a workout in arm and core strength, as well as balance. It may not be your typical workout option, but in no conventional gym setting can you see seals and sea otters. And if balance isn’t your strong suit, opting for a kayak is just as engaging for your arms. Morro Bay Paddlesports offers paddleboard and kayak rentals at $30 for one hour and $50 for two or more. They’re open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding Wednesdays and from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information visit their website at https:// www.paddlemorrobay.com/.
2.For a more standard workout, Emerson Fitness Park at 1316 Beach St. offers typical exercise equipment, like bars, boxes and other calisthenic instruments. The workout options are endless and completely customizable, but rather than being trapped indoors, Emerson Fitness Park features all of these tools in an outdoor environment, helping you reconnect with nature in addition to your body for
no charge. The hours for the park are from dusk to dawn. For an alternative to the Recreation Center basketball courts, Emerson Fitness Park also has a basketball and bocce ball court. For questions about the park call 805-781-7222.
3.No
San Luis Obispo workout list would be complete without including a few trails. Visit the Irish Hills Natural Reserve for numerous hiking or biking route options ranging in distance and altitude. Enjoy mountain or ocean views depending on the trail you pick. The Reservoir Canyon Trail is another great option. At about 5.5 miles long, it’s a more strenuous choice, but the views of Reservoir Creek Falls make it worthwhile.
Even though 2025 is winding down, don’t let these last few months go to waste. Explore the different workout options San Luis Obispo has to offer, while also exploring the city itself.
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Text (833) 879-6838
Address
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2026–2027
APP LY ON LIN E TODAY O R S CH EDUL E A TOU R!
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Phone (805) 621-7664
Text (833) 879-6839
Address
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At Palomar, you’ll maximize your educational and social experiences as a student in San Luis Obispo. Located just minutes from campus, our apartments, with individually keyed
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Weekdays 11:00am – 9:00 pm
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11560 Los Osos Valley Rd #190
San Luis Obispo, CA
FARMERS MARKETS you haven’t discovered yet
By Allison Weil
As the seasons pass, farmers markets thrive year-round here in San Luis Obispo County, offering locals and visitors a true taste of the Central Coast. Aside from the iconic Thursday farmers market downtown, four other local markets offer a more laid-back shopping experience.
Beyond farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, many of these markets also showcase local talent showcasing handmade art, jewelry, ceramics and more. You can always get your farmers fix on a busy Thursday downtown, but here are other days you can shop locally and support local farmers and businesses.
According to the SLO County Farmers’ Markets website, since 1978, the San Luis Obispo County Farmers’ Market Association has supported family-owned and operated farms by providing multiple marketplaces where they can offer fresh, high-quality products directly to residents in San Luis Obispo County. Today, SLOFMA hosts four weekly markets across the county. All participating farmers are required to sell only what they grow, and prepared food vendors must sell items they make themselves. These markets also accept EBT/CalFresh benefits with up to a $15 match available through the Market Match Program at the Thursday Morro Bay, Wednesday Arroyo Grande and Saturday San Luis Obispo markets.
Arroyo Grande Village Farmers Market
This Saturday market offers a cozy, small-town experience at the Village Swinging Bridge from noon to. 2:30 p.m. It has a mix of produce stands, local artists and musicians. It’s the perfect way to spend a slow Saturday afternoon shopping and soaking in the community vibes.
From sunrise markets, to coastal gatherings by the ocean, every market in San Luis Obispo County offers something special. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, every visit helps support the farmers, food makers and artists who make this community thrive.
Arroyo Grande Farmers Market
Start your Wednesday morning in Arroyo Grande for a relaxing midweek market featuring seasonal produce, freshly cut flowers, local honey and other items. Located at 1464 E Grand Ave. in the Smart & Final parking lot from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., this market is a smaller-size market for grabbing your weekly essentials.
Morro Bay Farmers Market
With Morro Bay’s coastal atmosphere, this market offers everything from locally grown citrus and avocados, to handmade soaps and baked goods. Every Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Spencer’s Fresh Markets parking lot at 2650 Main St., the setting makes it easy to enjoy a slow afternoon supporting local growers by the sea.
San Luis Obispo Saturday Farmers Market
Located in the World Market parking lot at 325 Madonna Rd. from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., this market is a weekend staple for locals. It showcases fresh vegetables, eggs, meats and flowers. While supporting local, you can grab a coffee nearby and make it part of your Saturday routine.
ART. COFFEE. COMMUNITY.
At the Bunker SLO we are cultivating a radically inclusive community that celebrates and supports original art and the creators behind it. We provide a place to study with always rotating artwork, monthly art openings on first Fridays, Wednesday lunches with Big Wave Sushi Truck, daily coffee and food provided by the Nautical Bean and evening hours and events coming soon. Follow us on instagram @thebunkerslo for more info.
810 Orcutt Rd. SLO
Nautical Bean daily hours M-F 6am-2pm Weekends 7am-2pm
BEST BITES in SLO fine dining
By Abigail Moran
San Luis Obispo is known for its farmers market snacks and endless casual meal options, but recently the fine-dining scene has expanded to new heights. From Peruvian-fusion to a classic steakhouse experience, San Luis Obispo has a highend dining selection that takes eating out to a whole new level.
Ox + Anchor: A modern steakhouse experience
Ox + Anchor at 877 Palm St. is a downtown gem that offers a modern take on the classic steakhouse. Its sleek marble bar and curated wine list situate this dinner spot as a sophisticated option for a night on the town. Each meal is prepared by Chef Ryan Fancher, a former Michelin-starred chef. The menu highlights premium cuts of meat paired with seasonal sides. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a night out, Ox + Anchor might be the perfect fit.
Mistura: Peruvian artistry
Want something more unique? Tucked away at 570 Higuera St. sits Mistura – a restaurant celebrating modern Peruvian cuisine, where every plate tells a story. With a small-plate system, it’s the spot to order six shareable dishes with names you don’t recognize. Be sure to try one of the ceviches, and if alcohol is a part of your dining wishes, the pisco sour is not something to pass up. The environment is just as vibrant as the flavors. It’s the kind of dining experience that feels like traveling to a new country without leaving the comfort of San Luis Obispo.
For more than two decades, Buona Tavola has been the heart of Italian dining in San Luis Obispo. Chef Antonio Varia brings Northern Italian cuisine to the Central Coast with a menu that prioritizes tradition and comfort. At 1037 Monterey St., the atmosphere feels timeless, with brick walls and candlelight. Homemade pasta, osso buco and tiramisu are must-try dishes, each meal prepared with the heart of a family kitchen.
Nate’s on Marsh: Intimate and local
At Nate’s on Marsh, fine dining feels personal. At 450 Marsh St., the restaurant offers a quiet hideaway where every detail matters. ”We host a lot of locals looking to celebrate anything from birthdays to anniversaries and even engagements, or college students on a date night splurge,” business senior and Nate’s on Marsh employee Cate Freudt said. Chef Nate Long’s approach is minimalist but intentional, combining skill with a passion for local produce and flavors, according to Freudt.
What makes San Luis Obispo’s fine dining scene so remarkable isn’t exclusivity – it’s heart. These chefs cook with passion, source locally and treat every plate as an opportunity to connect with their community.
Buona Tavola: Classic Italian with SLO soul
Stay Close to Campus. Cloaser to the Coast.
Just a short drive to San Luis Obispo, Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach is the perfect destination for Cal Poly families. Wake up to ocean views, enjoy beachfront dining at Pequín Coastal Cocina, and relax by the fire as the sun sets. It’s everything you love about the Central Coast, just steps from the sand.
Sip your way through
Beyond the bar culture in Downtown San Luis Obispo lie some sweet spots to grab a drink with a more cocktail-friendly ambience. From dimly lit speakeasies to rooftop views or jazz with a game of cards, San Luis Obispo offers several spots for a classy cocktail fix.
High Bar
Located on the rooftop of Hotel San Luis Obispo is High Bar, where the blueberry mojito becomes your best friend. Comfy couches and surrounding hills set the scene for a post-class wind down or Monday night hangout, when pizzas are half off. Signature cocktails are around $14, offering a fair price for such an elevated setting and generous pours. When the evenings turn chilly, don’t let the outdoor setting turn you away and ask your server for a blanket. High bar is open daily from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., serving a range of drinks and bites with one of the best views in town.
Sidecar
A spot known for its cocktails and comfort food by day transforms into a live jazz venue every Wednesday night in its downstairs lounge. This is the peak time to immerse yourself in a sip that brings you into a relaxing mood. Soft drums and a deep bass serve as the ideal rhythm for a game of cards or a sway in your seat. Either way, a drink is in hand, whether it’s a canned cider or a Moscow Mule. For an event like this, you’ll probably want to stick with what’s bottled or canned for more bang for your buck. Located at 1040 Broad St., Sidecar’s jazz night starts at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday until 10 p.m.
Feral Kitchen and Lounge
Step into a two-story speakeasy-style lounge and bar where every corner is filled with ambience. Bears and leopards roam through the trees above, while dark green walls lined with bookcases create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in San Luis Obispo. The drinks fit the classy, wild theme with cocktail names like Tiger’s Milk and Honey Bear featured on the menu. At Feral, you can expect your drink to be topped with some kind of leafy surprise, taking every sip to a new level. Located at 725 Higuera St., Feral Kitchen and Lounge is open for a full menu of food and drinks daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends.
Nightcap
To transport yourself to a European-style speakeasy for the evening, check out the Granada Hotel and Bistro’s cocktail bar. Slide into a curtained booth bringing you in for a close conversation with friends, or grab a bar stool and mingle the night away. Behind the counter, bottles line up against lit shelves and a brick backdrop, while vintage prints and patterned chairs add a charm to the space. The drinks range from cocktail creations to spritzes, with mixologists who will help you pick out exactly what you need. Such a unique spot like this is worth the visit, especially for $9 to $12 martinis from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly or $11 cocktails on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Located at 1126 Morro St., Nightcap is open 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and closes at 11 p.m. on weekends.
Leasing for 2026-2027 begins November 15th
Whatgrocery store
are you?
By Lillian Dolph
Do you own at least one reusble tote bag with a fun design?
There’s a certain freedom that comes with moving into your own place in college: finally being in charge of your own grocery list. For some, it’s a moment to shine, spending hours strolling the aisles, hunting down new snacks or researching TikTok recipes. For others, it’s pure chaos, no list, no plan, just vibes, in and out in ten minutes.
Luckily, San Luis Obispo has multiple different grocery store options within five miles of the Cal Poly campus. So which one fits your shopping style? Take this quiz to find out where you really belong on your next grocery run.
Do you ever buy groceries purely because they’re on sale?
Do you like one big grocery store that has everything under one roof?
Do you go out of your way to shop local or pick up fresh produce?
Do you love the idea of buying everything in bulk, even if you don’t need it?
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Accessible artistic outlets
AROUND SLO
By Ishaani Dhanotra
Having a creative outlet sometimes takes a backseat as you get older. Whether it’s the stresses of student life or the trials of a 9 to 5 job, there’s always something getting in the way of your flow. Maintaining your creativity as an adult, with numerous responsibilities, is a balancing act.
Stepping out of the box and onto the stage
Is there an improv club on campus? Yes, and… they hold performances every Saturday at 7 p.m. in the CAFES Pavilion. Cal Poly’s improv-comedy club, Smile and Nod, holds auditions every quarter and workshops every week. Auditions, which are the first Friday of every quarter, involve students playing a few improv games and showing off their skills on the stage. Of course, there is no preparation. “Improv is a part of everyday life, you do it all the time and don’t realize it,” club president and recreation, parks and tourism senior Tegan Schlosser said. “Improv is a great way to explore a world that doesn’t exist.” Different workshops include learning improv theory, as well as trying different themes.
There are more ways to perform if improv isn’t your thing, but you have a story to share. Front Porch, a student-run coffee shop behind the Recreation Center, hosts open mic nights as well as live music and trivia throughout the year. Fully run by volunteers, Front Porch’s various events are all posted on their Instagram, @frontporchslo. There are also bars and breweries around San Luis Obispo that boast various karaoke and social nights. One being Humdinger Brewery, a bar and taproom in San Luis Obispo, that hosts weekly karaoke from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m on Thursdays.
Creativity doesn’t have to be an expensive time commitment or source of anxiety. Here are some easy and accessible ways to express your individuality and artistic spirit within San Luis Obispo.
Blaming it on the boogie
During my freshman year, I made quite a few traditions and routines that helped me find community in a new place. One of my weekly habits became attending the various classes at the Recreation Center. From Zumba to Hiphop in Heels, the Recreation Center had something (all free) for every mood I was in. This year, I’ve begun trying the vinyasa yoga classes, which are challenging and confusing at times, but incredibly rewarding. It builds a sense of community to struggle through a class with a group in the same boat as you. If you’re falling over, odds are somebody else is as well. If you’re trying something for the very first time, odds are there’s a kindred spirit in the room.
Cal Poly also has multiple different dance groups, all of which hold open workshops that anybody can attend. One such group is United Movement, who also organize Cal Poly’s
biggest annual dance showcase, Illuminate. They have a more selective competitive dance team, but also host workshops for dancers of all skill levels. Cal Poly’s cultural dance teams also have multiple opportunities and workshops, like PCE Modern, an extension of the Filipino Cultural Exchange and Cal Poly Andaaz, the Bollywood fusion dance team. Cal Poly Salsa offers lessons every Friday in salsa and Bachata. Although these are just a few of the available options, there are plenty of opportunities to get your body moving and step outside your comfort zone across San Luis Obispo.
Community art classes
At Anam Cré Pottery Studio, creativity is always in full swing. Pottery wheels spin away while leftover clay is recycled into a pugmill. Couples come for date-night lessons and kids’ birthday parties take place on weekends. It’s a comfortable space to explore a new art form for the first time, according to founder Shevon Sullivan.
“We make it really accessible. As a community, any age can try it,” Sullivan said. Founded in 1999, the studio has curated more paints, glazes and supplies than most. Pottery rewards imperfections and is great for newcomers, according to Sullivan and manager Jessica Duffy.
The studio hosts families, couples, teenagers and Cal Poly students throughout the year. Their various events can be found on their Instagram, @anamcre.
It turns out you don’t need to know how to paint, to paint. Art Central SLO, an art supply store led by local artists, puts on art workshops for skill levels of all ages. A few include Watercolor Without Fear and Beyond the Basics of Watercolor. The various classes range from $5 dollar entry fees to $90 dollars for a full day workshop in painting an Italian farmhouse. More painting and art classes can be found on Visit San Luis Obispo’s website, under Arts and Culture.
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Our rock has guided generations of fish captains home, holds brimming with the freshest California catch. It peels off perfect Central Coast waves, delighting surfers and young whitewash adventurers alike. It’s a salt-rimmed beacon, the guardian of fresh oyster beds, home to seals and sea birds.
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Chasing the in SLO Sunset
By Kate Roarke
Scenic overlooks are one of San Luis Obispo’s strong suits. Widely praised for the ability to drive up and step right onto hilltops and grass fields, San Luis Obispo has some of the best sunset spots around. Below are five different sunset options with varying views, time commitments and effort levels.
Prefumo Canyon:
Located at 4425 Prefumo Canyon Rd., this scenic overlook is a San Luis Obispo gem. Drive a short distance up a dirt road and you will stumble upon rolling hills framed by purple skies. It’s accessible for many vehicle types, whether big or small. Many people use this as a picnic or date night spot, setting out their outdoor blanket and indulging in their favorite charcuterie bites. You may even see the distant ocean if it’s a clear enough day. Another popular activity is photography and taking long walks. The rolling hills offer a scenic backdrop for aesthetic photos or a place to freely frolic among the greenery.
Madonna Mountain:
Madonna Mountain, also called Cerro San Luis, is a central and iconic San Luis Obispo landmark. This spot doubles as a hiking trail,
with multiple access points starting at the base of the Madonna Inn. While it can only be reached by foot, you will most likely run into wild horses and cows wandering the bluffs. As you reach the top, you’ll pass the notable Madonna M, a large painted symbol of the mountain’s name and location. While it can be seen from all over town, its up-close perspective is shocking in size and stature.
The trail could present a moderate challenge due to its sometimes narrow trails and wavering steepness, but the 4 miles turns out to be a great payoff once you reach the top. Especially at sunset, this scenic spot provides a 360 degree panorama view of the city below. While it may not be the best choice for a relaxing view of sundown, the elevation provides a rewarding viewpoint.
Pirate’s Cove:
This unconventional picnic spot gives you the chance to experience the sunset from many different viewpoints, while staying in the same area. If you’ve ever driven from San Luis Obispo to Avila, reaching Pirate’s Cove takes that same road but takes the exit at Cave Landing Road. After a short drive up a hill, you’ll see a plateau overlooking the ocean, most likely with other cars and visitors gathered around. Here, people eat dinner out of their trunks or stand by the coastline to take in the scenery.
Visitors also have the choice to get a more immersive experience. To the left of the dirt area is a trail entrance which leads you down to an overlook framed by rocks and greenery. Step through this “cave” to find ledges, nooks and crannies and stepping stones that give you the freedom to get as close or far from the drop off into the ocean. Some of the most fascinating aspects of this outlook point is the graffiti and colorful art tattooing the entire area. Especially during golden hour, visitors get an unobstructed view of the ocean’s ripples, many times seeing dolphins’ fins cutting through the waves near the shore.
Dinosaur Caves Park:
Dinosaur Caves Park in Shell Beach is one of
the more traditional sunset-watching spots. Ideal for picnics, yoga or dog-walking, this park is covered in lush grass and paved pathways. This location is family-friendly and low-maintenance, with many other people around and a neighborhood nearby. It’s up to you whether you take a long walk all the way down the coast or you set your blanket down to enjoy from one spot, but either way, it’s one of the easiest drive-up spots with a beautiful payoff.
The ‘P’:
Formally known as the Cal Poly ‘P,’ local college students know this location quite well. With many of them having explored it during Week of Welcome, this sunset spot is a quick and easy walk up a short hill behind the South Mountain Residence Halls. Once at the top, it supplies a clear view of Cal Poly’s most notable student hangouts. You might see Warren J. Baker Center for Science and Mathematics’ skyscraper-like build or Dexter Lawn’s wideopen grass lawn.
Once at the top, visitors can climb up and down the giant painted P with the help of a railing and stairs. The ‘P’ is also known to change different colors throughout the year. In the past, it has been red for Veterans Day, rainbow for Pride Month, orange for Vaisakhi and purple for Dating Violence Action Month.
Cleaning smarter, NOT HARDER
By Lillian Dolph
Living in a college house can be rough. You roll out of bed, walk into the kitchen and a mountain of dishes is waiting in the sink. The counter’s crusted with avocado, and when you glance down, you accidentally lock eyes with a layer of crumbs that’s been there since last week. In the bathroom? No toilet paper and toothpaste everywhere.
In San Luis Obispo, keeping your space clean can feel even harder. The houses are old, oddly shaped and often packed with roommates. And between classes, work and trying to have a social life, cleaning usually falls to the bottom of the to-do list.
Here are seven realistic hacks to help you keep your space in check.
Create a schedule/chore chart.
In most college houses, the cleaning somehow always ends up falling on one especially tidy roommate, and that gets old fast. The easiest fix? Make a chore chart. Divide up who’s responsible for what and rotate tasks each week so no one gets stuck doing the same thing. It’s especially helpful for chores that are easy to forget, like taking out the trash or wiping down counters. If everyone spends just five minutes a day tackling one small task, the whole house stays more manageable throughout the week.
Microfiber cloths
Instead of grabbing any old rag, invest in a few microfiber cloths. Their tiny fibers trap dirt, dust and germs more effectively, giving you a streak-free clean without leaving lint behind. They’re also environmentally friendly. You can toss them in the wash after each use, and they require less water and cleaning solution than paper towels or sponges.
Get a mop (Swiffers do not work)
If you’ve Swiffered your floors a hundred times and your socks are still turning black, it’s time to upgrade. A real mop (and some Pine-Sol) can handle the built-up grime that Swiffers just glide over. It’s also a lifesaver for sticky spills after a party or anything that’s been sitting there a little too long.
Invest in a good vacuum (and clean it regularly)
A quality vacuum might feel like a splurge, but it’ll save you money and frustration in the long run. Instead of buying a cheap one that breaks every few months, invest in a sturdy vacuum with strong suction. It’ll handle everything from crumbs to hair, and it’s built to survive being passed between roommates. Just don’t forget to clean it out regularly. Emptying the filter and removing debris helps extend the life of the vacuum.
Use disinfectant wipes regularly
Always wipe down the counters after you cook, grime builds up fast, especially on the stove. Disinfectant wipes are your best defense against the “poly plague.” Sickness spreads like wildfire in a college house, and the easiest way to stop it is by wiping things down often. Grab a Costco pack and stash a container in every room, you’ll thank yourself later.
Baking soda and vinegar
Two of the most natural and useful cleaners you can keep around, and probably already have in your kitchen. On their own, they’re versatile and effective, but together they create a reaction that can tackle the toughest messes. Use them to remove limescale from shower glass, scrub out ovens or rescue burnt pots and pans. They’re cheap, safe and surprisingly powerful.
Invest in storage caddies and storage furniture
College houses aren’t exactly known for their storage space, so use what you’ve got wisely. Look for furniture that doubles as storage, like ottomans, benches or bed frames with drawers. In closets and drawers, use organizers, bins or clear boxes to keep everything in its place and easy to find. Even small spaces like your kitchen or bathroom can feel way less chaotic with a few drawer caddies or bins. A little organization goes a long way when six people are sharing one house.
It doesn’t have to be a full time job to keep a college house clean. All you need is the right tools and a few good habits. Using these tips, your house can go from chaotic to almost spotless. A cleaner house means less arguments, less germs and a space you and your roommates will actually want to hangout in.
Make your next move a clean one
Win of free cleaning services from Bright Broom Services
two ways to win! two ways to win!
1.) Scan the QR code below and enter.
2.)Attend the fair in-person and have a second chance to enter and win. Join us at the off-campus housing and resources fair Tuesday December 2nd at Dexter Lawn.
Check out local housing options, chat with vendors, enjoy free food, and your next chapter!
