STUDENT HOUSING OPTIONS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Student Housing Options in San Luis Obispo County: What Cal Poly and Cuesta College Students Need to Know

By Dianna Vonderheide, Expert Real Estate Advisor and Templeton Local

San Luis Obispo County is a fantastic place to live, especially if you’re a student at Cal Poly or Cuesta College. But finding the right housing? That’s where things get tricky. With high demand, limited availability, and constantly changing rental trends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, I’m here to break down your options—including some hidden gems you might not have considered.

On-Campus Housing: The Convenient Choice

Cal Poly University Housing

If you’re a first-year student at Cal Poly, you’ll most likely be living on campus. Cal Poly requires most freshmen to live in university housing, which includes traditional residence halls and suite-style living. Beyond the first year, options get a bit more limited, but there are some university-owned apartments like Cerro Vista and Poly Canyon Village for upperclassmen. These provide convenience but tend to fill up quickly, so applying early is key.

Cuesta College Housing Options

Unlike Cal Poly, Cuesta College doesn’t offer on-campus housing. This means students need to find their own living arrangements in nearby areas like San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, and Morro Bay. Fortunately, Cuesta does provide a housing resource page where students can find listings, roommate connections, and rental advice.

Off-Campus Housing: Apartments, Houses, and Hidden Gems

Popular Student Locations

San Luis Obispo has plenty of student-friendly neighborhoods. Here are some of the most popular ones:

E Foothill Blvd/ Santa Rosa St

Located right next to Cal Poly, this neighborhood has around 50% of its inhabitants enrolled in college. Thankfully, the rent prices here are lower than around 40% of California neighborhoods. Plus, you’re right near the famous Thursday Night Farmers’ Market—fresh fruit, anyone?

Los Osos Valley Rd/ Madonna Rd

This neighborhood is one of the most diverse in SLO, with Mexican, Irish, German, and Asian roots represented. It’s also near downtown SLO’s Bubblegum Alley, where you can see (or contribute to) the city’s 700 meters of gum-covered walls.

Monterey St/ California Blvd

With its proximity to Cal Poly, this area is heavily populated by students. Entertainment options include the Palm Theatre—the first solar-powered movie theater in the U.S.—as well as public parks and bike paths for outdoor enthusiasts.

Broad St/ Chorro St

This area is close to downtown SLO, which is prime for shopping, healthy eateries, and museums. Rent here averages around $2,000 per unit, but you’ll have easy access to Bishop’s Peak, a popular hiking destination known for its stunning sunset views.

Expanding Your Search: Affordable Alternatives

If you’re looking to save some cash, consider branching out beyond SLO:

• Los Osos & Morro Bay: A short 15-20 minute drive to campus, these coastal towns offer more affordable rentals with a laid-back vibe.

• Atascadero & Templeton: These North County options can be significantly cheaper than SLO while still providing a reasonable commute to both Cuesta and Cal Poly.

• Paso Robles: If you have a car and don’t mind a 30-minute drive, Paso Robles offers even more affordable housing with a variety of rental types.

Shared Housing and Roommates

Many students choose to rent houses with multiple roommates to cut costs. Websites like Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can be great resources, but one of the best ways to find a rental is by networking through student groups and local connections. Keep an eye on student housing Facebook groups, where listings pop up frequently.

What Amenities Should I Look Out for?

Not all apartments come fully equipped, so keep an eye out for essential amenities like:

• On-Site Laundry Facilities

• In-Unit Kitchen Appliances (Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Stove, etc.)

• Parking

• Wireless Internet

• Heat and A/C

Cable and ample parking can also be worth considering, depending on your needs.

Lease Terms to Understand

Before signing a lease, make sure you understand these key terms:

• Security Deposit: Usually one to two months’ rent, this ensures you manage your money well and covers potential damages.

• Application Fee: Covers background checks and administrative costs.

• Admin Fee: Charged alongside the application fee by property management companies.

• Utilities: Includes gas, electric, heat, A/C, water, sewage, and trash. You may pay these directly to the landlord or the utility company.

• Lease Length & Renewal Policy: Typically 6-18 months, but some leases are shorter or longer. Renewal policies vary by landlord.

• Subletting Policy: Important if you need to leave before your lease ends. Make sure to follow the proper legal process.

• Renters Insurance: Often required to cover damages, theft, or flooding.

• Guarantor or Co-signer: If you have little rental history or low income, a guarantor may be required to co-sign your lease.

• Agreement Documents: Legally binding paperwork that outlines all rental costs, terms, and conditions. Read it carefully!

Managing Your Rent & Bills

Handling rent and bills can be stressful, but budgeting helps! List your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, and social activities. Subtract expenses from your income to determine how much you have left. Staying on top of your finances ensures you can enjoy SLO life without unnecessary stress.

Living in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo isn’t just a great place to study—it’s one of the happiest places in America! With 300 days of sunshine, over 30 miles of hiking trails, and stunning beaches, students here enjoy an incredible quality of life.

Cal Poly is nationally ranked, with an especially strong School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The city itself is known for its strong sense of community, offering everything from hiking and surfing to theatre, wine tasting, and music festivals.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Student Housing

San Luis Obispo County has plenty of student housing options—you just need to know where to look. Whether you want the convenience of on-campus housing, the freedom of off-campus apartments, or a creative alternative like an ADU, there’s something for everyone.

If you need help navigating the housing market, I’m here to assist! As a local real estate expert, I can connect you with great rental opportunities, investment properties, or even help you find a home to buy if that’s in your long-term plans. Reach out to me today, and let’s find the perfect place for you!