Below are the questions our team most commonly receives. Have additional questions? Email orientation@calpoly.edu.
General Information/Logistics
What is Cal Poly's Open House?
Cal Poly’s Open House is an annual event that welcomes admitted and prospective students, their families, and the community to explore campus, engage with faculty and students, and learn about academic programs, clubs, and campus life.
When is Open House 2026?
Open House starts on Thursday, April 9, with the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market; Friday, April 10, is Admitted Students Day; and Saturday, April 11, is the Poly Royal Celebration with a parade, campus showcase and performances.
Who can attend Open House?
Open House is open to all admitted and prospective students, their supporters, alumni, as well as community members who want to learn more about Cal Poly. Friday, April 10 is for admitted students for fall 2026.
How do I register for Open House?
If you are an admitted and waitlisted student, Friday, April 10, is Admitted Students Day and is only open to students who have been admitted and waitlisted to the university. A RSVP link will be emailed to admitted and waitlisted students by late March, with a link to RSVP via the student’s Cal Poly portal.
An RSVP is not required for events held on Thursday, April 9, and Saturday, April 11.
If you are a prospective student, alumni, or community member, please join us on Thursday, April 9, at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market and Saturday, April 11, for our community events on campus!
What transportation and parking options are available?
On-campus parking will be extremely limited on Friday. We encourage guests to use our off-campus park and ride options or take shuttles from the hotel pick up locations throughout the city of SLO. More information can be found on our website.
Guests can also take the SLO City Transit to campus for free during Open House. Use one of the off-campus transit stops to start your adventure to Cal Poly Open House. Find SLO Transit routes. Parking on campus is very limited on Friday, April10. Pre-purchased parking permits are required if driving on campus and can be purchased online.
What is the New Mustang Guide?
Our New Mustang Guide on your phone has access to the full Open House schedule, including event locations, times, important details for the weekend, and resources along the way!
How do I download the New Mustang Guide?
After downloading Cal Poly Orientation from the app store, search "New Mustang Guide 2026" to download the guide or click on the link that was sent to your prospective student in the Open House email. Find the app in the App Store or Google Play.
Schedule and Activities
What events take place during Open House?
Some key events include:
- Downtown Farmers Market: Experience the famous Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Thursday evening, where you can enjoy local food, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Admitted Students Day: Hear from Cal Poly Deans, faculty and current students about what it’s like to be a student at Cal Poly. Attend information sessions on Financial Aid, Housing, Dining, or take a campus tour
- Campus Showcase: Over 200 clubs and organizations showcasing their community, events and ways to be involved.
- College Welcome Sessions: Learn about your college and meet current faculty and students in your major.
- Poly Royal Parade: A unique parade experience that highlights Cal Poly pride and entertains the crowd.
Check out the New Mustang Guide on the Orientation app for all events and details!
Will I get to tour the campus?
Yes! Campus tours and housing tours will be available throughout the event.
Where/when are these tours?
These will take place on Friday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the University Union Plaza and Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dexter Lawn by the Dexter Building (No. 34).
What if I can't attend Open House in person?
On Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., tune in to watch Mustang News Live at Open House, which will provide live coverage of key events, interviews and campus highlights.
If I or my guest only speak Spanish, is there a way to participate in Open House?
Yes! On Friday, April 10, a dedicated Spanish Track is offered to anyone who speaks Spanish and would like to experience Open House. This curated experience will include the following sessions in Spanish: Welcome by Cal Poly leadership, campus tour, Financial Aid info session, Housing info session, Campus Health and Wellbeing presentation as well as a “Rooted in Community” social with Cal Poly faculty and staff who identify as Latinx.
Admissions and Academics
Will I be able to meet faculty and learn about my major?
Yes! Each college will have welcome sessions, department presentations, and opportunities to interact with faculty and current students on Friday, April 10.
Can I ask questions about financial aid during Open House?
Yes! The Financial Aid Office will host information sessions and have representatives available to answer questions. The information session details are located in the New Mustang Guide 2026. Also, check out calpoly.edu/financial-aid for more information.
Is there an opportunity to meet other admitted students?
Yes! Open House events provide great opportunities to connect with other admitted students, including social activities and meet-ups.
What/when/where can we meet other admitted students?
FRIDAY:
There are plenty of events to meet other students. For example, students can connect with others in their chosen major and college during the College Welcome. The Friday Nite Invite is a social event for students only where they participate in games, trivia, and arts and crafts. Check out the online guidebook for more information on all events and times.
FOR TRANSFERS ONLY:
The transfer panel and social is specific for transfer students to find and create a community. Those events can be found in the New Mustang Guide 2026.
Housing and Student Life
Can I see the residence halls?
Yes, there will be housing tours around campus. However, please be aware that students are currently living in the residence halls and due to privacy guidelines, the tours will not be taken indoors. Make sure you download the New Mustang Guide 2026 to learn when and where these tours will be happening and check out the online virtual tours found at the Cal Poly Housing website for more information on the rooms.
What dining options are available on campus?
Visitors can explore campus dining facilities, including dining halls and cafes during Open House. Check out dineoncampus.com/calpoly and download the New Mustang Guide 2026 to learn more.
Miscellaneous
Is Open House free to attend?
Yes, it is a free event! However, parking on campus and meals have a cost.
What should I bring to Open House?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a water bottle, and a notepad for any important information.
