Through all the options for fun in SLO, people often forget all the opportunities found on the Cal Poly campus. These activities are affordable and a good time. From sporty options to a walk through the art gallery, Cal Poly offers fun things to do for all different types of interests.
Cal Poly Recreation Center
The Cal Poly Recreation Center is not just for taking a run or lifting some weights. The Rec Center provides many different ways to stay not only fit, but also have a good time. Students pay for access to the Rec Center through their quarterly tuition and fees. Group classes are held multiple times throughout the day in the upstairs fitness rooms. These classes hold a range of intensity depending on what you are wanting to take out of your workout. Some guests enjoy the dance-like classes such as Zumba and Cardio Hip-Hop to burn some calories while dancing away to some popular, current music. “I think that students absolutely should take advantage of Zumba classes,” said Claire Santucci, a 2nd year at Cal Poly.”It’s a fun, free way to exercise, and it’s also conveniently on campus.” Other guests take advantage of the more vigorous work-out classes such as 6 Pack Abs and Body Pump or even the relaxing classes such as yoga and Pilates. But if classes are not for you, the Rec Center also provides access to indoor basketball and volleyball courts as well as a table tennis and foosball table. Students also love to visit the pools in the sunny San Luis Obispo weather. All these options give students the ability for free fun that could last all day long.
The Cal Poly Rec Center has both a lap pool as well as a leisure pool. So whether you want a quick swimming workout or to soak up a little sun, the Rec center’s pool can be right for you.
Kennedy Library Stressbusters
Many students are unaware of the multiple events put on by merely the Kennedy Library itself. And no, I don’t mean read-a-thons, I mean puppies and water-coloring. The library has been helping students battle their stress since 2009 and are given a budget to put on free events for students. The most popular events are the stress animals. Dogs are brought to the library from Therapy Dogs International while cats are brought from the Cal Poly Cat Shelter. Find these dogs and cats at the library and enjoy a 2-hour meet and greet to relax some stress and cozy up with some furry friends. “It was exactly what I needed,” Rachael Carroll said. “It was the best thing that happened to me all week!” Students also have access to Watercolor Wednesdays. Throughout every quarter, several free watercolor sessions are offered to students who want to relax and paint their stress away. All of these events are conveniently placed around midterms and finals, making them the perfect study break during the most stressful times of the year.
Clarissa Rivas embraces a new furry friend at last quarter’s stress dogs event.
Mustang Lanes
Located in the UU, Mustang Lanes is Cal Poly’s own arcade and bowling alley. With extended hours and cheap prices, this is a hot spot for Cal Poly students. Learn more about this new phenomenon in this broadcast story.
University Art Gallery
Many students are unaware of the University Art Gallery located in Dexter. This art gallery is free of charge not only to students but to the general public as well. The art showcased in this gallery range from international to nationally known artists. These artists include not only current students here on campus, but alumni and even faculty as well. It is also considered one of the finest art galleries on the central coast. “It is literally one of only a few places in San Luis Obispo that will expose you to the culture of art without having to go three hours north or south,” said Garet Zook, the interim coordinator of the gallery. Throughout the academic year, the venue hosts five different collections of work with different backgrounds and themes. Pieces are from all different areas of art such as photography, graphic design, paintings and more.
The University Art Gallery is located by Dexter Lawn on the Cal Poly campus.
Cal Poly Craft Center
The Cal Poly Craft Center is located in the ASI Craft Center in the UU. The Craft Center holds artistic classes allowing students to explore their creative side with the help of experienced, student instructors. Each quarter holds new classes such as ceramics, flameworking, jewelry making, stained glass and even surfboard shaping. “It’s a cool way to destress,” said Jocelyn Baird, a liberal studies major who just completed a class in flame making. “You get to create something new where there’s no wrong answers and learn cool skills you otherwise never would.” Students with experience levels of all kinds are welcomed and in fact encouraged to participate in a class. Sign ups are available online or in person at the Craft Center itself. Classes are open to the public for a higher cost.
Jocelyn Baird created a turtle in her flameworking class and looks forward to participating in another class soon.
The activities mentioned here are only a few of the options for inexpensive fun on campus. Although going off campus can be exciting, opportunities on campus are both convenient and easy. So next time you’re bored in your dorm room or apartment, consider the activities held right on campus.
SLO and on a Budget 