THREE COOL STUDY SPOTS

THAT AREN'T PACKED WITH STUDENTS | WRITTEN BY Sophia Lincoln

1

2AS THE SCHOOL YEAR CONTINUES TO HARBOR MORE PROJECTS AND MIDTERMS, the Kennedy Library can become increasingly crowded and for some, it can become a monotonous study spot. Of course, there are other popular study spots like Baker and Dexter Lawn, but if you are feeling ready for a change of scenery and some quieter study spots, these less familiar areas may make for your perfect new studying environment: CAL POLY’S LEARNING PINE ARBORETUM Located behind the Poly Plant Shop off of Via Carta road, the living laboratory of plants provides a quiet and calming atmosphere for students and others to enjoy amid stressful college life. The arboretum occupies five acres of Cal Poly’s campus and contains lots of benches where one can settle and work in the quiet and beautiful environment. The arboretum is a great place to concentrate with no distractions -- with the exception of an occasional bird singing. I find it most useful for heavy reading and studying complicated concepts. It’s also just a great escape from the daily bustle of classes. THE CHANDLER LOUNGE IN THE UNIVERSITY UNION While the University Union tends to be frequently packed with students, certain designated rooms within the UU including the Chandler Lounge can be a perfect place to study in silence. The Chandler Lounge is always very quiet as there is an implied policy of silent study. Filled with outlets, couches and study desks, it makes for a great place for individual studying without the noises and potential distractions within the rest of the UU. Much like the Learning Pine Arboretum, the Candler Lounge maintains a peaceful atmosphere as the walls are lined with large windows with beautiful views of campus. The lounge has a maximum capacity of 45 students, making it much less packed than other study spots on campus. Also located in the UU is the San Luis Lounge OCOB PHOTO BY Carolyne Sysmans

The arboretum occupies five acres of Cal Poly’s campus and contains lots of benches where one can settle and work in the quiet and beautiful environment. Sophia Lincoln

3which provides similar amenities for a quieter studying experience. THE ORFALEA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS GARDENS In addition to the three-acre green lawn behind the College of Business, the area behind and surrounding OCOB is home to three other Cal Poly gardens including the Remembrance Pond, the Rose Garden and the California Natives and Cactus Garden. All of these gardens tend to be much less populated by students and provide a beautiful natural scenery to concentrate freely.

The Remembrance Pond was originally created by former Cal Poly students as a memorial to the late department head of ornamental horticulture Ted Howes. It provides a little pond and waterfall

and the area is dotted with quiet seating areas.

The Rose Garden was created as a construction management student project a few decades ago and it features rows upon rows of beautiful roses, making for another great natural environment for quiet reading or studying.

Lastly, the California Natives and Cactus Garden -- once just a vacant parking lot, is now comprised of various california native plants and cacti. Nestled in the center of the garden is a myriad of artwork designed and built by Cal Poly students and professors.

Hopefully these study spots give you a fresh outlook on studying whatever test you have next.

ON CAMPUS RESOURCES FOR OFF CAMPUS H

CAL POLY OFFERS ON-CAMPUS HOUSING THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY in addition to resources provided through the Office of Rights and Responsibilities for students who plan to move off campus.

One of the main resources provided through the Off Campus Programs is the Educated Renters Certification Program (ERCP). This program is designed to give students information on what to do before, during and after renting their off-campus home. The certificate functions to give students validity when they do not have renters’ history.

Biological science senior and student assistant for the Off Campus Programs Kelsie Hilty said that in order to determine the material that is discussed in the ERCP, they reached out to local complexes and property

management companies to see what they were looking for when it came to tenants.

In order to receive the ERCP certificate, students complete an online course and then meet with Hilty to go over important information regarding being a responsible renter and informational material to have as questions come up while they are renting. Students discuss renters rights, what to do if you get a citation, how to handle conflicts with neighbors or landlords and any additional questions they have.

After this appointment, students receive their ERCP certificate and can attach it to housing applications to give them an advantage in the housing market.

Properties that accept the ERCP include: Castle Keepers, Inc., Comet Reality, College Gardens Apts., FarrellSmyth Inc., McNamara Realty, Murray Station, Patterson Realty, Horizon, SLO Rental Shoppe, Stafford Garden Apts., Valencia Apts., Western Realty, Mission Property Group, De Tolosa Ranch Apts. and The Academy Chorro.

Hilty said that adding this certificate to housing applications does give students an advantage because it shows that they are responsible.

It gives the landlord that sense of security knowing that they are going to have a good tenant. Kelsie Hilty

It’s helpful if someone takes this course because it shows me that they are willing to take the extra step. Susie Brans

PHOTO BY Carolyne Sysmans

URCES FOR FF CAMPUS HOUSING

WRITTEN BY Lauryn Luescher

“It shows the landlords that the students are putting in the time and effort, they understand what it means to be a good tenant and they are less likely to cause issues for the landlord,” Hilty said. "It gives the landlord that sense of security knowing that they are going to have a good tenant.”

Local real estate broker, rental owner and property manager Susie Brans did an informational session with Cal Poly students and parents about off campus housing and explained from a property manager’s perspective, the benefits of completing the program.

“They go over the city ordinances, they’ll talk about how to be a good tenant and a good neighbor, if you have issues with the landlord how to bring it up, rights that you have as a tenant that you might not be aware of,” Brans said. “It’s helpful if someone takes this course because it shows me that they are willing to take the extra step.”

Although the Off Campus Program is only about seven years old, Hilty said she has seen an increase in the number of students taking the course. In January 2019, Hilty met with 30 students instead of her 15-25 monthly average.

Along with answering general housing questions and certifying students through the ERCP, the Office-Campus Housing Program connects students with other resources that can help them with their housing related issues.

If students are having trouble with a landlord or need mediation help, the Office Campus Housing Program will connect students with SLO Solutions, a free conflict resolution service offered to all San Luis Obispo Residents to help with issues regarding noise, parking, trash, parties, trees, security deposits, lease agreements, communication, expectations and roommates.

The Off Campus Program also supports the Party Registration Program and has found that allowing students to register their parties to get warnings for noise complaints, has decreased the number of students struggling with what to do about their noise violation.

Regarding helping students find off campus housing, the Off Campus Program connects students with both the Cal Poly (CP) Housing, Sublets & Roommates and the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - Housing/Rooms/Apartments by housinganywhere Facebook pages and Poly Rents. These Facebook pages and resources post listings for students throughout the year.

For more information on the different programs and resources offered through the Off Campus programs, visit :

www.ercp.calpoly.edu/content/resources www.osrr.calpoly.edu/off-campus-programs.