Cal Poly is OK.

Introduction
I chose Cal Poly because of its high-rated Computer Engineering Program. In light of this, it may come as a huge shock that the party scene here rocks. Despite that we're on the beach, the campus itself isn't a gorgeous idyllic traditional college campus with rolling hills or anything like that, so if that's what you're looking for...or if you're in search of great sports teams...I don't think this place is for you.

Campus Life and Social Life
The party scene is great IF you join a frat or sorority: if not, parties still exist, but they're smaller-scale dorm parties and social life will depend on the friends you make. Perhaps related to the school's emphasis on engineering, the sports here are a joke, and take place in a stadium/gym that are worse than those of my high school. So school spirit here isn't about sports: it's more about the clubs and campus activities, of which there are many.

Aside from the partying and club activity on campus, there's also a city downtown to explore that's accessible by car or foot (5 minute drive, 15 minute walk). You won't spend that much on gas, and the city and campus thankfully suffer from minimal violent crime so walking around with a friend at night is never a problem. Totally safe. Advertisement
Academics
As a computer engineer, I've personally become really fed up with my department. I expected top notch teachers and was disappointed to arrive here to find so many subpar. For in-depth teacher ratings, see www.polyratings.com and from what I've read of them, these ratings are right on. TAs are either hit or miss and range from inspirational types who stimulate thought and commitment...to insane hardasses that make you consider homicide-by-calculator.

Student Body
Racially, the majorities are White and Asian.

To break down the dating/sex scene for the dudes: the girls here are cute, but alas, about half seem to have boyfriends somewhere else...(but why? There are so many hot Computer Engineers to choose from right here at home...) A fourth are just looking for a cool frat guy to hook up with. The remaining fourth are probably really nice, but rarely show themselves.

Maybe they're just sick of the large number of cocky white guys who tend to do things like scream "YEAAAAAAH!!! or WHAT!?" at random times. Welcome to Cal Poly!

In Closing...
I'm becoming a pessimist after having a large number of lackluster professors, and I'm not too thrilled with the new, UGLY ASS buildings that are being put up, the poor sports venues, and overall dissatisfaction with the administration (mostly the engineering administration). Engineering advising center seems to be lacking and apathetic about student needs.

Oh, also, be prepared to face poor housing property managements. On the bright side, the new housing planned for the next 5 years will help improve this situation.