Tips for Moving into the CPP Traditional Halls

As a student heading into their junior year at Cal Poly Pomona (CPP), the only dorm selection I have become familiar with are the acquainted traditional halls. My first year I dormed in a single room in Alamitos (Bldg. 22) and in my second year I shared a double with its neighboring building Aliso (Bldg. 23). Based on my experience in both living situations, I have cultivated a vast understanding of what traditional halls have to offer for any incoming student planning to reside. If you plan on dorming in the traditionals – Encinitas (Bldg. 20), Montecito (Bldg. 21), Alamitos, or Aliso – keep on reading as I share tips, my experience, and insight for anyone wanting to prep before their big move-in!

What to Expect/Bring

Floor Layout

First and foremost, with each dorm at CPP varying in size, it is important to pack accordingly to the amount of space you are given. Click here to view the floor plan and more information on room sizing for each room type. Each resident will be provided with an XL twin bed/mattress, a dresser, desk and chair, a large pinboard, a medium-sized trash and recycling bin, and one closet. In addition, every first floor of each traditional hall contains a wide range of amenities. This includes one shared kitchen, one study and private study room, a living room, and a recreation area. Review this video here for a complete traditional hall tour!

There are various housing options available for CPP students such as the Residential Halls, Residential Suites, and off-campus locations such as University Village or the newest edition of The Current. If you would like to explore different housing options in the future, be on the lookout for application reminders, room tours, and housing resources on the University Housing Services’ (UHS) Instagram page! Also, check out our other housing article to learn more about local living options!

Packing Suggestions

Since traditional halls are one of the smallest-sized rooms offered, it’s best not to overpack or bring unnecessary items, especially if you plan to move into a double room. Refer to page 13 of the Traditional Dorm Handbook to see which items are acceptable and to review the rules and guidelines for housing expectations. Remember, failure to remove prohibited items could result in warnings or write-ups from your Residential Advisors (RA) during Health and Safety Inspections.

As tempting as it is to bring all your belongings to your dorm, I don’t recommend it if you’re someone planning to return home often. When I had a single room my first year, I made the mistake of bringing all my belongings such as all my clothes from home and any decoration I could think of to occupy the space. As a result, it made moving out at the end of the year a hassle. So, narrow down which items and decorations you’d like to bring. If you don’t plan on returning home frequently or live far from campus, that’s when it’s best to have all your belongings with you. Here are the top 10 essentials I find myself returning to every school year:

• Container Bins/Boxes – Keep and store the ones you used during your move-in to reuse for your move-out day.

• Bed Layering – Elevate your sleeping experience with comfy accessories for your bed, including a twin XL foam mattress, fitted sheet, top sheet, duvet cover, pillows, and pillow sheets.

• Tower Fan – This will come in handy after walking around campus, if AC difficulties ever occur, or to cool down from the sweltering heat of the fall semester.

• Extension Outlets – With there only being four wall-outlets for each side of the room, additional outlets will come in handy to charge electronic devices, desk lamps, etc.

• Mini fridge – A necessity to store cold drinks, snacks, or frozen foods for the week. Make sure to also place a rug under your fridge to avoid accidental water leakages to the carpet floor.

• Microwave – Great for quick meals when you don’t have the means to go out.

• Rolling Cart – To have for storage use, decorative purposes, or to use as a snack cart!

• Desk Chair Cushion – To make study sessions more comfortable at your desk.

• Decorations – I find joy in bringing small knick-knacks to represent myself within space. I do this by placing items on my bookshelf, desk, and dresser. I suggest bringing fake plants to liven up the space with greenery and a pop of color. For even more fun, I would even decorate according to the current holiday or season!

• Additional Decor (Best for Single Rooms) – A television, TV stand, and foldable chairs and/or a small couch.

Cleanliness Tips

Once you are officially moved in, it is your responsibility to take care of your space. It’s understandable not to pick up after yourself when times get busy, so it’s ideal to have designated times throughout the day to prevent further messes from happening. For example, I got into the habit of making my bed every morning before getting ready for class. I would also throw my trash and recyclables away, wipe down all my surfaces (such as my desk and dresser), and spray my room with an air freshener so I’d return to a clean room for the following week. Here are helpful cleaning supplies to always have on-hand in your dorm:

• Disinfectant wipes

• Paper towels

• Air freshener spray

• Medium-sized trash bags

• Duster

• Hand-held vacuum

• Dish soap + sponge (if you plan on bringing dishes)

In terms of personal cleanliness, I would also consider bringing the following:

• Shower Essentials – Traditional halls contain communal showers in each wing of every floor. Make sure to bring your shower products, towels, and a shower cady for easy transportation to the restrooms. Most importantly, don’t forget shower sandals as it is a shared restroom!

• Self-care/Personal hygiene items – Bring your everyday hygiene essentials such as: skincare and dental hygiene products, deodorant, body sprays, etc.

• Washing Tips – If you plan on returning home frequently, I suggest washing your clothes and bed sheets at home. Have a clothing hamper in your room, return and wash used items when you get back home and repeat every week. Every first floor also contains a laundry room for a small fee per wash through a mobile app. If that’s your preference, don’t forget to store your laundry essentials in your room.

If you ever need room maintenance, you have the leeway to put in work orders. By going on the Housing Portal, you can put in a request and get assistance from UHS Facilities at no additional charge. I’ve used a work order before to have my ceiling light replaced and for carpet cleaning; both of which were completed in a timely manner.

Adjusting to a Shared Space

Getting assigned to a roommate may seem intimidating, especially if you don’t know them personally or haven’t met prior to moving in. Navigating a shared space can be both exciting and challenging. It’s all about mutual respect – even in the face of indifferences and opposite personalities.

When you are first assigned a roommate, you are given their message ID which you are then allowed to contact them through the Housing Portal. Introduce yourself and kindly ask whether they are willing to exchange contact information. Once transferred, ask questions to get to know them personally! Ask them the basics such as their major, year, interests and hobbies, or where they are from. This will make the moving-in process less intimidating since you’ll get an idea of who they are. Who knows, you both might have more in common than you may think! All it takes is effort and communication. Keep in mind, this may not be the case for all since some people don’t check their portal regularly; just a helpful suggestion in case both parties wish to get to know each other beforehand.

Once you are both moved in, more communication must go underway. Discuss important topics and boundaries such as:

• Both of your schedules (ex. school, work, and preferred bedtime or wakeup time)

• Living preferences (ex. lights, AC usage, shared utilities, etc.)

• Bringing people over

• Cleanliness levels (ex. chores or scent preferences)

Remember that you are in a shared space. Trust can be easily lost through failed promises, making your roommate uncomfortable, or ignoring their preferences. Compromising and mutual agreements will show the amount of maturity and respect you have for one another.

If you have tried your best to get along with your roommate and it doesn’t work out in the end, it happens! Reach out to your nearest RA for additional support such as finding a new roommate or for them to give your current roommate a fair warning about misconduct. Treat your roommate like a person and attempt to get to know them to the best of your abilities. Simple favors, small talk, or even asking them to hang out when you both have the chance will do wonders for roommate bonding.

While traditional halls are one of the longest-standing dormitories, you can still make the most out of your living experience. Make use of its unique blend of offerings such as its surrounding nature, themed halls, fun housing events, RA/community support, and much more!

What is your favorite part about the traditional halls? Let us know on our social media @ASICPP on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!