Leila Durmaz is a journalism freshman and Mustang Daily freshman columnist.
The first week of classes will soon turn into the first month, the first quarter and, quickly, the first year of college. Is it just me, or does it already feel like it has been a month since our little freshmen selves moved in? It’s weird to think that we have spent so little time here but have already become situated with good friends and were even able to find all our classes without getting lost. Well, maybe not quite the latter.
If there is one thing that we probably have not gotten used to yet, it’s the workload. I don’t know about you, but senior year was one of the easier, if not easiest, years of high school. Yes, it was the year of dreaded college applications and the added pressure from friends to ask that one girl to senior prom (this goes out to the guys), but it was also the year we slid by in classes, just enough so that we were able to pass. Can you say senioritis much?
Coming to college is different. We definitely have a lighter class load and spend less hours in class daily than we did in high school, but we probably spend a good chunk of our time sitting in our dorms, lying out in the grass or chilling in the Robert E. Kennedy library, reading and doing work for our classes. And though it might be difficult to juggle a few classes and the heavy workload, it will definitely be worth it because you know what they say: Work hard, play hard.
Because we live in beautiful San Luis Obispo, there is plenty to do out and about. However, being the new freshmen that we are, most of us probably do not know what is going on in our new community and on campus.
On campus, grab some friends and go bowling at Mustang Lanes (located in the University Union) then go rock climbing outside at Poly Escapes during the week for free, if you’re looking for more excitement.
If you haven’t already, I suggest you take a hike. No, don’t stop reading this, but put on your Nikes and shorts, grab a water bottle and step outside.
Located right behind the red brick-residence hall Fremont is the trail to the famous “P” located on the hill.
Enjoy the outdoors and say hello to some horses as you hike up to the “P” to watch the sunrise, sunset or even just the sun at noon. It is an amazing sight to see the entire Cal Poly campus and most of San Luis Obispo. Instead of just hiking to the “P,” go all the way up to the top of the hill for an even more beautiful view.
There is also Bishop Peak, which I hear is a beautiful, moderately challenging hike that gives you an even better view than the top of the “P” does. I have not been able to hike Bishop myself, but judging from friends’ Facebook pictures, it really does look amazing.
If you’re more of a biker, there are plenty of biking trails in and around San Luis Obispo that are perfect for even the most casual biker. Explore downtown trails, wine country and more to feel the wind in your hair, or lack thereof, and get away from your busy schedules for a bit.
If you’re not into hiking or biking, go out Thursday night.
Four blocks of Higuera Street downtown are blocked off every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. just for San Luis Obispo’s block party: Farmers’ Market. Take a walk through the streets to enjoy the air filled with the aroma of delicious food from local vendors and the sound of entertainment. Take your time people watching and buy some fresh fruits and veggies to stack in your dorm refrigerator so you have some healthy snacks in arm’s reach because, really, it’s a good idea if you are too lazy to go to the Pre-Rec to avoid the Freshmen 15. Although, I do feel like walking around campus to your classes and to the dining halls is an exercise in itself, but that might just be me.
The night doesn’t end there, though. Once Farmers’ Market ends, get dressed up in cowboy boots and flannels and head over to The Graduate for line dancing at 9 p.m. For a cover charge of $10, try it out even if you think it’s a dorky thing to do, because I guarantee you will possibly have the best Thursday night ever. Who needs “Thirsty Thursdays” when you have “Line Dancing Thursdays?”
As for an upcoming event, head over to the coastal city of Pismo Beach on Oct. 14 to enjoy the ocean spray for an annual Clam Festival.
If clams aren’t your thing, there are plenty more things for you to do. Watch a live parade, participate in a surf contest, enjoy a clam chowder cook-off and partake in the sandcastle building contest. The festival runs until Oct. 16, so definitely make your way over to get some of that beach breeze.
Freshmen class, as much as you should work hard in your classes, don’t forget to devote some time to be with your friends and explore this town we now call home. Because before you know it, our freshman year will soon be over (cliché, but so true).