Cal Poly Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt’s campus is characterized by its stunning natural setting in Arcata, California, surrounded by redwood forests and close to the Pacific Ocean.

Key aspects of Cal Poly Humboldt’s Campus:

• Location: Situated in the vibrant town of Arcata, in Northern California’s Humboldt County. The campus offers easy access to diverse ecosystems, including redwood forests, coastline, and rivers.
• Size: A mid-sized campus providing a close-knit community feel while offering a range of academic and recreational facilities.
• Academic Buildings: Home to various departments and programs, including science laboratories, art studios, performance spaces, and lecture halls. 
• Cultural and Social Spaces: This area features art galleries, performance venues (Van Duzer Theatre), and student union spaces (University Center) that host events and gatherings.

Campus Safety

Cal Poly Humboldt prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff through a multifaceted approach.

Key aspects of Campus Safety at Cal Poly Humboldt:

• University Police Department (UPD): A fully sworn police agency with authority throughout California, operating 24/7, 365 days a year. UPD officers are trained to handle emergencies and criminal activity and provide safety escorts.
• Emergency Preparedness: The university has a comprehensive emergency management plan and conducts regular drills. They utilize a Poly Alert notification system to inform the campus community of urgent situations.
• Safety Escort Program: During evening hours, uniformed student employees are available to walk students and community members between campus buildings, residences, and transportation stops.
• Blue Light Phones: Emergency call boxes are located across campus, providing a direct line to UPD.
• Safety App (Cal Poly Humboldt SAFE): A mobile app offering features like live chat with dispatch, easy reporting, mobile BlueLight, friend walk, campus and tsunami hazard maps, and emergency contact directories. This app is gradually replacing the previous RAVE Guardian app.
• Campus Advocate Team (CAT): A confidential on-campus resource providing 24-hour crisis support for students, staff, and faculty who have experienced harm.
• Title IX Office: Handles issues related to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including sexual misconduct.
• Building Security: The university has implemented measures like a Campus Locking Plan for academic buildings to enhance security, with key card access for students enrolled in classes within those buildings.

Cal Poly Humboldt encourages students to utilize available safety resources and report concerns to the University Police Department. The university is committed to fostering a safe and secure learning and living environment for its community.

Cal Poly Humboldt Student Life

Cal Poly Humboldt offers a vibrant student life centered around its beautiful natural surroundings and a close-knit community. Students enjoy academic pursuits, outdoor adventures, and diverse social and cultural activities.

Key aspects of Student Life at Cal Poly Humboldt:

• Outdoor Focus: Situated near forests, the Pacific Ocean, and rivers, outdoor activities are a significant part of student life. Popular pursuits include hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing, and exploring nearby Redwood National and State Parks.
• Campus Clubs and Organizations: Hundreds of student-led clubs and organizations cater to a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, environmental, social justice, arts, and sports. 
• Diverse Community: Cal Poly Humboldt prides itself on its diverse student body and fosters an inclusive environment. 
• Events and Traditions: The university hosts various campus-wide events, including welcome week activities, cultural celebrations, and graduation ceremonies, fostering a sense of belonging and tradition.
• Student Government: The Associated Students (AS) provides a voice for students and advocates for their interests on campus.
• Recreational Sports: Students can stay active and healthy by participating in intramural and club sports and using the university’s recreational facilities.
• Support Services: Cal Poly Humboldt offers various support services to enhance student well-being, including counseling, health services, and academic advising.

Accommodation at Cal Poly Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt provides various accommodation options for students on and off campus.

On-Campus Housing:

• Residence Halls: These are traditional-style living spaces with shared common areas and bathrooms. Options include Canyon, The Hill, and suite-style living in Creekview and Cypress. Meal plans are typically required for residence hall living.
• Apartments: Hinarr Hu Moulik and College Creek Apartments offer apartments with shared living rooms, kitchens, and private bathrooms. Meal plans are also required here.
• Living-Learning Communities: Students can choose housing based on academic, personal, or cultural interests to connect with like-minded individuals.
• Affordable Options: Cal Poly Humboldt aims to provide affordable on-campus housing, with double rooms among the more budget-friendly options in the CSU system.
• New Housing Project: A significant new student housing project near the Craftsman Mall site is expected to open in Fall 2025. It will add nearly 1,000 beds in apartment-style units with various amenities. This new facility will be available for transfer, graduate, and returning students, focusing on upper-division students.

Off-Campus Housing:

• The Off-Campus Housing team at Cal Poly Humboldt assists students in finding suitable accommodation in the surrounding community.
• Arcata: The city where the main campus is located, with a central downtown area and a higher cost of living.
• Eureka: About 8 miles from campus, known for a higher availability of rental housing and a lower average rental cost.
• McKinleyville: Approximately 7 miles from campus, offering a quieter, more residential environment.
• Resources include a rental listing platform, guidance on the renting process, and support for finding roommates.
• The university encourages students to start their off-campus housing search early, ideally a few months before the start of the semester.

International students have access to both on-campus and off-campus housing options. On-campus housing can provide a convenient and integrated living experience, while off-campus housing offers more independence.