We recently highlighted 10 must-dos before you graduate. Well, here is the second installment, as promised.
If you are you experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out) when it comes to activities on campus you haven't done or sites you haven't seen yet, we have the remedy for that.
With classes, work and extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities it can be hard to keep up with everything that is going on around us. However, it is important to take the time to explore campus and check out the opportunities and resources Cal Poly Pomona has to offer.
We hope this list will help you prepare for navigating life after graduation, create memories that will last a lifetime and to simply have fun!
1. Hike to the CPP Letters
One of the best ways to enjoy the campus' breathtaking landscape is to hike up the hill to the CPP letters. The short hike is a challenging workout to conquer in between classes or on a weekend. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear tennis shoes with good grip as the trail to the letters is extremely steep.
2. Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that will give you the chance to explore new places and cultures in settings outside of the classroom, make friends around the world, and gain a global perspective all while earning credits towards your degree. If you put in the research in choosing a program that suits you academically and financially, studying abroad can be affordable. Plus, the Office for Study Abroad offers scholarships. Check out CPP's Study Abroad website to learn more about opportunities to make the world your classroom.
Volubilis at Sunset. Photo credit: James Apel.
3. Visit Arabian Horse Center
One of the most iconic spots at on campus is the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center. The facility houses about 100 purebred Arabian horses used in teaching, research and breeding. Take a study break and visit the beautiful horses.
4. Go to Pumpkin Fest
The annual Pumpkin Fest, which runs through the month of October, is one of Southern California's premier events. Explore the pumpkin patches, navigate a corn maze or take a hayride. Bring your family and friends for a fun hangout and to get in the Halloween spirit.
5. Conduct Research
Whether you would like to expand your employment opportunities after graduation or you are thinking about going to graduate school, conducting research as an undergraduate is a valuable experience. Participating in research will improve your writing and communication, and you can also hone your public speaking skills while preparing for conference presentations, and you will gain interpersonal skills by working with other students and your mentor. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research's website to learn how to get involved.
6. Participate in Town and Gown Ride
For the past few years, CPP has hosted the annual Town and Gown Ride, and the tradition lives on. Participants bike through neighborhoods in Pomona to promote health, sustainability and a strong community. The event is usually held in March or April, so keep an eye out when spring comes around.
7. Attend Career Fair
The Career Center hosts various career fairs and recruiting events throughout the year to connect students with employers. These are excellent opportunities to network with professionals in the workforce, so make sure to take advantage of it.
8. Eat at Poly Trolley 2
Last fall, the new Poly Trolley came back better than ever and it is here to stay. If you have not tried the new version of the original Poly Trolley yet, make this the year to do so. Menu items include tacos, street fries, Mexican street corn and vegetarian options.
9. Try Innovation Brew Works
Tired of dining hall food but want a quick meal? Head over to Innovation Brew Works, just across the street from the Village. The restaurant and brewery serve pizza, salad, sandwiches, dessert and craft beer. They offer indoor and outdoor dining as well as take-out.
10. Work on the Rose Float
As a CPP student, it is a privilege and honor to get the opportunity to participate in the making of the Cal Poly Universities' Rose Float. For more than 70 years, Cal Poly Pomona students, alongside their counterparts from Cal Poly SLO, have designed, built and decorated Rose Floats. This is an excellent activity for hands-on learning and great for those who want to enhance their team-building and problem-solving skills. Visit the Rose Float Lab website to learn how to get involved.
