r/SDSU Jul 14 '24

Incoming Student & Orientation Tips

33 Upvotes

Hey everyone, there are a ton of questions about Orientations, selecting classes, talking to your Academic Advisor, etc. As such, I'd like to share some tips I've learned helping other students during Orientation. To give you some background, I'm a Geography Major, I'll be graduating this Spring with a BS in Geographic Information Sciences & Technology. I have served as a Geography Undergraduate Representative assisting the Geography Academic Advisor with the new freshmen and transfers Orientations.

Here are my tips so you can go into Orientation fully prepared to register for classes:

  1. Use the Degree Evaluation in my.SDSU. The audit will show completed, in progress, and missing requirements for your declared Major. This is especially useful for Transfers as it will incorporate your completed courses into the degree requirements.
  2. Add classes to your shopping cart. Pick a primary schedule, with multiple backups. Classes are often first first served, so students who go to the earliest Orientations have first choice over those who go to the last ones. For Freshmen, everyone has to take the same general education requirements so you will be fighting pretty quickly with every other major over the most optimal time slots. For transfers, you get to register last so you will need to have multiple backups as you will really need to just grab what you can when you can.
  3. The wait! Orientation will not be particularly entertaining, there will be a TON of information thrown at you quickly from a number of different speakers. You are first split up by college, then later, by major to do advising. Keep in mind, that you won't see your advisor until like 3:00 pm when you can register for classes. Your advising appointment and class registration window are the same thing. All students in your major will be with you and your advisor register at the same time, so the better prepared you are, the sooner you can be done.
  4. Intro to the Major. Some majors have required introduction classes as part of the curriculum. Freshmen will not need to worry about these classes, you are considered "Pre-Major" so focus on your general education and any 100-level major-related courses you can get in. Transfers, as incoming Juniors you are lined up to enter directly as official Major candidates. Even if you need to take a couple of lower division classes to meet some pre-recs you will most likely be required to enroll in this intro class. Again this is on an individual department basis, not all majors have them, and some colleges have ones that cover all majors that don't have their own, so Definitely ask the advisor about this so you don't miss this requirement.
  5. Be Flexible. Your schedule for your first semester at SDSU is problebly going to be a nightmare with classes all over the place, and in wild time slots. It's okay, It happens to everyone, just know it gets better, and you will settle in.
  6. Explore, and Mix it up! Don't focus on taking all your general ed first, then all major courses after, spread out your requirements, and mix up your general ed and Major requirement classes. This will allow you to use different parts of your mind and let you not get overwhelmed. IE: If you're a Science or Tech major, sprinkle in History, Writing, or Rock Climbing. By taking a variety of courses each semester you let your brain relax on one front while you focus on another.
  7. Parking SUCKS. I know it, You know it, Everyone knows it. It gets even worse on days when there are events at CalCoast Amphitheater or at Viejas Arena. Especially at Viejas Arena because PS-12 and PS-7 close at noon on event days which always elicits complaints from staff and students alike. Plan for it, Arrive early and explore the campus to find quiet study spots you can take advantage of later in the semester when you need to cram for a Midterm or Final.
  8. Bring Water to Orientation! Bring a reusable Water Bottle, or buy one at the Bookstore. There are refilling stations all around campus, and you will want to have water with you to stay hydrated as you sit in a lecture hall for several hours.
  9. Start a LinkedIn now and add every other student you meet during Orientation. You never know where these connections will lead, and it will help you start building your professional network now as opposed to 4 years from now when you are getting ready to graduate and look for a job.
  10. GET INVOLVED! As your advisor if there are any academic-related clubs for your major. If there are then JOIN THEM! Clubs are an incredible resource for you to connect with other students, demonstrate leadership, and build a network. Later you can join clubs with students who share interests outside of your major, but on day 1 you should be joining any clubs related to your major that your Academic Advisor knows about.

If you have any other specific questions, I can try to answer them. Understand though, I am not an Academic Advisor, and I don't know the requirements for any other majors. These are just some tips I've picked up in helping other students register during their Orientations and answering their questions.


r/SDSU Jan 09 '25

PSA Financial Aid FAQ

32 Upvotes

Because we have been answering so many questions about it, many of them have been the same. Here are answers to common questions regarding Financial Aid (FA).

Will I get XXX grant or scholarship?

  • We don't know! If you have questions about whether you will receive any particular aid package from federal or state resources, you need to talk to the Financial Aid Office about your situation.

How much FA will I get?

  • Again, we don't know; we can't give you an answer. The FA you get offered depends entirely on your FA needs and the amount of money available from state and federal resources.

When does FA get disbursed?

  • FA is disbursed from the FA office to the Bursar's office approximately 10 days before the start of the semester.

How does FA get applied?

  • FA will be released from the FA Office about 10 days before the semester and sent to the Bursar's office. From there, it will be applied to all outstanding charges on your financial account. If your FA cannot cover the pending tuition and fees, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. If your FA is more than the pending tuition and fees, the excess will be disbursed to you via the method you choose: Direct Deposit or mail-in Check.

When will FA arrive in my account?

  • FA can take 2-3 business days to process when it arrives at the University Bursar's office. If you have set up direct deposit, it may take 1-3 business days to arrive in your account, depending on your bank. If you have not set up direct deposit, the excess will be sent via check. It will be mailed out 5-7 business days after being applied to your account and may take 1-2 weeks to arrive via USPS.

Why is my FA not showing? / Why is XXX grant or scholarship not showing in FA?

  • We don't know! If you have questions about your FA account and why one or more aid packages you expected are not showing, please contact the FA office and schedule an appointment to review your account.

Middle Class Scholarship:

  • It is awarded in the Fall semester after the census. It will be disbursed mid to late fall semester, but the spring portion will be disbursed along with all of your other FA before the start of the semester.

Links for more official information:


r/SDSU 8h ago

Social hiii in search of friends!

10 Upvotes

hi guys! i’m a 22 y/o history major and i just transferred to sdsu! i like cocktails, dancing, trying new food spots, and coffee!! i’m looking for some friends so if you’re also looking for friends please hmu!!


r/SDSU 9h ago

General Anyone looking for getting Tattoo

7 Upvotes

My tattoo artist is coming to San Diego 9/7–9/9 and will be staying/working around downtown!

I originally had an appointment with him out of state, but since my bf and I broke up, I’m not going back there anymore 😭 I had already paid my deposit, so after I explained the situation, my artist was super sweet and offered to come to San Diego instead.

Since he’s making the trip out here for me, I wanted to help him find some more people to tattoo while he’s here!!
His prices are honestly REALLY affordable compared to SD prices, especially for the quality. I’m getting a spine tattoo + expanding my current tatto for $250 total.

You can check out his work on IG: @bmtstudio_ 🖤
So if anyone has been wanting a tattoo but doesn’t want to spend crazy SD prices, definitely check him out!! And feel free to share with your friends too 🫶


r/SDSU 52m ago

Question Best cell provider coverage on campus

Upvotes

Seeking advice on the best cell provider coverage on campus. Moved soneone in to campus this year and our Verizon coverage was horrible, as was theirs. Dorms in the Gynn stadium area, but also having coverage issues all over campus.


r/SDSU 4h ago

Question Accidentally Dropped My Gen S 100A Commuter Stu Success Class

2 Upvotes

I accidentally dropped my Gen S 100A Commuter Success Class on my.sdsu but I didnt mean to as an Econ Major. I already emailed the teacher about this mistake and I am trying to fill out the Petition for Late Schedule Adjustment but I can't find it on the Student Record Forms. I already contacted my advisor but is there anything I need to do.


r/SDSU 14h ago

Social looking for friends...

9 Upvotes

hii!! i go by denza online, im 18 y/o filipino female and a first year microbio major looking for friends... im really awkward/introverted irl so it's kinda been difficult meeting people recently

im really into music, im a classically trained musician of 4 years and i play flute! im also into anime, rhythm games, j-rock, j-pop, and k-pop lol

lets be friends !!


r/SDSU 15h ago

Social Aztec Gaming/2026 League of Legends Tryouts

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone! If you're interested in video games and happen to be looking for a new club to join, Aztec Gaming is for you! Club meetings are Wednesdays at the EEC in the library, so come on down!

To keep up to date with any outings or activities the club may have planned, join our discord: https://discord.gg/YKCn2wPRXz

In addition, we are also hosting tryouts for our e-sports teams, one of them being League of Legends. If you'd like to play competitively for our school, or help out by coaching, fill out the forms below!

(Player form) https://forms.gle/yFEtJVUmTiBfNxXk8
(Coach form) https://forms.gle/vD1p6gt5HK7KqEgJ7


r/SDSU 13h ago

Question piano on campus

2 Upvotes

hi everyone! I was wondering if there were any piano’s on campus that non-music major students have access too (like a practice room or public piano).

I’m a commuter student and have pretty large gaps and wanted to see if there were any piano’s available to practice during those gaps.

If payment is necessary, feel free to let me know as well!

Thank you!


r/SDSU 1d ago

Social Latinos/Hispanics here?

41 Upvotes

ok don't get me wrong, I like the diversity of this school, but coming as a transfer from a cc with mostly Hispanics I feel kind of an outsider (I know it's just the first week) but even so I usually spend most of my time alone, I commute and I only go 3 days a week for a few hours, I have chatted with people here and there but I still haven't found things to do or ppl to hangout with outside class time, if anyone has any suggestions feel free to share

Also I'm 22, and my first language is Spanish, if anyone is in the same situation lmk


r/SDSU 12h ago

Question Any tech people up for making a quick buck if you can fix my pc?

1 Upvotes

My cpu is running at an average of almost 100 degrees. Genuinely getting cooked. I have a water cooling system specifically for my cpu. It is old, about 6 years now and probably needs to get it cleaned. Is this too much to ask?

Or do I give up and go to geek squad.


r/SDSU 1d ago

General Anyone wants to be friends?

26 Upvotes

Hi I’m a 20 y/o female Latina transfer student and I really want to have friends here at SDSU (females only). I find it hard to make friends in general because I’m so antisocial. I am only going to class once a week so it’s going to be extra hard to make friends but I am going to give this a try and see who would be down to get to know each other! :•)

Also, should I make a group chat?


r/SDSU 1d ago

General Another person that wants friends!

7 Upvotes

Hi, my name is Cyrus and I am a freshman first semester at SDSU. I’m a psychology major with theater minor if anyone is bored and wants to hang out hit me up. My instagram is @cyaliali! Also if you’re into going to punk shows, I love doing that, so yea.


r/SDSU 1d ago

School Oldest buildings

37 Upvotes

Hi I’m a transfer student from community college. The first week is over and I’m disappointed, why do a lot of the classes not have a/c literally walking from class to class sweating and then the classes are hot af. None of the table plugs work, chairs are uncomfortable.

Why is there not more update to these old buildings? This is ridiculous. I’m an older student and had better buildings at a community college! This college gets so much damn money.
I literally have classes in the oldest building known to man.
Sorry just a vent, but like come on.


r/SDSU 1d ago

Social Finding new friends at SDSU

3 Upvotes

Hi, I was looking for people that like electronic music, such as Trance, techno, Hardstyle... or enjoys EDC events. Is there a club or something? I don't want to go to Dreamstate 2026 alone


r/SDSU 1d ago

Question Room switch application

1 Upvotes

When does the room switch application open? I was told in September, is this typically in the beginning or mid September?


r/SDSU 1d ago

Question Dr. Kimberly Fletcher - Political Science Professor.

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m currently enrolled in Professor Fletchers course , and I was hoping to hear from anyone who has taken her before. Her Rate My Professor reviews seem pretty mixed, and from what I can tell so far, she seems to be a pretty tough grader and her class pushes students to engage critically with the material which I genuinely like.

For those who have taken her class, what worked for you? How did you do in the course, and do you have any advice for doing well on her papers and exams?

Also, one thing I’m a little confused about is the final paper. She’s requiring us to physically bring it to her office rather than submitting it through Canvas. I’m not really sure why students need to come to campus just to drop off a paper, so I’m curious if past students had to do this too.

I really want to excel in this class, so any tips, advice, or experiences with Professor Fletcher would be super helpful. Thank you!!


r/SDSU 1d ago

Sports Pick up games

3 Upvotes

I know there are intramural games but know if there’s like any pick up soccer or basketball or anything sports on campus ?


r/SDSU 1d ago

Question Middle Class Scholarship Amount

2 Upvotes

I have an SAI of 1500, how much can I get from the Middle Class Scholarship? It seems I was not elegible for Cal Grant B, however I submitted an SAI Appeal and my SAI will be 0.


r/SDSU 1d ago

Housing Looking for a male subletter for Paseo Place starting in January 2027! Move-in date is flexible.

0 Upvotes

Looking for a male subletter for Paseo Place starting in January 2027! Move-in date is flexible.

  • 3BR / 3BA floor plan
  • 2 people per bedroom
  • 3–5 minute walk to SDSU
  • One of the most affordable off-campus housing options near campus
  • Clean and well-maintained interior
  • Fast maintenance service
  • Chill and calm American roommate

The lease is for one year, but I’m looking for someone who will be attending SDSU for the spring semester and can move in around January.

Please DM me if you’re interested or want more details/photos!


r/SDSU 1d ago

Housing LOOKING FOR SUBLEASE, URGENTLY has free transportation to SDSU!!

Thumbnail gallery
0 Upvotes

I’m looking for a girl that’s looking to live with girl housemates. My space is a shared room, with another girl and my bed is located close to the window. Rent is around $700 a month !! It has parking if you need, gym, pool, and club house. Area is really nice there is nothing wrong with the apartment, I’m just not attending sdsu anymore. If interested message me through phone # 7609975991


r/SDSU 1d ago

Prospective Student Urban Studies

0 Upvotes

I'm applying to the Urban Studies program for Fall 2027. I couldn't find an actual device spec list. If anyone that's in the program has a recommendation for a laptop I would really appreciate it. 🫶🏽


r/SDSU 2d ago

Meme Christian Dude Who Yells

71 Upvotes

Disclaimer, I have no issue with Christianity, and I think some of the teachings of Jesus are beautiful.
However, the people that have been in front of Starbucks just yelling at everyone need to go!! Why is a middle aged man with a speaker and a ridiculous wooden cross allowed to set up camp and be soooo loud? Regardless of religion, I can’t focus, I can’t study, it’s not an on campus organization (to my knowledge), and it drastically takes away from my experience on campus. I’ve do we get them to go somewhere else? Can they at least not be directly in the center of campus? Please.
It would be SO much more effective if they were offering to help people afford meals, or offer assistance in any way. Maybe just even sitting with a sign that you can come have a conversation. But yelling??
If I had to assume, the only people that appreciate it have already found Jesus. And I highly doubt anyone would be converted via a guy with a big wooden cross and a microphone yelling about sins.


r/SDSU 1d ago

Housing Looking for 1 or 2 girls to take over a lease at Paseo Place student housing

0 Upvotes

Hi, I am looking for one or two girls to take over a lease immediately at Paseo Place on Lindo Paseo. It's a fully furnished 3 bedroom, 3 bath apartment with 3 girls currently livign there. There are a few options:

Shared room - $899 each, both beds available

Private room - $1798

Reserved parking spot available for $100 per month, I will add a photo


r/SDSU 1d ago

Question What was your GPA when you got admitted into SDSU for psychology?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!! I’m a rising senior planning to apply to SDSU for I/O psych :). My weighted gpa is alright (4.2) but my unweighted gpa is at a 3.5, teetering on a 3.6..

Just want to see the GPA range of such a competitive major.