Undergraduate Advising Center A Gateway to Graduation

Image: Photos of SF State students and scenes from around campus

Freshman Orientation


Reasons for participating Orientation

SFSU New Student Orientation is required for all first-time college students attending SFSU. We want to welcome you, share our University, and give  you an opportunity to learn the information needed to get you off to a good academic start. We urge you to make every effort to attend this important event at San Francisco State. First-time students who participate in an Orientation Program are better prepared, encounter fewer problems, and generally have a very positive feeling about their experiences at San Francisco State. Plan to join us!


Advising and Class Registration help at Orientation

You will be assisted in planning your Spring 2009 course schedule. Orientation includes a in-depth workshop on graduation requirements and we assist you in planning and registering for classes. Peer advisors will be on hand to help you understand how to best succeed course selection and facilitate your registration at Orientation. An advisor will check your schedule before you leave.


The two ways new students can best prepare for Orientation are:


Orientation for Spring 2009

The Spring 2009 ON CAMPUS orientations for freshmen will occur on December 6th. Plan to stay the entire time. You will register for classes during the afternoon. Family members are invited to attend (max 2 guests). NOTE: This is the ONLY date for Freshmen!

See our Conference Services information below for options for staying off campus during Orientation.


  • Saturday, Dec 6th, check in 8:15 am - program: 9 am to 4:30 pm


Remember, in order to register for your classes, you must also submit your proof of immunizations before you can register.

Registration for this date begins on November 3rd - 21st, 2009!


International Student Orientation

If you are an international student currently OUT of the USA, there will be a program, jointly offered with Office of International Programs in January, 2009. Please read the following - these are things you should do BEFORE coming to Orientation!

  • Register for Orientation - doing so EARLY gives us time to prepare for your attendance
  • PAY your $35 fee - space is limited, but you CAN pay in-person upon arrival
  • Sign up for the ELM & EPT tests - Also ESLPT if your primary language is NOT English

Click HERE to register for the International Orientation!


Register classes for Spring 2009

Freshmen register for classes on their Orientation date. We will show you how. Remember, in order to register for classes, you MUST have your ELM and/or EPT scores on file, if the tests are required. Do you need to test? Here's the link to see your test score report.


Placement Scores for ELM or EPT at Orientation

Placement tests are mandatory to attend Orientation and/or registering for classes. If you have taken the tests at least 6 weeks before Orientation, SFSU should have your scores on file. To be safe, also bring a copy of your scores to Orientation. (You can request your scores from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Once you know your scores, find out what those scores MEAN here. If you have not yet taken ELM and EPT you must register and take the Oct 11th or Nov 1st tests. Go to SFSU Testing website to register for our tests at SFSU. You may take the test at any California State University, however, make sure to bring your scores WITH you on your Orientation day!

If you took the ELM or EPT tests, you can see your scores on the web here.

If you take ELM/EPT at another campus, be sure to indicate SFSU as a destination of your test scores. Please put your SFSU student ID number (from your Notice of Admissions) on your test materials.


Fees for Orientation

Orientation fees will be $35 per student and $25 per guest. The fees include your Orientation materials, Class Schedule booklet and a meal. See more information regarding Orientation fees and University fees (Tuition).
NOTE: An $8 rescheduling charge will be applied if you do not cancel your Orientation prior to 3 days in advance!


Register for Orientation

Note: You must file your Intent to Register before you can sign up for Orientation. Starting Nov 3rd - 21st, you may do both. After Intent, you may view your orientation confirmation at http://www.sfsu.edu/online/orient.htm


Off-Campus Accommodations During Orientation

We do not have on-campus accommodations available for our winter Orientations since our current students are in residence at that time. We do have off-campus short-term stay options close to campus.


Off-Campus Hotels/Motels (not for Orientation registration)
please call click below;
http://www.sfsu.edu/~housing/offcampus/shortterm.html


SF State Home