New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is an excellent opportunity to explore campus, connect with other new students, meet your academic advisor and register for your classes.

a group of SFSU students smiling with their orientation leader

Where Student Success Starts 

Orientation at SFSU is your launchpad to college life. From early class registration to meeting new friends and exploring campus, orientation gives you everything you need to start strong.   

Why Attend New Student Orientation?  

Orientation is designed to help you feel confident and ready for your first semester. You’ll be able to: 

  • Register for classes: Get a head start on your academic journey! At orientation, you’ll meet with academic advisors who will help you plan your class schedule and understand your academic roadmap.
  • Meet your campus community: Connect with other new students, orientation leaders and campus staff who are here to support you. Build friendships, find your people and get insider tips on how to make the most of your time at SFSU.
  • Explore student resources: Discover the many services and programs available to you — from academic tutoring and mental wellness support to career coaching and student organizations. Orientation is your gateway to everything SFSU has to offer! 
SFSU staff tabling at Explore SFSU wearing purple shirts

Have a successful transition into SFSU — sign up for an orientation session!

Missed Orientation? You Can Still Register for Classes

Hello Gators! If you weren't able to attend an Orientation Session, please review the following resources to help you prepare for your first semester at SFSU.

Welcome to SFSU! There's still time to register for classes and we're here to help. To get started, please follow the steps below. 

  1. Login to Canvas and enroll in the course “Enroll in SFSU: Your First-Year Guide”.
  2. Review the section titled “Start Here! Pre Orientation” and learn about first-semester course recommendations and requirements.
  3. Use Gator Scheduler to enroll in classes. See the How to Use: Gator Scheduler webpage for more information.
  4.  If Needed, Seek Academic Advising Support

Academic Advising Support

If you need assistance, please connect with your designated advising location. 

  • Check your SFSU email for a message from the Undergraduate Advising Center or Educational Opportunity Programs. The message includes a link to schedule an appointment with an academic counselor.
  • Or call your advising office and let the front desk know you missed orientation and are an incoming first-year student who needs help registering for your first semester. 

Please note: If you haven't accessed your SFSU email yet, see our instructions for setting up your SFSU email account and multi-factor authentication.

Contacts

If you're a transfer student who missed Orientation, follow these steps to register for classes.

  1.  Complete the Orientation Profile Academic Advising Module.
    Review the Academic Advising Module in your Orientation Profile. It provides information about finding classes, registering for courses, transfer advising tools and other academic resources.
  2. Review your Degree Roadmap.
    Find your degree in the SFSU Academic Bulletin and review the Degree Roadmap. Use it as a guide to identify the courses and degree requirements you still need to complete.
  3. Enroll in classes.
    Use the How to Enroll: Registration Guide for step-by-step instructions on enrolling in your classes.

Registration timeline
If you miss Orientation, you'll receive a separate registration date after the final transfer Orientation session. You may begin enrolling in classes on that date.

Academic advising support
If you have questions about registration or are unsure whether your transfer credits have been applied correctly, contact the Undergraduate Advising Center.

Check your SFSU email for a message from the Undergraduate Advising with information about registration support. This message is sent after the final transfer Orientation session. If you don't receive the email or need additional assistance, contact the Undergraduate Advising Center.

Please note: Due to high demand during registration, advising appointments may be limited. If no appointments are available, consider attending drop-in advising hours. Visit the Undergraduate Advising Center webpage for current hours and information.

Stay on track by reviewing the Academic Calendar, which includes important dates such as the first day of instruction, add/drop deadlines and University holidays.

View the SFSU Academic Calendar

Questions about academics or campus life? Feeling a little overwhelmed? Contact the Student Activities Office—we're here to help and can connect you with the right campus resources.

Student Activities and Events
activities@sfsu.edu
(415) 338-3060

Questions about orientation?