Welcome to San Francisco State and the Gator Family!
We are very excited to welcome you to San Francisco State University! Your acceptance to San Francisco State is an important step in your college career. New Student & Family Programs is here to support your orientation and transition to the University. Explore this site to make sure you take advantage of our step-by-step guides from accepting your admissions offer, signing-up for New Student Orientation, and starting your first semester with success!
Important Announcements
Below you will find regular updates to key announcements and important information essential for all new students and their families. We encourage you to bookmark our homepage as we try to bring together important resources for all new students!
News & Info
Modified Campus Operations Continue
We encourage all new students to carefully read the updates regarding COVID-19 and the SF State Campus Plan from the University's main webpage linked below.
The 2021 New Student Checklist is Coming Soon! Check back before signing up for orientation!
Note: If you happened to miss New Student Orientation and would like to learn more or find support regarding your transition to SF State, please email us at nsp@sfsu.edu
As a new admitted student here are some important dates and deadlines. Please feel free to contact our office if you need any support navigating your transition to San Francisco State!
We are here to help and pride ourselves on helping students and their families! Go Gators!
Summer Orientation 2021 Dates for Fall 2021
New Student Orientation for the Fall 2021 semester occur during the summer before the start of the term. Summer Orientation for Summer 2021 will be facilitated remotely via live Zoom session we call "Orientation Live!"
You can learn more about New Student Orientation via the links provided below! We're looking forward to meet you!
FIRST-YEAR (FRESHMEN) ORIENTATION SESSIONS*
Session Number | Session Day | Session Date |
1 | Thursday | June 10, 2021 |
2 | Friday | June 11, 2021 |
3 | Monday | June 14, 2021 |
4 | Tuesday | June 15, 2021 |
5 | Thursday | June 17, 2021 |
6 | Friday | June 18, 2021 |
7 | Monday | June 21, 2021 |
8 | Tuesday | June 22, 2021 |
9 | Thursday | June 24, 2021 |
10 | Friday | June 25, 2021 |
11 | Monday | June 28, 2021 |
12 | Tuesday | June 29, 2021 |
13 | Thursday | July 1, 2021 |
14 | Friday | July 2, 2021 |
*Note: SF State does not host New Student Orientation sessions on Wednesday, Saturdays or Sundays. If you have any questions about the specific dates listed, please contact nsp@sfsu.edu
NEW TRANSFER ORIENTATION SESSIONS*
Session Number | Session Day | Session Date |
1 | Monday | July 12, 2021 |
2 | Tuesday | July 13, 2021 |
3 | Thursday | July 15, 2021 |
4 | Friday | July 16, 2021 |
5 | Monday | July 19, 2021 |
6 | Tuesday | July 20, 2021 |
7 | Thursday | July 22, 2021 |
8 | Friday | July 23, 2021 |
9 | Monday | July 26, 2021 |
10 | Tuesday | July 27, 2021 |
11 | Thursday | July 29, 2021 |
12 | Friday | July 30, 2021 |
13 | Monday | August 2, 2021 |
14 | Tuesday | August 3, 2021 |
*Note: SF State does not host New Student Orientation sessions on Wednesday, Saturdays or Sundays. If you have any questions about the specific dates listed, please contact nsp@sfsu.edu
Helpful Links
You can check your application status online. After you submit your online application, you will receive an email from the University with your San Francisco State University Identification Number.
Check your application status on the SF State Gateway. Log in with your SF State ID and password and navigate to the Student Center to see the most up-to-date information.
The To Do List will show the required documents needed for your admission application. Click “more” and then the individual To Do Items to see additional details about each item.
You can also check the status of your application by clicking on the link to “Check Admission Status” in the “New Students” box of your Student Center.
We recommend all new students and their families to review the cost to attend SF State early and determine various factors to cost of living, tuition and fees, and what potential aid, scholarships, and resources will be needed to attend the University.
Below you will find a variety of links and resources to understand various financial aid resources.
Prospective and new students can check their financial aid application status, view and accept their financial aid award offer through the SF State Gateway.
- Login to your Student Center on the SF State Gateway: gateway.sfsu.edu
- In the center of the next page in the "Finances" section, choose on "View Financial Aid"
- Check your "To Do" List for any required documents.
Housing at San Francisco State is limited! It's important to plan for various options if living on-campus is not possible. It is important to note that Housing applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applying for housing on campus is a separate process from the University admission process. Because obtaining housing on campus is not guaranteed, it’s important to apply early.
Navigating a University website as a new student can be a lot of work! Don't stress. We're here to help. Below you'll find an advanced search tool that can help find specific offices or staff across campus. If you would like to speak with someone from our office, please visit our Help Desk.
Welcome to the Gator Way!

First-Year Experience
In the first-year, students forge and further develop personal, academic, and community identities and literacies in dialogue with San Francisco State University’s history of social justice, equity, and inclusion.

Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors will reach out to all new students during the first academic semester and provide opportunities for one-on-one check-ins, ways to connect and get involved and learn more about the University.

The City that Knows How
San Francisco is an incredible home for a University. San Francisco State University students will be able to explore the city and learn why you can leave your heart in San Francisco! See what there is to explore!
New Student Orientation

Orientation 101
It All Starts Here! Learn more about New Student Orientation at San Francisco State and what it means to be a Gator!

Orientation Dates
Summer Orientation occurs in June, July, and August for a Fall start. Winter Orientation, for a Spring term, occurs in January.

Sign-Up for Orientation
Students apply, accept their admissions offer, and pay their enrollment deposit before they can sign-up for orientation.
Parent & Family Programs

Future Students
Is your student considering SF State as an option? Fantastic! We have great resources to help understand how to navigate the admissions process, financial aid, and more. See the "LEARN MORE" button below for more information.

Family Newsletter
Coming Soon!

Family Forum
Coming Soon!