New to SDSU? Here's Help!

Welcome to SDSU! Your education and well-being are the top priorities for Student Affairs. In addition to having a nationally recognized program for new students and parents, we provide services and programs to help students achieve success throughout their time at SDSU and beyond.

I encourage you to explore our website. It provides a wealth of information to help make your SDSU experience the best that it can be.

Whether you are new to campus as a freshman or as a transfer student, I wish you success as you embark upon your SDSU journey.
— Christy Samarkos, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs

(Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs)

Find links to helpful information:

New student orientation focuses on academic planning and prepares freshmen and transfer students to register for classes.

• All California resident first-time freshmen admitted to San Diego State University who have remediation needs in English or mathematics must enroll in the FAST (Freshmen Academic Success Track) Program in the summer prior to fall enrollment.
• Convocation brings new students and their families together with faculty and staff to mark a new beginning. This event officially welcomes new students and their families to the university.
• All students can jump-start each new semester by participating in these important SDSU traditions: Welcome Week and Aztec Nights.
• Get help with academics, scholarships, loans and grants, problem resolution, healthy lifestyle.
• Need a job? Currently enrolled students can access Career Services free of charge.
• Internships are a gateway to career development. It's never to early to start exploring internship opportunities!


New to campus? Have a question? Go ahead and ask someone. SDSU students are usually glad to help each other out. And you might make a new friend.

• Student Ambassadors help prospective and new students make a smooth transition to university life.
• Get some great tips, whether you plan to live on or off campus.
• Find out how to get involved in campus life.
• Develop your career & personal goals, diversity & cultural awareness, ethical & civic responsibility.
• Are you a veteran? Find specialized assistance from the SDSU Veterans Center as well as financial and counseling services.
• Find places to eat on campus, learn about meal plans, Farmers market, and see the SDSU Dining website.
• Student Disability Services provides tutoring, a high-tech center, and a variety of other services.
• Compact for Success and the Compact Scholars Program provide ongoing assistance to students entering SDSU from the Sweetwater Union High School District.
• If you are an SDSU student from the San Ysidro area, we have a program just for you! Casa Azteca helps new students make friends and connect to student organizations and activities on campus.

The Division of Student Affairs

As a student-centered partner in the SDSU learning community, the Division of Student Affairs plays a vital role in the personal growth, wellness, intellectual development, academic achievement and career success of each individual student. Learn more about how Student Affairs supports new freshman and transfer students — and their families.