Welcome, new students!

Students starting at San Francisco State University this fall will be part of what's shaping up to be the largest incoming class in the school's 116-year history.

Freshman applications hit an all-time high this year, reports Senior Associate Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Jo Volkert. According to Volkert, the University received 35,241 freshman applications, a 10 percent increase over last year.

SF State students relax together on campus

A group of SF State students relax together on campus.

As a result, the number of freshmen enrolled is expected to be the largest ever at SF State. Previously, the biggest group of incoming freshmen came in the fall of 2009, when 4,021 students began their studies at the University.

Another SF State record has been broken this year, as well: The number of continuing second-year students who want to live on campus is the highest ever. SF State has increased on-campus housing by nearly 500 beds to accommodate the unprecedented demand.

"More freshmen and community college transfer students are choosing San Francisco State because of the outstanding programs that we offer," Volkert said. "This generation of students appreciates the diverse, urban environment found in our dynamic city."

Orientations for freshmen begin on Monday, June 15, and run through Wednesday, July 1. Transfer orientations run July 6-21. The one-day sessions give new Gators a chance to register for classes, learn about graduation requirements, work with peer advisers and academic counselors, tour the campus and obtain an SF State ID card.

"Steps for New Students," a downloadable guidebook for new SF State students, is available online.

-- University Communications