Thousands of Gators kick off a new year at SFSU

More than 4,000 students moved into SFSU housing Aug. 18 and 19

Few times of year bring as much energy to campus as August, when students return and move-in marks the start of a new academic year. On August 18 and 19, approximately 4,200 students moved into SFSU’s seven residential communities. 

In true San Francisco fashion, the city’s famed “Karl the Fog” brought overcast skies and cool temperatures as Alli Gator welcomed students to campus — a bonus as far as some students were concerned.

“I really like the city. I want to be closer to it,” said Public Health major Nicholas Kobe Cruz. “And in general, the weather does play a big factor for me. As much as I love sunny San Diego, I just wanted a more cooling and relaxing weather.” 

This year, first-time freshmen and juniors each account for approximately 27% of residents, followed by sophomores, seniors and other students. Thirty-four percent of residents are from the Bay Area. Another 55% come from elsewhere in California, with students from other states and countries bringing the total from outside the Bay Area to 66%. 

First-year Engineering student Gabriel Barrientos came up from Los Angeles — like Cruz, he wanted a change in weather — but added that he has a mix of emotions. “I’m more excited for my classes to begin,” he said. “But I’m also nervous about meeting new people. I want to meet new people but I feel like it’s not my specialty.”

But SFSU and the housing communities are here to help students navigate this life transition. Community is a large part of on-campus living, according to student surveys: 77% of students feel a strong sense of belonging, and 81% find peers who shared common interests. 

“I really just want to branch out and find myself as a young adult,” said Brittany Lopez, a Nursing student from Hayward. 

“Move-in is more than the start of the new semester. It’s the moment the campus community comes to life,” said Jeny Patiño, associate vice president of Housing, Dining and Conference Services. “From the moment students arrive, our goal is to create a welcoming community where they feel a sense of belonging, make meaningful connections and get excited about the experiences and opportunities ahead of them at SFSU.”

Next up? Classes begin next week, and the annual GatorFest campus welcome events are also gearing up to start. It includes several months of festivities across campus that help students connect with their peers, explore campus and San Francisco and have fun. 

Learn more about housing at SFSU.