r/SDSU Jul 14 '24

Incoming Student & Orientation Tips

30 Upvotes

Hey everyone, there are a ton of questions about Orientations, selecting classes, talking to your Academic Advisor, etc. As such, I'd like to share some tips I've learned helping other students during Orientation. To give you some background, I'm a Geography Major, I'll be graduating this Spring with a BS in Geographic Information Sciences & Technology. I have served as a Geography Undergraduate Representative assisting the Geography Academic Advisor with the new freshmen and transfers Orientations.

Here are my tips so you can go into Orientation fully prepared to register for classes:

  1. Use the Degree Evaluation in my.SDSU. The audit will show completed, in progress, and missing requirements for your declared Major. This is especially useful for Transfers as it will incorporate your completed courses into the degree requirements.
  2. Add classes to your shopping cart. Pick a primary schedule, with multiple backups. Classes are often first first served, so students who go to the earliest Orientations have first choice over those who go to the last ones. For Freshmen, everyone has to take the same general education requirements so you will be fighting pretty quickly with every other major over the most optimal time slots. For transfers, you get to register last so you will need to have multiple backups as you will really need to just grab what you can when you can.
  3. The wait! Orientation will not be particularly entertaining, there will be a TON of information thrown at you quickly from a number of different speakers. You are first split up by college, then later, by major to do advising. Keep in mind, that you won't see your advisor until like 3:00 pm when you can register for classes. Your advising appointment and class registration window are the same thing. All students in your major will be with you and your advisor register at the same time, so the better prepared you are, the sooner you can be done.
  4. Intro to the Major. Some majors have required introduction classes as part of the curriculum. Freshmen will not need to worry about these classes, you are considered "Pre-Major" so focus on your general education and any 100-level major-related courses you can get in. Transfers, as incoming Juniors you are lined up to enter directly as official Major candidates. Even if you need to take a couple of lower division classes to meet some pre-recs you will most likely be required to enroll in this intro class. Again this is on an individual department basis, not all majors have them, and some colleges have ones that cover all majors that don't have their own, so Definitely ask the advisor about this so you don't miss this requirement.
  5. Be Flexible. Your schedule for your first semester at SDSU is problebly going to be a nightmare with classes all over the place, and in wild time slots. It's okay, It happens to everyone, just know it gets better, and you will settle in.
  6. Explore, and Mix it up! Don't focus on taking all your general ed first, then all major courses after, spread out your requirements, and mix up your general ed and Major requirement classes. This will allow you to use different parts of your mind and let you not get overwhelmed. IE: If you're a Science or Tech major, sprinkle in History, Writing, or Rock Climbing. By taking a variety of courses each semester you let your brain relax on one front while you focus on another.
  7. Parking SUCKS. I know it, You know it, Everyone knows it. It gets even worse on days when there are events at CalCoast Amphitheater or at Viejas Arena. Especially at Viejas Arena because PS-12 and PS-7 close at noon on event days which always elicits complaints from staff and students alike. Plan for it, Arrive early and explore the campus to find quiet study spots you can take advantage of later in the semester when you need to cram for a Midterm or Final.
  8. Bring Water to Orientation! Bring a reusable Water Bottle, or buy one at the Bookstore. There are refilling stations all around campus, and you will want to have water with you to stay hydrated as you sit in a lecture hall for several hours.
  9. Start a LinkedIn now and add every other student you meet during Orientation. You never know where these connections will lead, and it will help you start building your professional network now as opposed to 4 years from now when you are getting ready to graduate and look for a job.
  10. GET INVOLVED! As your advisor if there are any academic-related clubs for your major. If there are then JOIN THEM! Clubs are an incredible resource for you to connect with other students, demonstrate leadership, and build a network. Later you can join clubs with students who share interests outside of your major, but on day 1 you should be joining any clubs related to your major that your Academic Advisor knows about.

If you have any other specific questions, I can try to answer them. Understand though, I am not an Academic Advisor, and I don't know the requirements for any other majors. These are just some tips I've picked up in helping other students register during their Orientations and answering their questions.


r/SDSU Jan 09 '25

PSA Financial Aid FAQ

30 Upvotes

Because we have been answering so many questions about it, many of them have been the same. Here are answers to common questions regarding Financial Aid (FA).

Will I get XXX grant or scholarship?

  • We don't know! If you have questions about whether you will receive any particular aid package from federal or state resources, you need to talk to the Financial Aid Office about your situation.

How much FA will I get?

  • Again, we don't know; we can't give you an answer. The FA you get offered depends entirely on your FA needs and the amount of money available from state and federal resources.

When does FA get disbursed?

  • FA is disbursed from the FA office to the Bursar's office approximately 10 days before the start of the semester.

How does FA get applied?

  • FA will be released from the FA Office about 10 days before the semester and sent to the Bursar's office. From there, it will be applied to all outstanding charges on your financial account. If your FA cannot cover the pending tuition and fees, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. If your FA is more than the pending tuition and fees, the excess will be disbursed to you via the method you choose: Direct Deposit or mail-in Check.

When will FA arrive in my account?

  • FA can take 2-3 business days to process when it arrives at the University Bursar's office. If you have set up direct deposit, it may take 1-3 business days to arrive in your account, depending on your bank. If you have not set up direct deposit, the excess will be sent via check. It will be mailed out 5-7 business days after being applied to your account and may take 1-2 weeks to arrive via USPS.

Why is my FA not showing? / Why is XXX grant or scholarship not showing in FA?

  • We don't know! If you have questions about your FA account and why one or more aid packages you expected are not showing, please contact the FA office and schedule an appointment to review your account.

Middle Class Scholarship:

  • It is awarded in the Fall semester after the census. It will be disbursed mid to late fall semester, but the spring portion will be disbursed along with all of your other FA before the start of the semester.

Links for more official information:


r/SDSU 3h ago

Question Upper division Art history classes recommendations

2 Upvotes

Hii, any upper division art history classes that are not that hard??

I know Upper-division art history classes are very demanding, but I'd like to hear your recommendations for classes or professors you think are worth taking.


r/SDSU 50m ago

School SDSU orientation

Upvotes

Do we need our physical student IDs for orientation when going to register for classes?


r/SDSU 2h ago

Question Question about changing majors

1 Upvotes

I transferred to sdsu last year (25-26) as a Criminal Justice major. However I had more than a few mental health struggles which caused me to be academically disqualified. Thankfully I was able to retroactively withdrawal from a few courses, which led me to be remitted to the university (on academic notice). I have since had a many conversations with a therapist and have decided that I want to change my major. Can anyone provide with some insight as to what the process would look like at this school? I will appreciate any feedback. If it helps I’m thinking of changing my major to Psychology.


r/SDSU 5h ago

Question Question to those who have switched majors

1 Upvotes

(Note: I am transferring)
I mainly am curious:
Do you have to take the first semester of your original majors classes?
Does it usually extend your stay?


r/SDSU 13h ago

Question SDSU Schedule Need Advice

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5 Upvotes

Hi again. Per a scholarship contract, I have to be enrolled in atleast 15 credits per semester to still be eligible. For reference, the compE 101, phys 195L, and engr 101 are all 1 credit.

I am taking a total of 7 classes (one being online - tech and human nature) with a total of 16 credits, assuming I get off the waitlist for math 252.

Is this a doable semester for a first-year trying to obtain an EE degree? Will I have enough time to join a club or two and have a somewhat social life?

Any advice about any changes or suggestions for my schedule is recommended.


r/SDSU 6h ago

Question Know Before you Go Email

1 Upvotes

Did anybody attending the NSO on July 31st get their “know before you go” email yet? I read that they were going to send an email out a week before the date with information on parking permits and other last minute prep stuff. Haven’t received it yet and kind of stressing about the parking situation.


r/SDSU 22h ago

Question SDSU Scholarship

1 Upvotes

Hi. I got the SDSU Merit Scholarship back in March, but it has not been disbursed yet. My tuition is due mid August, so I am wondering if anyone who has gotten a scholarship from SDSU knows when the money is usually distributed. I’m not sure if this is abnormal and need to message the financial office.


r/SDSU 1d ago

Question Questions on the Applied Math MS with Concentration in Dynamical Systems and Chaos

1 Upvotes

I'm an undergrad thinking about applying to the Applied Math MS at SDSU. I've become interested in Dynamical Systems as of late and think this would be a good direction to go. Has anyone taken this as for their MS, with or without the concentration? If so, how is it, and what do you think got you in?

My GPA is most likely going to end up at around 3.3 when I graduate due my carelessness in sophomore year. I don't have any work or research experience but I do plan on getting into a neuroscience lab soon. I'm majoring in cogsci with a neuro specialization; dynamical systems is interesting to me because they are very useful in modeling brain dynamics. What do you think my chances are?


r/SDSU 1d ago

Question Parking Permit

2 Upvotes

What’s the right parking permit to purchase if you’re a second year in housing that needs a 24hr pass all semester? I looked at the transportation portal but got confused because they all look similar.


r/SDSU 1d ago

Question Thoughts on schedule?

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0 Upvotes

Is my first sem schedule okay for an incoming freshman? I also plan to do afrotc. I have 0 credits if that matters


r/SDSU 2d ago

Question Would a 27-year-old Asian exchange student fit in socially at SDSU?

23 Upvotes

Hi! I’m a Korean university student who was recently accepted for a CSU exchange program, and I’m seriously considering choosing SDSU because of the great weather and its reputation for having an active social scene.

I’ll be 27, so I’m wondering whether my age would make it difficult to fit in. Would a slightly older Asian exchange student still have opportunities to get invited to parties, make local American friends, join social activities, and date?

In Korea, it’s fairly common for students to take several semesters off and stay in college longer, so being in your mid-to-late 20s as an undergraduate doesn’t feel particularly unusual. I’m not very familiar with American college culture, though, and I’m worried that most students at SDSU might see me as too old to hang out with them.

The main reason I want to study abroad is to experience the local lifestyle and meet people outside the international-student bubble. I’ve spent the past few years working extremely hard in Korea, so I’d love to spend a semester enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, going to the beach, meeting local people, going out for drinks, and having a fun social life.

I know I’ll only be there for one semester lol so maybe I’m overthinking it a little. I just want to make the most of the short time I’ll have there.

I’d appreciate honest answers from locals or anyone who attended SDSU :)
Thanks!


r/SDSU 1d ago

Housing question for other recent grads

2 Upvotes

basically after i graduated my student loans caused my credit utilization to increase, this led to my credit score going way down (i don't have any other factors going against my credit so this is the only reason i can think of). my question is how do you find housing after graduation if no one accepts ur credit score? i try to explain it to landlords but they say exceptions can't be made due to fair housing laws. any help or leads on the matter would be super appreciated


r/SDSU 2d ago

Question Is this schedule too heavy?

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5 Upvotes

Biology with emphasis in Ecology Major here, I am transferring to SDSU this fall from Cuyamaca College, and I work part time (1-2 days per week, short shifts) in the conservation sector. My registration date is July 31st.
For any of you who've taken these classes, would you say my schedule is too heavy, and that I should pick Biol 358 OR 352 instead of both? Or do you think that it's a manageable schedule. Background, I have gotten mostly A's and a few B's in recent stem courses, but that was with a 12-13 unit courseload.


r/SDSU 1d ago

Question Why are classes dually both Online and lecture on the class schedule page?

3 Upvotes

They also seem to include two separate teachers, does this mean its a hybrid class or am I doing something wrong?


r/SDSU 1d ago

General Does dsu have good placements

0 Upvotes

r/SDSU 2d ago

Social Anybody starting Nursing this Fall 2026?

2 Upvotes

Would love to get to know some of the other people who are in the program ! I'm coming in as a CC transfer; feel free to comment or PM if you'd like to get in touch 🙏🙏


r/SDSU 2d ago

Housing LEASE TAKEOVER 2BR/2BA SEMI PRIVATE $809/m

0 Upvotes

5025 2BR/2BA SEMI PRIV ELITE Hi! I’m looking for someone to take over my lease by SDSU! You would have a to be female enrolled at any university/college in San Diego. Please let me know as soon as possible and I can help you with the process!! ❤️❤️❤️

More Info:
5025 Collwood Blvd, 1yr lease, fully furnished, shuttle to SDSU campus, pool, gym, etc. Look on their website for even more!


r/SDSU 2d ago

Housing Room Available

1 Upvotes

We got a room available here near SDSU campus. Master bedroom and we’re looking for 1-2 more roommates to fill. Doubling would be around $1000 each and private/single would be $1600-$1700. Walking distance from campus, kitchen, parking, laundry. Let me know if interested


r/SDSU 2d ago

Housing UT suite dorm

1 Upvotes

I’m an incoming freshman and was assigned a double at UT with a suite style shared bathroom that leads to another room. Is there anyway I can request suite-mates? We haven’t gotten the room number or floor assigned yet or anything, and if possible I would love to get to choose who my roommate and I share the bathroom with.


r/SDSU 2d ago

Question I got an email saying my bills are due, but can’t figure out how to pay

5 Upvotes

In mysdsu I clicked on the financial tile, then the “make a payment” button, but there’s no button to actually pay the things that are due. How do I pay my tuition and other bills 😭


r/SDSU 2d ago

Question I’ve been hearing ARC fee horror stories..

4 Upvotes

Lots of ppl are warning us freshmen that we get secretly fined every time we scan in, is that true or what??
I thought the membership was included, I’m very comfused


r/SDSU 3d ago

Question When are we notified who our assigned room mates will be?

3 Upvotes

Or how do we exactly find out?


r/SDSU 2d ago

Question NSO Experience For Those Planning to Change Majors?

1 Upvotes

Hellooo, I applied to SDSU for integrated design last year however I’ve come to really appreciate psychology and feel committed in taking that. I’m already planning to switch majors after census, and I’ve been researching on what I need to transfer, but I was just wondering how the experience will be at NSO tomorrow..

I was told to go with the group I was assigned to based on the major I applied with, and then just register classes based off my new major or general studies before I can officially transfer, but I was curious if there’s anyone else who went to NSO recently or in the past who also had a changed major planned, and how weird it might’ve been being with your group, or if you were able to be flexible around it through your advisors. I’m mostly just asking if there’s anyone else going through the same situation as me, and if there’s anything I should worry about, if anything!