First-Year Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO) provides students with a strong foundation for success at SDSU. NSO is for all new first-year, transfer and graduate students. All new students are expected to attend orientation. In addition to registering and/or finalizing their fall or spring course schedule, new students receive introductory information and instruction on the university’s resources, advising, student life, policies and procedures and more!  Attendees also participate in activities aimed at facilitating a sense of community, belonging, equity and inclusion.

All new students are expected to attend NSO. Students that do not attend NSO will have to complete mandatory SDSU training at a later date which may cause a registration delay for the next semester. NSO provides students with a foundation for the rest of their time at SDSU.

Prior to completing the reservation, we highly encourage new students to become familiar with the information on this website. Remember to begin checking your SDSUid (SDSU Gmail account, not your personal email) for updates and communication from the university.

Information is subject to change.

The reservation system for New Student Orientation (NSO) opens Tuesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. PT. Students will need their SDSUid (SDSU Gmail account, not their personal email) and password to log in and complete the reservation.

General Dates

  • Tuesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. PT | NSO Reservation system opens
  • Tuesday, June 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT | Late fee for NSO begins
  • Thursday, June 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT  | Deadline to register for NSO
  • Day before your NSO date at 7:59 p.m. PT | Deadline to complete Pre-Orientation modules
  • Monday, August 19 at 7:59 p.m. PT | Deadline to complete Post-Orientation Canvas modules

NSO Dates

NSO is a one-day program. Dates for first-year students are offered throughout the month of July. Not all colleges/majors are represented on each day. A list of NSO dates by major and college will be available later this year.

All dates are subject to change. Some of the listed dates may be full at the time of making the NSO reservation. Once in the reservation system, the student will be able to choose from ONLY the dates still available for their major/college. If no dates are available to choose from, please contact NSPP at [email protected].

Dates subject to change.

  • Tuesday, July 9
  • Wednesday, July 10
  • Friday, July 12#
  • Saturday, July 13*
  • Monday, July 15
  • Tuesday, July 16
  • Thursday, July 18
  • Friday, July 19
  • Monday, July 22
  • Tuesday, July 23
  • Thursday, July 25
  • Friday, July 26
  • Monday, July 29
  • Tuesday, July 30
  • Tuesday, August 20 (International students only)

# Black Excellence Program orientation date

* EOP/EOP BEST Summer Bridge, Spanish-speaking Family Orientation

Special Program Dates

# Friday, July 12: Black Excellence Experience (B.E.E.) Program Day: Open to all students and families. SDSU will be honoring and celebrating the Black and African-American culture throughout this orientation program.

* Saturday, July 13: Parent and Family Orientation in Spanish: If registered parents or family prefer to attend Parent and Family Orientation in Spanish, please register for Saturday, July 13. NSPP will hold a one-day Parent and Family Orientation in Spanish concurrent with the Parent and Family Orientation in English. If this date is not available when registering, please contact NSPP at [email protected], and we can reserve the date for you.

* sábado 13 de julio | *Orientación para padres y familiares en español: Si sus padres o familiares prefieren asistir a la orientación para padres y familias en español, regístrese para el Sábado 13 de julio. Tendremos una Orientación por solo un día para padres y familias en español concurrente con la Orientación para padres y familiares en inglés. Si esta fecha no está disponible cuando se registra, comuníquese con nosotros a [email protected] y podemos reservar la fecha para usted.

* Saturday, July 13 | EOP and EOP Summer Bridge: The EOP NSO date will be Saturday, July 13. New EOP students will only be able to register for this date in the orientation reservation system. All colleges will be present on this date. PLEASE NOTE: EOP offers a First Contact Orientation. This program is different from the New Student Orientation program.

International Students (August 20): Only open to international first-year students and families.

Advantages of Attending NSO

  • Register for classes and/or finalize your course schedule.
  • Complete mandatory SDSU training the day-of your orientation.*
  • Learn about your general education (GE), major and graduation requirements.
  • Engage in essential academic planning.
  • Learn to use SDSU’s registration system and other my.SDSU services.
  • Meet with staff, advisors, and trained SDSU student Ambassadors.
  • Learn what it means to be a responsible member of the SDSU community.
  • Embrace SDSU's values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Start making SDSU your new home by meeting other new students and making friends.

* All new students that do not attend NSO will have to complete mandatory university trainings at a later date which will cause registration delays in future semesters. Although NSO is not required, it is highly encouraged and attendance is expected. 

Parents and Family Supporters

Parent and Family supporters are strongly encouraged to attend Parent and Family Orientation (PFO), which runs concurrently with NSO. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about SDSU and become a member of our Aztec Parents Association. Your student will have the opportunity to register any parents and family supporters when they register for NSO.

We highly encourage all students, parents and family supporters to join us at NSO.

Information is subject to change.

Please review this page in its entirety to ensure you understand the Pre-Orientation requirements prior to New Student Orientation (NSO).

Modules

Once you make your NSO reservation, you will be ready to begin the online pre-orientation modules for San Diego State University (SDSU). They were created to prepare you for NSO, and to provide you with an introduction and overview of your new home. You’ll learn about campus resources and build a strong foundation for your success at NSO and beyond. Mandatory training for all SDSU students is incorporated into the modules. Registration holds will be placed if these trainings are not completed.

You will receive an email inviting you to complete the online Pre-Orientation Modules when you make your NSO reservation. Please log in and complete the modules with your SDSUid Gmail and password. It is imperative that you complete the pre-orientation modules the day before your NSO date at 7:59 p.m. PT.

The information below is also available on SDSU’s Steps to Enroll page.

Complete the Intent to Enroll Process

Submit all of the following items to the Office of Admissions. If all of the items are not received or postmarked by the date listed, it will be assumed that you do not plan to attend SDSU and your offer of admission will be canceled.

Due One Week Prior to Your Orientation Date and No Later than July 15

  1. Final Official Transcripts
    • Review the information on how to submit and check the status of your transcripts on the Transcripts web page.
    • High School Transcript(s): Your school needs to send final official transcripts, which include spring 2024 grades/credits and date of graduation. All courses you listed on your application as in progress or planned in your senior year must be completed with grades of C- or higher. You must also maintain your reported overall grade point average. If your grade point average and/or current course grades drop, or if there is a discrepancy in what you reported on your application compared to your transcript(s), your offer of admission may be withdrawn.
    • College Transcripts: Transcripts from all colleges you attended while in high school, including any spring 2024 coursework (if applicable) must be submitted. Please note that SDSU will accept only electronic transcripts from the schools listed on the Transcripts web page. Be sure to indicate this preference when making your request. For colleges that do not supply electronic transcripts, then they can mail the official transcript to the address listed on the Transcripts web page.
  2. Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Score Reports (if applicable)
    • July 15, 2024 is the submission deadline for AP exams taken during your senior year of high school.
    • Advanced Placement exam score reports and passing scores are required in order to obtain college credit for AP high school courses.
    • Submit electronic score reports to SDSU. You can contact the AP Grade Reporting Service to obtain your AP test scores if your exam scores were taken within the last four years.
      AP Services
      P.O. Box 6671
      Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
      (888) 225-5427
      College Board
      SDSU code: 4682
  3. Official International Baccalaureate (IB) Test Scores (if applicable)
    • All International Baccalaureate exam score reports and passing scores are required in order to obtain college credit for the IB exam.
    • Send results for senior year IB courses by July 15, 2024. To place a request contact:
      Americas Global Centre
      7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 200 West
      Bethesda, MD 20814
      (301) 202-3000
      International Baccalaureate

Complete Placement Exams (if required)

It is important that you are placed into the correct math and chemistry courses and that you use the placement process. Some majors at SDSU (including most science and engineering majors) recommend taking Chem 200 (General Chemistry) or Chem 202 (General Chemistry for Engineers), and/or Math 124 (Calculus for the Life Sciences) or Math 150 (Calculus I) during your first semester at SDSU. Some majors (for example, biology) also recommend taking a math course in the spring semester of your first year. You must satisfy prerequisites prior to enrolling in these courses, which may be fulfilled with Advanced Placement (AP) credit or college credit that was earned while in high school. If you do not have AP or college credit for the prerequisite courses, then you will need to take the applicable placement exam(s). Take the placement tests as soon as possible so that you have this information when you register for classes at orientation in the summer. Review the Math Placement Information for New First Year Students to determine your first year mathematics class and how you can meet prerequisites. Review the Online Chemistry Placement Assessment web page to determine if you have earned college credit for chemistry. In some instances, you may not be required to take the chemistry and/or mathematics placement exam(s) if you have already received academic course credit. For questions regarding your AP credit, contact the Office of the Registrar at (619) 594-6871.

Complete Your Student Success Pathway Preference Form

All first-year students are placed in a student success pathway. The completion of the Student Success Pathway Preference Form helps determine your pathway, which includes your learning community, pre-enrolled courses, and your assigned Coordinated Care Advisor. The Student Success Pathway Preference Forms will be available in March 2024. 

Submit Proof of Immunizations

SDSU requires that students are currently immunized as a condition of enrollment. You are required to submit your immunizations and documentation no later than July 15, 2024 through HealtheConnect to avoid a registration hold. For information on what immunizations are required, visit sdsu.edu/immunizations.

Pay Basic Tuition and Fees

For complete fee information, visit the University Bursar’s Office website.

Basic Tuition and Fees are due by the date posted in my.SDSU. Payment of the Intent to Enroll deposit is credited to the student's total Basic Tuition & Fees for the first semester. The First Year Experience (FYE) Fee is separate from this fee and will be posted in your my.SDSU at a later date.

SDSU has a "post-pay model" for paying Basic Tuition and Fees. After registration, you will be able to view and pay Basic Tuition and Fees for the given term you have enrolled in. Payment for fees must be paid by the due date posted in my.SDSU each term. To locate the fee payment date and registration time, visit my.SDSU and view your “Student Center." Students can view their overall balance by logging into their my.SDSU account.

Be sure to clear any registration holds. You can see any holds by going to your “Tasks” tile in my.SDSU and selecting the “Holds” tab. Follow any instructions to resolve the hold. It can take up to 48 hours to clear some holds. Please plan accordingly or you will not be able to register for classes at orientation.
For additional information, please contact the Cal Coast Student Financial Center for assistance.

SDSUCard

To receive your SDSU ID card on your Orientation date you will need to complete the steps below by Sunday, June 9. You will need your student ID number (nine-digit number) and a government issued form of identification.

  1. Create an account on the GET mobile app using your SDSUid email address.
  2. Upload a photo and valid U.S. Government issued ID on the GET mobile app.

Check out the video on How to Get Your Card Step-by-Step.

Make sure you’ve read through the Pre-Orientation page before moving onto this page.

Dates

Please refer to the About section for dates. If no dates are available to choose from, please contact us at [email protected].

Schedule

All sessions will be on-campus. Orientation is a one-day event. Plan to be on campus from 8.am. to 4:30 p.m. You will receive an email with your day-of schedule.

Electronic Devices

New students are expected to bring an electronic device such as a tablet, iPad or laptop (not including smart phones) with them on their NSO day. Throughout the day, they will use their device to access various advising tools such as their degree evaluation, MyMap, SDSU Navigate and the University Catalog.

If a student does not have access to an electronic device, NSPP is happy to offer a device loan program in which you can check out an iPad or laptop for the full day. NSPP has a limited quantity of devices to loan, so the student must reserve a device in advance and requests will be on a first-come, first-serve basis while devices are available.

In order to participate in the device loan program, new students will need to submit a Google form no later than one week prior to their NSO date. An email with more information will come later in the summer.

Please note that to check out a device, the student will need to provide a state issued ID/driver’s license which will be held with NSPP until the electronic device is returned. If there are any questions, please email NSPP at [email protected].

The student will need to be logged into their SDSUid Gmail account in order to complete the Google form.

What to Bring

  • Bring valid picture identification, like a United States Driver’s License/Real ID, United States ID card, Passport or Military ID.
  • Wear casual clothing like a light jacket, hat/sunglasses and comfortable shoes for walking around campus.
  • Bring an electronic device like an iPad, tablet, or laptop. Mobile devices are not recommended as they do not support the full experience.
  • Optional: Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and money for shopping at the SDSU Bookstore.

Transportation and Parking

We encourage use of the MTS trolley or bus to reach SDSU. SDSU is conveniently located on the MTS Green Line trolley and many MTS stations offer free parking. Carpooling is strongly encouraged for those that drive as campus parking is limited.

Complimentary parking in the Parking 3 Structure (Student spaces only) is included in your reservation, so no additional payment or permits are required during orientation.  Please do not park outside the structure or in any reserved, faculty-staff, or other specially marked space to avoid parking citations. Parking information will be included in your orientation confirmation email. For a general map of the campus, see the online campus map.

Tips

  • Get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast before arriving.
  • Attend the full program.
  • Know your RedID number (9 digit number that starts with “1” or “8”).
  • Know your SDSUid (SDSU Gmail) and password.

After your orientation date, you will be expected to complete the post-orientation requirements located in Canvas. The Canvas modules that you must complete will include Canvas 101, Aztec Culture Education, and Opioid Training and Education. More information on the modules and how to access them will be available later. Post-orientation modules will be due on Monday, August 19, at 7:59 p.m. PT

Aztec Parent
“I was blown away by the thought and care put into this orientation. It was thorough and well executed. Everyone who spoke was dynamic and engaging. Thanks a million!”

Reservations

Please read through all sections before making your reservations. The reservation system will open on Tuesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. PT
  • Activate your SDSUid. As an admitted student, you will receive an email from [email protected] with instructions on how to activate your SDSUid account. Complete the steps in the email to activate your account. You will use your SDSUid and password to log in to the New Student Orientation reservation system.
  • SDSUid Gmail account is required. You must have your SDSUid Gmail account set up to receive the confirmation email BEFORE you make your reservation. For instructions to set up your SDSUid Gmail account, please visit the: Google G Suite for Students page.
  • Have a credit card ready. The Parent & Family Programs fee is due upon completion of your registration. MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover are accepted. The First Year Experience Fee ($324) will be billed on August 5 in your my.SDSU account.
  • Know your major. Your reservation will be associated with the major in which you were admitted to the university. You cannot change your major prior to attending New Student Orientation.
  • Have your parents’ contact information ready. If your parents and/or family supporters will be attending Parent and Family Orientation which runs concurrently with NSO, please enter the number of parents and family members under "guests" and fill in their names for their pre-printed name tags.
    • Ensure your parents and family supporter’s contact information is accurate, because we use this information to sign them up for our Aztec Parents Association. 
  • Confirm your registration before you make travel arrangements.
  • Once confirmed, you cannot go back to add or make edits to your reservation. Contact New Student and Parent Programs at (619) 594-1509 for any questions.
  • Your orientation confirmation will be emailed to you. This contains valuable information, so please read it in its entirety.
  • Your enrollment appointment in my.SDSU will not change to your orientation date until you check in for orientation and have attended the full in-person program.

First Year Experience (FYE) Fee

The one-time First Year Experience (FYE) fee* is for all new students (first-year, transfer, and graduate) and covers placement in a Student Success Pathway, Coordinated Care Advising for first-year students, course selection assistance for all new students, Pre-Orientation modules, New Student Orientation, Student Handbooks, Post-Orientation modules and SDSU swag. The FYE fee also covers other activities, including: New Student and Family Convocation, Welcome Week, Aztec Nights and more. The fee is $324 will be billed on August 5.

First Year Experience Activities

Once you have attended orientation and registered for classes, you will continue to have opportunities during your first year to get connected and make SDSU your new home. Be sure to consistently check your SDSU Gmail email for updates and communication. Below is a list of activities, events and initiatives that will support your success at SDSU!

  • Coordinated Care Advising
    • Coordinated Care Advisors (CCAs) are assigned to all new first-year students to serve as their designated personal advisor. CCAs will support students in navigating the university resources, procedures, and academic advising tools and will proactively reach out to you to schedule academic advising meetings throughout the first two years. 
  • New Student and Family Convocation
  • Welcome Week
  • Student Involvement Expos
  • Aztec Nights
  • First Year Experience Programming
    • General Advising & Retention Support Specialist Sessions
    • Certified Mentors and Mentor Programming
    • Student Life Involvement Specialists
    • University Seminars
    • And more!

Parent and Family Programs Fee

There is a one-time Parent and Family Programs fee of $55 for the first parent/guest and $25 for each additional parent/guest which includes Parent and Family Orientation AND membership in the Aztec Parents Association for as long as the student is attending SDSU. This will be due when you complete your NSO registration process. Late registration will include an added $15 fee.

Fee includes:

Pre-Orientation

  • Access to the online Pre-Orientation Modules

Parent and Family Orientation

Post-Orientation

Aztec Parents Association

Parent involvement plays a key role in the success of students. The Aztec Parents Association (APA) is an organization dedicated to keeping parents and family supporters involved in their student’s education. Membership makes it easy to stay involved with what’s going on at the university and provides direct invitations to all parent and family supporter events. Members have access to a knowledgeable, personal contact in the Office of New Student and Parent Programs.

  • Advantages of APA
    • Invitations to engage in special events like New Student and Family Convocation, and Family Weekend.
    • Monthly newsletters specifically for parents and family supporters.
    • Membership into the Official SDSU Parents and Family Facebook group.
    • Biannual News for Aztec Parents magazine mailed directly to you.
    • A direct connection to the university when you have a question or need assistance through the Parent Liaison.
    • Campus discounts during various university events.
    • Discounts at Bartell Hotels in San Diego.

Payment options for the Parent and Family Programs Fee (the FYE student fee will be billed separately):

  • Credit Card: As part of the online reservation process, payment may be made by credit card. MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover are accepted.

Acknowledgement of Payment Terms and Conditions

By completing this SDSU New Student Orientation reservation, I understand that I will be billed for the First Year Experience (FYE) fee ($324) on or after August 5 (due by August 20) and that a portion of this fee helps cover my attendance and participation in New Student Orientation. In addition, I acknowledge that if I added a Parent and Family Orientation to my reservation, I am responsible for payment of the Parent & Family Programs fee ($55/$25) upon completion of my reservation. If I am eligible for Financial Aid, I understand that if I do not have enough aid to pay the FYE fee, a bill will be added to my student account, and I will be responsible for payment billed on August 5.

I agree to the refund/cancellation policies of San Diego State University for both the First Year Experience and the Parent & Family Programs fees. If I, or my guest(s), decide not to complete New Student Orientation/Parent & Family Orientation for any reason (including my admission to the University being rescinded) I understand: 1) the First Year Experience fee and/or Parent & Family Programs fee will not be canceled or refunded to me and 2) if for some reason, my payment is reversed, I will be billed for the First Year Experience fee, Parent & Family Programs fee and any other applicable charges related to the payment reversal. I further understand any changes to my reservation will result in a $20 fee.

We can't wait to meet you!

The reservation system for New Student Orientation (NSO) opens Tuesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. PT.

Make a Reservation