First-Year and Transfer Orientation

Make a Reservation

Reservation system opens Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10 a.m.

New Student Orientation (NSO) provides students with a strong foundation for success at SDSU. NSO is for all new first-year and transfer 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.

Students that do not attend NSO will have to complete mandatory SDSU training at a later date which may cause course 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. After you submit your Intent to Enroll, you will receive information about your official SDSU Gmail email address, which is the campus standard for communication and collaboration. Future official communication from the university will be delivered to your official SDSU Gmail address after your Intent to Enroll is submitted. Learn more about the student official email address use policy on page 149 of the SDSU Senate Policy (PDF).

Students will need their SDSUid (SDSU Gmail account, not their personal email) and password to log in and complete the reservation.

General Dates

  • Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. PT | NSO Reservation system opens
  • Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT | Late fee for NSO begins
  • Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT | Deadline to register for NSO
  • Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 7:59 p.m. PT | Deadline to complete Pre-Orientation modules
  • Monday, January 20, 2025 at 7:59 p.m. PT | Deadline to complete Post-Orientation Canvas modules

NSO Date

  • Friday, January 10, 2025 (in person at SDSU’s main campus)
  • Time and schedule will be posted at a later date.

Advantages of Attending NSO

  • Register for classes and/or finalize your course schedule.
  • 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 may 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.

Please review this section 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.

Tips

  • Total time to complete the pre-orientation modules is approximately 45-60 minutes.
  • You must complete each section to move onto the next section.

Students should plan to complete the pre-orientation modules in one sitting. Logging in and out of the system may cause issues.

Complete the Steps to Enroll

SDSUCard

To receive your SDSU ID card on your Orientation date you will need to complete the steps below by Wednesday, January 8. You will need your student REDID 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. If you have a preferred first name, please use that to create your account.
  3. 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 section before moving onto this section.

  • If you need to make travel accommodations, special discounts can be found on the Bartell Hotels and SDSU page. Bartell Hotels offers 8 unique hotels and you are encouraged to make reservations early. Ask for the “SDSU Friends and Family Rate.”

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.
  • Optional: Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, and sunscreen.

Transportation and Parking

We encourage use of the MTS trolley or bus to reach campus. 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.
If you choose to drive, a paid valid parking permit is required on campus at all times. A validated 1-day (6 a.m.-8 p.m.) parking permit for P3 will be available for purchase through the “Know before you go” email. The permit will be valid during the NSO date only and cannot be switched.

A valid parking permit is required on campus at all times. Regulations are enforced at all times. Do not park outside P3 or in any reserved, faculty-staff, or other specially marked space. Failure to obtain a valid parking permit may result in a citation.

For more information about parking and transportation options, visit our Parking website.

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.

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 Thursday, November 7 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 Program/guest fee is due upon completion of your registration. MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover are accepted.
  • 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’/supporter(s) contact information ready. If your parents and/or family supporters will be attending Parent and Family Orientation, which runs concurrently with NSO, enter their information under supporter(s) first then you can add them as "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. Their email address is needed to get email communication as well.
  • Confirm your registration before you make travel arrangements.
  • 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 First Year Experience Fee ($324) will be billed to the student by January 7, 2025 in the student’s my.SDSU account. The First Year Experience Fee is due by February 20, 2025. Late registration will include an added $15 fee.

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!

Fee includes:

  • 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.
  • Ask Me! Tents
  • Student Involvement Expos
  • Aztec Nights
  • First Year Experience Programming
    • General Advising & Retention Support Specialist Sessions
    • Certified Mentors and Mentor Programming
    • 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 the student will be billed the First Year Experience Fee ($324) by January 7, 2025 in their my.SDSU account. The First Year Experience Fee is due by February 20, 2025. I understand that late registration will include an added $15 fee. I understand that a portion of this fee helps cover my attendance, participation, and materials given at 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.

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 attend New Student Orientation/Parent & Family Orientation for any reason (including my admission to the University being rescinded or attending a different university) I understand: 1) the First Year Experience fee and/or Parent & Family Programs fee will not be canceled nor 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 $25 fee.

We can't wait to meet you!

Make a Reservation

New Student Orientation
For first-year and transfer students

Frequently Asked Questions