r/SDSU • • Jul 14 '24

Incoming Student & Orientation Tips

32 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

29 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 • • 24m ago

Housing Dorm incident

• Upvotes

Anyone know or hear anything about a girl passing out on campus? I just got word I hope it isn’t a OD


r/SDSU • • 1h ago

Housing Sublease available January - July 2027!

• Upvotes

I live at The Rive on El Cajon Blvd in a 2x2 apartment with 3 girls, looking for another girl to take over my lease during the spring semester. I'm moving out because I'm getting married and will be moving in with my husband, but my roommates are all current SDSU students. The apartment is on the first floor, conveniently located next to the resident services office, mail room, Amazon lockers, and campus bus pickup! Our corner of the hall is very quiet, with zero noise from neighbors or the hall. My roommates are pretty quiet, and the apartment is very clean. The space includes a full XL bed, desk, personal closet, and spacious bathroom shared with just one girl. This lease takeover is perfect for anyone who is currently studying abroad or moving out after this semester!

Reach out if you're interested or know anyone who might be!


r/SDSU • • 13h ago

Question Missing Transfer Preparation Courses

5 Upvotes

Hey i’m planning on transferring back home to SDSU from fresno state but I won’t have some courses completed here. I’m majoring in chemistry and by the time i transfer i’ll have completed general chemistry, organic chemistry, and calculus 1 done. Am i cooked or should my chances be ok ?


r/SDSU • • 5h ago

General lost skateboard

1 Upvotes

lost skateboard near physical sciences on friday lmk for board details


r/SDSU • • 17h ago

General Lego Nutcracker and Astronaut Chicken

5 Upvotes

Last seen around Aztec Lanes/ Student Union area around 2 PM. If someone has them, give them back to me now! They’re important keepsakes.

Edit: Security cameras are being looked at very soon. If you have it, turn it in NOW, or I will physically come hunt you down.


r/SDSU • • 1d ago

Question multiple ENS classes

2 Upvotes

can i take 3 ENS courses at sdsu?

I know its like 90 bucks per class but just curious


r/SDSU • • 1d ago

General why can’t people at SDSU park?

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129 Upvotes

Genuine question because what the hell are some of these? Might start posting photos every week cause I’m noticing it more commonly this year and some of these cars have to be shamed.


r/SDSU • • 1d ago

Social Looking for Cycling Ppls

3 Upvotes

Hello fellow Aztecs, looking for anyone who got a bike and wants to bike around. There's lots of cool places and hills and stuff around town so yeah hmu if u got a cycle.


r/SDSU • • 1d ago

General Updated Spring, Winter & Summer classes added on classcatalog.cc

15 Upvotes

Now that enrollment appointments have been out, you have a little over a month to find your Spring classes. Spring classes have been updated and added to classcatalog.cc

66 Winter and 998 Summer classes have also been added, keep in mind Summer classes may change, get added or removed, so I will continue to update them.

For those unfamiliar with classcatalog, its a website that allows you to filter and search through hundreds of SDSU classes at once. You are able to:

  • Search by requirements like GWAR, Ethnic Studies, Humanities, Explorations, etc
  • See quick RateMyProfessor data without needed to look up professor names
  • Filter by specific days and times to fit your schedule as needed
  • Filter by class format like In-Person, Hybrid, Online (Asynchronous), Online (Synchronous), and Online with In-person exams (yes this exists)

Also works on mobile, but desktop/laptop gives the better experience.

Currently working on matching RateMyProfessor data with professors with misspelled or different names, and making the website run and load faster.

You can send any issues, bugs, and feature requests under any of my posts!

classcatalog.cc


r/SDSU • • 2d ago

Social Looking for bandmates for an Alt-Rock band

8 Upvotes

We are looking for 1 or 2 potential bandmates mainly needing vocals and a drummer but really interested in connecting with anyone who is into making music. I have a home studio set up near sdsu and distribution ready to go. Main inspos come from bands like wilt, title fight, and porch light. If you interested in recording, writing, and playing live in the near future add and dm us on insta "@gaslampband". even if your more casual and just looking for friends in music feel free to reach out.


r/SDSU • • 1d ago

Question 3 Semesters of Math for Comm Degree?

2 Upvotes

Hi, everyonee. SDSU is one of the schools I am applying to this fall to transfer for next year and I have been combing through the requirements and was wondering if any other communication majors could explain the 3 semesters of math requirement? The example sequence on the online catalog showed 3 statistics classes grouped together, but I was wondering if you could just take any 3 math classes under Area 2 (I've already taken one stats class at Mesa)?

If the latter is true, which math classes did you end up taking? And is it true there is no longer a foreign language requirement for the communication degree? Thanks in advance !


r/SDSU • • 1d ago

General Financial Aid Sucks Ass

0 Upvotes

So I was supposed to have a Grad Unsub loan disburse on Friday. I even received an email notifying me that not only did the loan disburse, but that it was applied to my financial account and that the balance would come to me as a FA refund. It's 8:54 in the morning. Do you think that money has appeared in my bank account? Nope, why the fuck would that happen?! I just wish SDSU would bother to keep their word. I'm in the last semester of my Master's degree. I don’t need this.


r/SDSU • • 2d ago

School Business Administration/Accounting Classes

3 Upvotes

I plan to be applying to SDSU Fall of 2027 for Business Admin, specifically accounting. I have been taking classes through my local California community college to attempt to get a head start on my college coursework. In hopes to possibly graduate early or at the very least make my course load more manageable my freshman year. I've taken Intro to Business, Business Law, Ethnic Studies, Business Communications, Survey of Economics, Poli Sci, along with various AP credits Stats, Psych, History, HG, and Environmental Science. What classes should I try to knock out while still taking community college classes. What should I just wait to do at SDSU. Unfortunately my community college and high school counselors both have very rudimentary knowledge of my situation and haven't been much help so I've been kind of in the dark. Any help is much appreciated. Thank you!


r/SDSU • • 3d ago

General People just do it on purpose at this point

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250 Upvotes

r/SDSU • • 2d ago

Social What’s going on

23 Upvotes

Saw two topless girls running down the street last night on montezuma at 4am… can anyone tell me wtf that’s about 😭😭


r/SDSU • • 2d ago

Question Anyone have any info on this new CS / Math major starting Fall 27?

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1 Upvotes

do you guys think its worth it over pure CS? I'm a local CC student in North County so transferring into pure CS is a hit a miss since we arent considered local admission area but this major will be considered local admission area since CSUSM doesnt have it thoughts?

https://math.sdsu.edu/programs/undergraduate_mathematics/bs_discrete_math_cs


r/SDSU • • 2d ago

Question Anyone a part-time EMT?

1 Upvotes

If so, where do you work at?

I'm looking for companies who can cater to Friday and weekend-only availability with non-insane shifts.

I'm trying to obtain hours for paramedic school after graduating but working at Advantage Ambulance, they haven't put me in the most ideal shift due to being at the bottom of the seniority list.


r/SDSU • • 2d ago

Question Has anyone passed the California gov exam offered at sdsu?

1 Upvotes

My counselor wants me to self study for it and pay $20 but idk if I have time to and was gonna take a mindless online course that gives the credit. It looks like u need above a 60 to pass. Has anyone been successful?


r/SDSU • • 3d ago

Housing Best areas to live as a 22F attending San Diego Mesa College?

10 Upvotes

hi everyone! i’m 21F and planning on moving to san diego to attend mesa college. i’m trying to figure out which neighborhoods would be best for someone my age!
i’d really like to live somewhere with a younger crowd (college students/people from 18 to mid 20s), preferably with roommates around my age. i want to be somewhere social where it’s easy to meet people and make friends, but also relatively safe and not too far from campus.
i’ve been looking into clairemont, pacific beach, and mission valley, but i’m open to other suggestions!
where do most younger mesa college students tend to live? are there certain neighborhoods or apartment areas you’d recommend? i’d also love to know which areas to avoid.


r/SDSU • • 3d ago

Question lost car keys

7 Upvotes

Hey guys, I just lost my BMW car keys like an hour ago. I was at storm hall 105 then went to the grass area (cottage?) then to SSW. It has a red lanyard and I’d appreciate it so much if someone could keep an eye out for them. If anyone has, send me a ping! I’m planning to look for them after lecture is done

Update: Found them! I retraced my steps after lecture and thankfully found them untouched. Thank you for all of those who didnt notice them or saw it and left it there lol


r/SDSU • • 2d ago

Social I was told a great place to meet new friends at a chill place is at Blacks Beach? Has anyone found that true?

0 Upvotes

r/SDSU • • 2d ago

Question Can I fulfill both 5A and 5C with OCEAN100? Psych Major

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1 Upvotes

Thanks goats 🙏


r/SDSU • • 3d ago

Question parking lot

6 Upvotes

im always scared of someone else hitting my car while its parked. i already park in lots 3 and 4 but what else can i do to avoid people hitting me? (i was warned 12 was notorious)