The San Francisco State University campus was abuzz with excitement Aug. 19 and 20 as thousands of Gators hauled suitcases, laptops, plants and snack stashes into their new homes on campus. The move-in days officially marked the start of the 2025–26 school year — bringing with them a time of fresh starts, fun and community-building.
“I’m excited to make connections, meet people, get an education,” said Business major Aidan O’Connell.
An Oakland native, O’Connell added another reason he’s excited to move onto the SFSU campus: “I’ve always wanted to live in S.F. I can BART home. It’s really easy.”
Marketing and International Business major Lais Madi Priedols comes from a lot further away — Brazil — but she shares O’Connell’s enthusiasm for SFSU’s San Francisco location and inclusive, dynamic vibe.
“I chose to come to SF State because of the diversity. I really like the environment here. SF State provides a very welcoming place, as does San Francisco,” she said. “[There are] a lot of different people, and I really enjoy that.”
Photos by Juan Montes
Students like O’Connell and Priedols aren’t alone. Hundreds of Gators move onto campus each fall eager to build connections and make the most of life at SFSU. The University’s seven residential communities are designed to help them find their people and succeed. With one resident assistant for every 35 to 55 students — plus Residential Life staff on call 24/7 — resources and guidance are always close by. Living on campus also puts students just steps away from classes, dining, events and everything SFSU has to offer.
And it pays off. Surveys show that 81% of students living on campus found others who share their interests, while 77% said they felt a strong sense of belonging. Living on campus also boosts academics: more than half of residents landed on the Dean’s List last year.
“Living on campus is about so much more than convenience,” said Associate Vice President of Housing, Dining & Conference Services Jeny Patino. “It’s where students build friendships, discover opportunities and create the foundation for success.”
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