Starting at a new school can be simultaneously exciting and nerve-racking, especially when that school is in a big, vibrant city like San Francisco. That’s why San Francisco State University hosts its annual GatorFest! celebration, which welcomes new Gators while helping them prepare for the adventure ahead. Over the first few weeks of the academic year, dozens of events introduce new students to their peers, San Francisco State’s campus and the city.

“As an international student, the events at the beginning of the semester were invaluable in helping me learn more about the campus. They made me feel welcome and motivated me to start classes with enthusiasm and energy,” Computer Science senior Leonardo Meza Martinez said.

Events run from August through October, with festivities kicking off with Gator family receptions 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, and Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Don Nasser Family Plaza. This month alone, GatorFest! events include a movie night, an ice cream social, glow-in-the-dark hide and seek, a city tour and much more. There’s even an Ikea trip — perfect for new roommate bonding — and an SF Sketchfest comedy improv show by SFSU alumni.

“As a third-year transfer student who transferred here last fall, GatorFest! provided me with endless opportunities to get engaged, be involved and meet new people. I am so appreciative of SFSU taking the time to put on events such as these because it truly encompasses such a wonderful sense of community and belonging within our campus and within our students,” said Hannah Johnson, who studies psychology and creative writing. “I was petrified starting my first semester here, but I’m beyond grateful for events such as GatorFest! that encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there.”

The August schedule of GatorFest!’s events is below. Check the GatorFest! website, the University Calendar or GatorXperience for updated info about these events and more.

Gator family reception
Don Nasser Family Plaza
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 5 – 7 p.m.

Gator family reception
Don Nasser Family Plaza
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 5 – 7 p.m.

University Convocation
McKenna Theatre, Creative Arts Building
Thursday, Aug. 22, 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Residential community meetings
Residential community meeting spaces
Thursday, Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Class photo and entering year pinning ceremony
Cox Stadium and Athletic Field
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Academic college ice cream social
Quad
Thursday, Aug. 22, 4 – 5 p.m.

Glow-in-the-dark hide and seek
Mashouf Wellness Center
Thursday, Aug. 22, 7:30 – 10 p.m.

Find My Resources Tabling Fair
Quad
Friday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Find My People Socials
Various classrooms and locations
Friday, Aug. 23, 1 – 5 p.m.

Drag queen bingo
Mashouf Wellness Center
Friday, Aug. 23, 6 – 8 p.m.

SF city tours
TBA, check GatorFest! website
Saturday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

SFSU Ikea trip
SF Ikea, 945 Market Street
Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 – 7 p.m.

Student club and org fair week one
Malcolm X Plaza and University Quad
Monday, Aug. 26 – Friday, Aug. 30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bouquet bar
Malcolm X Plaza
Monday, Aug. 26, noon – 1 p.m.

DIY tie-dye
Quad
Tuesday, Aug. 27, noon – 2 p.m.

Movie night
Village stairs
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 8 – 10 p.m.

SF Sketchfest: comedy improv show
McKenna Theatre, Creative Arts Building
Thursday, Aug. 29, 7 – 8 p.m.

Back-to-school beach bonfire
Ocean Beach Fire Pits (across from the Beach Chalet)
Friday, Aug. 30, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Learn more from SFSU’s New Student & Family Programs.