Hi,
Had a few questions regarding living on campus first time freshman. I’ve been saving up for a car for a while with a job I’ve taken. Thought I’d stay around the inland empire region, but after researching SDSU I’ve decided to go there. I’d have to take loans to go there and I was wondering if I should still get a car with me while living on campus. How necessary is it and is it recommended to have it first year? Or should I use the money to help pay other expenses?
Also, for people currently in the dorms, how is your experience so far? How’s your experience at SDSU in general?
Freshman from SDSU here.
No a car definitely isn’t needed when living on campus. People who need to get around either Uber, use the bus, or we even have a trolley station at SDSU. So no a car isn’t necessary at all and you’ll save a couple hundred bucks there just by not having to buy parking permits.
And the dorms are fine, living experience kinda differs from each one because they each have their own style and age and the school is continuing to move through and improve them. Overall it’s a pretty nice school and you’ll enjoy it.
@SvFalcons74
What are your thoughts about sororities at SDSU ?
What would you tell a new freshman to bring with them - and what to leave at home !
@wpchic16
Not a chick so I’m not in em haha and I’m not into greek life at all either so I’m not around that part of school much but I’ve met a few of the girls and they’ve been nice. Ran into others and they’ve been less than pleasant so it really just depends person to person.
Biggest thing i saw when i moved in is people bringing WAYYYYYYY too much stuff. Honestly don’t overdo it packing wise, just remember essentials and the rest can take care of itself and there’s a Target like 5 minutes from campus if you need anything.
Hope that helps.
@SvFalcons74 Thanks for replying!
Do you know anyone that has had a work study at sdsu? How are they like?
@electricgabe
Nah sorry, don’t know any work study people.
hey! I’m going to SDSU as well. PM me if you wanna talk! (:
save your money and dont bring a car.
as a freshman, you wont need it. The trolley takes you to qualcom stadiium (where the football games are), the mall, movie theater, and basically anywhere else you would need to go. Dorms are fun, make sure to stay healthy since theres so many people around germs spread easily. How fun/social your floor is kinda by chance, depending on the type of people there.
does the timing of which you submit the housing app make a difference as to which dorm you’ll get, who your roommate will be, etc.? Also, I live just 5ish hours away in NorCal and my parents are offering to buy me a car as a grad present, do I really not need to bring it? @sdsugirl22
@mdorbust - It does not make any difference when you turn in your housing application, but I do recommend turning it in as soon as possible, so it is one less thing to worry about.
https://newscenter.sdsu.edu/housing/faq-room.aspx
@mdorbust - A few students in the dorms do bring a car, but most don’t have one. The trolley can take you nearly everywhere, including the train station for those who take the train home.
@Fish125 Thank you! 
Any other tips for an incoming freshman? Do you love SDSU?? I’m pretty excited!
Edit: do dorms come with a fridge and/or other appliances? Also, how is the internet in the dorms?
@mdorbust - I’m a parent of a current Aztec in the Honors College, and an alumna of the school. We all absolutely adore SDSU, and are very proud to be a part of the Aztec family!
Each dorm room has a micro-fridge (microwave and fridge). My kid doesn’t have any problems with the internet in his room. Each residence hall is a bit different than the other ones. For example, Maya and Olmeca have more traditional desks with drawers, while Zura’s desks are more table-like so students will probably want to buy rolling storage carts/bins to store paper and such. It is best to wait to buy things like storage carts/bins until you move into the dorm because you won’t know how much room you’ll have for such things until move-in day. If you need anything, there is a Target about 3.5 miles east of SDSU, and a Container Store is approximately 7 miles west.
Sign up for orientation as soon as you can, as they fill up quickly. Parents also have an orientation at the same time. You’ll register for classes during orientation.
Move-in weekend - be prepared for lots of activities for both you and your family. The Band Run and Convocation usually take place the day after move-in day. Families are encouraged to attend with their kids. Lots of fun, and a great way to feel a strong connection to the university. You’ll probably have a mandatory floor meeting the first night you move into the dorm. Your dorm’s resident advisors and/or academic mentors will tell you about it when you check in on move-in day.
http://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/orientation/freshman-home.aspx