San Francisco State UniversityStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for San Francisco State University. Free for students.

University in San Francisco, CA. Operating on a semester system.

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Total Enrollment

University

Institution Type

16

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Summer 2026

The semester, explained for San Francisco State University

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Summer 2026
Campus terms
71
Local details
39

Academic calendar

Summer 2026 runs Jun 1, 2026 – Aug 7, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

8 entries
  1. Summer 2026 R1
  2. Summer 2026Relevant now
  3. Summer 2026 R4
  4. Summer 2026 R2
  5. Summer 2026 R3
  6. Fall 2026
  7. Winter 2027
  8. Spring 2027

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

71 terms

1

19th Ave
The extremely busy six-lane road bordering campus that students must cross carefully.
19th Avenue
The extremely busy six-lane road bordering campus that students must cross carefully.

A

ASI
Associated Students, Inc., the student-run government and advocacy organization.
ASPIRE
Asian American and Pacific Islander Retention and Education program.

B

BACC
Basic Needs Care Center, providing food and emergency housing assistance.
BECA
Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts, a prominent academic department and student community.
Bricks
A dining location situated near the Mary Park and Mary Ward halls, often used as a quick-service alternative to City Eats.
BSS
The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, often used to refer to its specific advising center.
BSU
Black Student Union, one of the oldest and most active student organizations on campus.

C

C-Store
The campus convenience store located near the residential halls for snacks and essentials.
City Eats
The main dining center located in the Seven Hills Conference Center area.
Commuter School
A common term used by students to describe the campus culture where many students live off-site.
CSL
Community Service Learning, a department coordinating service-based course requirements.
CUSP
College Undergraduate Success Program, providing advising and academic support.

D

DLC
Dream Resource Center, which supports undocumented students and their families.
DPRC
Disability Programs and Resource Center, providing accommodations and accessibility services.

E

EOP
Educational Opportunity Program, supporting first-generation and low-income students.

F

Fog City
A nickname for the campus due to its location in the often-foggy Sunset/Parkmerced district.

G

Gator
The official mascot (🐊) and the term used to refer to any SFSU student.
Gator Pass
The student ID-linked transit pass that provides unlimited Muni rides and BART discounts.
Gators
The official mascot and the collective name for SFSU students.

H

Healthy U
A student-run snack shop located in the Cesar Chavez Student Center.

I

ICC
Inter-Club Council, the governing body for student organizations on campus.

K

Karl
The personified name for the thick fog that frequently rolls over the campus from the Pacific.

M

M-Line
The M Ocean View light rail train that stops directly in front of the campus on 19th Avenue.
Manzanita
Manzanita Square, the university's newest mixed-use housing building located at 19th and Holloway.
Manzi
Shorthand for Manzanita Square, the university's newest student housing development.
Manzy
Manzanita Square, the newest mixed-use housing development on the corner of 19th and Holloway.
Mary Park
Mary Park Hall, the sister traditional dormitory to Mary Ward.
Mary Park/Mary Ward
The 'Marys,' traditional-style residence halls often housing first-year students.
Mary Park/Ward
Collective shorthand for Mary Park Hall and Mary Ward Hall, the traditional freshman dormitories.
Mary Ward
Mary Ward Hall, one of the traditional-style freshman dormitories.
Marys
A collective shorthand used by students to refer to the Mary Ward and Mary Park traditional-style residence halls.
Monarcha
The official new name for the main dining hall (formerly City Eats).

R

RHA
Residence Hall Association, the student organization representing those living on campus.
RSA
Residential Student Association, the student government specifically for those living in campus housing.

S

SET
Student Engagement & Transition, the department overseeing student organizations.
SHC
Student Health Center, the on-campus clinic for medical services.
Shitty Eats
A common derogatory student nickname for the City Eats dining hall due to perceived food quality.
SHS
Student Health Services, the on-campus medical clinic for students.
Station 124
A convenience store and deli located within the City Eats building.
Station 19
A retail dining location on campus often used for quick meals between classes.
Station 19th
A dining and retail area located on the 19th Avenue side of campus.
Station Cafe
A popular coffee and quick-bite spot located near the library and humanities building.
Stonestown
The Stonestown Galleria, the large shopping mall immediately adjacent to campus where students hang out.

T

Tavern
The Pub/Tavern area in the Student Center often used for events and food.
Taverna
Taverna Coppola, a popular Italian-style cafe located in the Humanities building.
Taza
A Mediterranean-style dining location situated within the Cesar Chavez Student Center.
The 28
Refers to the 28-19th Avenue Muni bus, a primary transit line for students.
The Annex
The Science Building Annex, often used to distinguish from the main Science building.
The Bricks
Collective name for Mary Ward and Mary Park Halls, the traditional red-brick dormitories on campus.
The Bricks
The dining center specifically serving the Mary Park and Mary Ward residence halls.
The Depot
A lower-level venue in the Student Center used for live music, open mics, and hanging out.
The Depot
The food court area located on the lower level of the Cesar Chavez Student Center.
The Fog
A constant campus presence, often personified by students as 'Karl the Fog'.
The Hub
The student-facing service area for graduation and advising located in the ADM building.
The Library
Refers to the J. Paul Leonard Library, the main study and research hub.
The M
The M Ocean View MUNI light rail line that stops directly in front of campus.
The Marys
Collective term for the Mary Ward and Mary Park residence halls.
The Pub
An on-campus bar and eatery located in the Cesar Chavez Student Center.
The Quad
The central grassy outdoor area where events and tabling frequently occur.
The Station
The food court area located on the lower level of the Cesar Chavez Student Center.
The Swamp
The affectionate nickname for the main campus gymnasium in the Don Nasser Family Plaza.
The Towers
The Towers at Centennial Square, a prominent high-rise apartment-style residence hall.
The Village
The Village at Centennial Square, a modern housing complex featuring retail on the ground floor.
The Village Market
A convenience store and deli located within the Village at Centennial Square.
The Xpress
Golden Gate Xpress, the student-run campus newspaper.
Towers
The Towers at Centennial Square, a suite-style residence hall primarily for freshmen and sophomores.

U

UPN
University Park North, a high-rise and garden-style apartment complex on the north side of campus.
UPS
University Park South, a collection of low-rise apartment buildings on the south side of campus.

V

Village Market
The on-campus convenience store located within the Village at Centennial Square.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

39 details
ADM
The Administration building, where the registrar, financial aid, and bursar offices are located.
BART Shuttle
The free campus shuttle that transports students between the university and the Daly City BART station.
BH
Burk Hall, a major academic building named after the university's first president.
BUS
Business Building, home to the Lam Family College of Business.
CA
Creative Arts Building, containing theaters and music labs.
Canvas
The online learning management system where students access course materials, submit assignments, and check grades.
CCSC
Cesar Chavez Student Center, the central hub for student life and dining.
Cesar Chavez
The Cesar Chavez Student Center, the central hub for student life, food, and orgs.
Chavez
The Cesar Chavez Student Center, the hub for student orgs, food, and the bookstore.
Class Schedule Lab
A common term for the computer labs where students can get help with registration.
Clipper
The regional transit card system that integrates with the student Gator Pass.
Daly City Shuttle
The free campus shuttle that transports students between the SFSU campus and the Daly City BART station.
DPR
Degree Progress Report, the official online tool used to track graduation requirements and progress.
Gateway
The online student portal used for class registration, tuition payments, and official records.
Gator Pass
The transit discount program integrated into the student ID providing unlimited Muni rides and BART discounts.
Hensill
Hensill Hall, a primary building for biological sciences.
HH
Hensill Hall, another major science building often paired with Thornton.
HSS
The Health and Social Sciences building.
HUM
The Humanities building, located near the center of campus.
iLearn
The university's primary learning management system for course materials and grades.
JPL
The J. Paul Leonard Library, the main campus library.
LIB
J. Paul Leonard Library, the main campus library.
Library
The J. Paul Leonard Library, the main research and study building.
Mashouf
The Mashouf Wellness Center, the university's large modern gym and recreation facility.
monarca_dining_hall
Monarca Dining Hall
Muni
The San Francisco Municipal Railway, the public transit system used by students to travel through the city.
OneCard
The official multi-purpose student ID card used for building access, meal plans, and transit.
OneStop
The central service center in the Student Services Building for registration and financial aid.
Student Center
The online portal (Gateway) used for class registration, financial aid, and official records.
Student Center (Portal)
The online Gateway portal used for class registration, tuition payments, and official records.
TH
Thornton Hall, a primary building for science and engineering classes.
The 28
The 28 19th Avenue bus line, a major transit route for students traveling north or south.
The Chavez
The Cesar Chavez Student Center, the hub for student life and organizations.
The Lib
The J. Paul Leonard Library, the main campus library.
The Library
The J. Paul Leonard Library, the main research and study building.
The M
The M Ocean View Muni Metro line that stops directly in front of the campus on 19th Avenue.
The Mashouf
The Mashouf Wellness Center, the campus gym and recreation facility.
Thornton
Thornton Hall, the primary building for science and engineering labs and lectures.
yerba_buena_dining_hall
Yerba Buena Dining Hall

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Summer 2026 runs Jun 1, 2026 – Aug 7, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
71 approved campus terms and 39 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Get to know your university

Assisted

Find a few communities to try at San Francisco State University

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

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Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

DormWay is still mapping student communities at this campus.

We only show recommendations once we have enough public sources for San Francisco State University.

These are things we discovered. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

Recommendations are based on public campus sources. We do not endorse student organizations.

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Life in San Francisco for San Francisco State University Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in San Francisco.

Timezone

Pacific Time (PT)

Median Rent

$3,200

Cost of Living Index

180

Student Population

45,000

City Transportation

Walkability

99

Bikeability

72

Public Transit

San Francisco Muni, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Caltrain

Nearest Airports

San Francisco International Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Mediterranean (Csb)

Avg Annual Temp

57°F

Avg Snowfall

0 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Lot 20

garage • Available 24/7

General paid public, visitor, and student parking. Daily rate is $11.25.

Lot 25

surface_lot • 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

General paid public and student parking located north of Winston Drive.

Upcoming Events

What's happening at San Francisco State University

E-Learning Certificate Online Information Session

August 13, 2026

Online

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at San Francisco State University

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

13 known dorm and housing options. Every known option is shown below.

Towers @ Centennial Square

Room types: double, triple, junior suite, apartment

Manzanita Square

Room types: single, double

Mary Park Hall

Capacity: 500

Room types: double, triple

Mary Ward Hall

Capacity: 500

Room types: double, triple

The Towers at Centennial Square

Room types: single, double

The Village at Centennial Square

Room types: single, double

Towers Jr. Suites

Room types: double, triple

Towers Junior Suites (TJS)

Room types: double occupancy, triple occupancy

University Park North (UPN) Apartments

Room types: double occupancy bedrooms

University Park South (UPS)

Room types: single, double

Village @ Centennial Square

Room types: suite/apartment-style

West Campus Green

West Grove Commons

Capacity: 751

Room types: double

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Email Domain

@sanfranciscostateu.edu

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