Spring 2026: New Student & Family Orientation Schedule
- Please Note: Events noted with an asterisk (*) are required for all new students.
- Please email our office at orientation@usfca.edu with any questions.
- REGISTER NOW: SPRING 2026 ORIENTATION
Tuesday, January 13
| Eve | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Transfer Student Pre-Orientation This event is virtual and strongly encouraged but not mandatory. |
5 - 6 PM | Zoom Meeting Link |
During this virtual orientation, new transfer students will be given an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about transfer resources at USF. This event is virtual and strongly encouraged but not mandatory. |
Friday, January 10
| Event | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
This event is virtual. |
5 - 6 PM | Zoom Meeting Link |
This virtual meetup led by current USF students is a great way to meet new incoming students. You'll have a chance to ask questions about college life, San Francisco and learn more about the student experience at USF. This meetup is casual, so drop in and say hi! |
Thursday, January 22
| EVENT | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| New International Student Orientation | 9 AM - 12:30 PM | McLaren Conference Center |
This session is designed to address the most common questions and concerns that international students have as well as covering important information such as immigration regulations pertaining to your visa, academic expectations, and cultural adjustment.
|
|
Orientation Information Center & Help Desk |
10 AM - 4 PM | University Center, First Floor | Welcome to USF and your new community! Look for the Get Oriented (GO) Team in green and gold jackets to answer your questions and help guide you during this exciting transition. |
| USF Campus Bookstore | 10 AM - 5 PM | University Center, First Floor | More than just textbooks and sweatshirts, find everything you need for your class, your dorm, or for showing off your school pride! |
|
Campus & Koret Rec Center Tours
|
2 - 4 PM | Meet at University Center, First Floor |
New to USF? Come explore your new home with our GO Team leaders! Bring your walking shoes and get ready to experience campus life. We’ll visit the Koret Health and Recreation Center to tour the facilities, learn about club sports, group fitness classes, outdoor adventures, and more. Plus, all students will receive a free t-shirt! Tours will take place every 30 minutes between 2 - 4 PM. |
|
Evening Activity: Welcome Social & Women’s Basketball Game – USF vs. San Diego |
5 PM 6 PM - Game Time |
Sobrato Club, War Memorial Gym at Sobrato Center |
Welcome Social: Join us for light refreshments, music, and an opportunity to connect with other new students and families, as well as current student leaders who are excited to welcome you to the USF community. Bring your questions, your enthusiasm, and start creating your first memories on the Hilltop. Following the social hour, we’ll head together to the women’s basketball game to cheer on the Dons! |
Friday, January 23: New Student & Family Orientation
| Event | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Gleeson | 9 - 9:50 AM | Gleeson Plaza | Calling all new students & family members! Join us for Camp Gleeson, your one-stop adventure to discover the resources, services, and support available at Gleeson Library. Meet fellow students, learn how the library can make your academic journey easier, and explore the tools that will help you thrive at USF. Stop by for tips, treats, and a warm Gleeson welcome — no hiking boots required! |
|
New Student & Family Welcome: Intro to University Life* This event is mandatory for all students. |
10 - 11:50 AM | McLaren Conference Center |
Join other new students and family members for your official welcome to our USF community. We will take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments and introduce you to some campus resources that will help you thrive at USF. This event is mandatory for all students and open to new family members. |
| Immunization Clinic | TBD | University Center, Room 402/403 | To ensure all students receive their required immunizations, join HPS for an on-campus immunization clinic with Dignity Health Medical Group, our partnered student health clinic. Check out more information: https://myusf.usfca.edu/hps/immunization/clinic |
|
The Hilltop Hub: Explore Campus Life & Lunch |
11:50 AM - 12:50 PM |
University Center, First & Second Floors |
Enjoy lunch in the café (UC 2), then head downstairs to UC 1 for The Hilltop Hub, your one-stop spot to explore campus resources and student services that support your USF journey. Meet staff from across the university, ask questions, and discover programs designed to help you thrive. Whether you’re looking to get involved, find support, or simply learn what’s available to you, The Hilltop Hub is where it all begins. Lunch will be provided. |
|
Orientation To Your Major (OTYM)* This event is mandatory for all students. Due to limited space, this event is only for students. Families are encouraged to attend the family orientation. |
1 - 3 PM | See the OTYM website for more specific details regarding your major. |
You will hear from college/school deans and faculty who will provide you with essential information about your academic major/program. This event is mandatory for all students. |
|
Family Orientation & Social Hour |
1 - 2:30 PM | Cowell Hall, Room 106 | Come discuss ways for parents and family members can support students as they adapt to college, manage issues as they arise, and care for themselves as they start a new chapter at USF! |
Saturday, January 24
| Event | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Plaza Farmers Market | 10 AM - 12 PM | Meet at University Center, Third Floor, Privett Plaza | With over 100+ vendors, the Saturday market is held both in front of the Ferry Building, along the Embarcadero, and on the rear plaza overlooking the Bay. The market offers a wide variety of fresh, local produce, food products, and brunch and lunch options — spots are limited, so be sure to register starting Monday, January 5. |
| Women's Basketball Game: USF vs. Pacific |
2 PM |
War Memorial Gym at Sobrato Center |
Get ready to bring the energy and cheer on our powerhouse women’s basketball team as they take on Pacific! Show your Dons pride and be part of the excitement. Admission is free for all students. |
Sunday, January 25
| Event | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Yoga |
10 AM - 12 PM |
Meet at University Center, Third Floor, Privett Plaza |
Rest and reset your mind, body, and spirit and experience the magic of yoga, 60 minutes of mindful movement in nature. Reconnect to the beauty and rhythm of nature as you watch the waves crash at Ocean Beach. All levels of experience, including new yogis, are welcome! Just bring a beach towel — spots are limited, so be sure to register starting Monday, January 5. |
| Brunch on the Hilltop | 12:30 - 2 PM | University Center, Fourth Floor | Ease into the semester with a cozy Sunday brunch. Meet other new students, swap stories about your first week in San Francisco, and enjoy a laid-back start to the day together — spots are limited, so be sure to register starting Monday, January 5. |
| Sunset Walk at Ocean Beach | 5 - 7 PM | Meet at University Center, Third Floor, Privett Plaza | Take a break and unwind before the first day of classes with a peaceful walk along Ocean Beach as the sun sets over the Pacific. It’s a relaxed way to meet other students, take in the beauty of San Francisco, and end the weekend on a calm note. Hot chocolate and snacks provided — spots are limited, so be sure to register starting Monday, January 5. |
Monday, January 26: First Day of Classes
| Event | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Assistance | 10 AM - 4 PM | CASA Lobby (University Center, Third Floor) | Have general registration questions? Stop by CASA on the UC 3rd floor to speak with an Academic Success Coach. |
|
Welcome Back Fest: Discover Campus Resources |
11:30 AM - 1 PM | TBD | Join us at the Welcome Back Fest, where all students are invited to connect, foster conversations, build a sense of community, and explore on-campus resources and support. Don't miss the chance to snag some free swag and kick off the spring semester with excitement at USF! |
|
Talk About It: Everyday Consent, and Recognizing and Responding to Disrespect* This event is mandatory for all new students. |
6 - 8 PM | McLaren Conference Center, Room 252 |
In this interactive workshop, students will start the important conversation of fostering a supportive, healthy & safe USF community. GO Team leaders and students will be engaging in discussions around consent, sexual assault prevention, healthy relationships, and active bystander behavior. Building a campus grounded in respect is a community project in which every Don participates. This event is mandatory for all students. |