Summer in the Bay
New Student & Family Programs is excited to welcome students and their family members to campus for Summer in the Bay.
Our one-day in-person program is excellent for students and families who want to see our campus and make connections before starting in August. It is open to all new first-year and transfer students and their family members.
Attending Summer in the Bay provides new students and family members the opportunity to:
- Meet other incoming students and families
- Connect with staff, faculty, and academic advisors
- Hear from Orientation Leaders about life at USF and see a residence hall
- Explore campus and the San Francisco community
- There is a $15 fee to attend Summer in the Bay.
- This fee helps support program costs, including lunch, event materials, hospitality, and activities offered throughout the day.
- If the fee presents a financial concern, please contact New Student & Family Programs to request a fee waiver at orientation@usfca.edu or 415-422-5550.
Summer in the Bay registration will open on Monday, May 11 and close on Friday, June 19.
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER IN THE BAY
Summer 2026: Saturday, June 27
| TIME | EVENT | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 - 11 AM | Check-In & Resource Fair | McLaren Conference Center | Check in for the day, meet fellow new students and families, and connect with USF faculty, staff, students, and campus partners. This is a great opportunity to learn about resources that will support your transition to USF. |
| 11 AM - 12 PM | University Welcome & Professor's Perspective | McLaren Conference Center, Room 250 & 251 | Join Orientation staff and university leaders as we welcome you and your family to campus. You will also hear from faculty and gain insight into the USF classroom experience, including tips to help you thrive academically. |
| 12 - 1 PM | Family & Student Luncheon | McLaren Conference Center, Room 250, 251, and 252 | Enjoy lunch while hearing from current students and staff about what to expect this fall. Topics will include student services, campus safety, student life, residence life, athletics, student success, and more. |
| 1 - 2:30 PM | Campus & Residence Hall Tours | Meet in McLaren Conference Center Lobby | Explore USF’s campus with GO Team Orientation Leaders. Tours will depart every 15 minutes and will include key campus locations and select first-year residence halls. |
| 2:30 - 5 PM | Optional Afternoon Activity: de Young Museum | Meet at McLaren Conference Center |
Spend the afternoon exploring one of San Francisco’s top cultural destinations. Located near USF in Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum offers world-class art collections, striking architecture, and panoramic city views from its observation tower. |
| Game time: 6:05 PM | Optional Evening Activity: SF Giants Baseball Game | Oracle Park |
Experience an unforgettable evening at the SF Giants baseball game! Enjoy the thrill of live baseball as you cheer on the SF Giants at their home stadium while connecting with fellow new students and their families. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
For questions about Summer in the Bay, please contact New Student & Family Programs at orientation@usfca.edu or call us at 415-422-5550.
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM-5 PM.
Summer in the Bay is intended for new first-year and transfer students and their family members. Whether you are visiting campus for the first time or returning with a few final questions, this program is designed to help you feel more connected to USF before the fall semester begins.
No. Summer in the Bay is optional. However, students and families are encouraged to attend if they would like an additional opportunity to visit campus, connect with staff and current students, and prepare for the transition to USF.
Summer in the Bay is an optional summer program that gives students and families an early opportunity to explore campus, ask questions, and build connections before August.
Orientation is a required program that takes place before the start of the semester. Orientation provides more detailed information, small-group experiences, academic and community expectations, and transition support for all incoming students.
Yes. There is a $15 fee to attend Summer in the Bay. This fee helps support program costs, including lunch, event materials, hospitality, and activities offered throughout the day. If the fee presents a financial concern, please contact us to request a fee waiver at orientation@usfca.edu or 415-422-5550.
Yes. Family members are welcome and encouraged to attend Summer in the Bay with their student. The program includes opportunities for families to learn more about USF resources, campus life, and ways to support their student’s transition.
Yes. Students and registered family members will be invited to attend the Family & Student Luncheon from 12–1 PM.
Yes. Campus and residence hall tours will be offered from 1–2:30 PM. Tours will depart every 15 minutes from the McLaren Conference Center Lobby and will include key campus locations and select residence halls.
Check-in will take place from 10–11 AM at the McLaren Conference Center. Students and families should check in first to receive program information and directions for the day.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, as the day will include walking tours around campus. San Francisco weather can change throughout the day, so bringing a light jacket or layer is encouraged.
Parking will be available in the Koret Parking Lot, located at the corner of Parker Avenue and Turk Street. Please use the entrance on Parker Avenue.
Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage guests to arrive early and allow extra time for parking, check-in, and walking to the program location.