Written By Deya Golding, Academic Year J-1 Exchange Student
Studying abroad has been one of the most exciting adventures of my life, and my time at San Francisco State University (SFSU) has provided me with incredible opportunities to immerse myself in a diverse and vibrant city. Having already spent one semester here, I have learned a few valuable lessons that can help make your transition smoother and allow you to settle in quickly. Below, I have highlighted some of the early challenges you may face when moving to San Francisco and offered practical advice to help you navigate them successfully.
Finding Housing
Finding suitable housing in San Francisco can be challenging and overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. Personally, I live on campus at the Village at Centennial Square, and I have really enjoyed my experience. Living on campus feels safe, and all essential amenities—such as the gym, dining hall, and laundry facilities—are easily accessible. However, on-campus housing tends to fill up quickly, and since the term has already started, it may be difficult to secure a spot now.
Alternatively, many students choose to live off campus, which comes with its own benefits. Off-campus housing often provides more space, private bedrooms, and larger kitchen and living areas. Some of the most popular areas for students include Sunset, Westlake, and Daly City due to their affordability and convenient transport links to campus. If you're searching for off-campus housing, I recommend joining Facebook groups and checking other housing websites. However, be cautious before committing to a lease—ensure that the listing is legitimate, and that the property matches its advertisement to avoid scams.
Navigating Public Transportation
At first, navigating San Francisco’s public transportation system can seem daunting because of the variety of transit options available. However, the good news is that most systems are connected through the Clipper Card, which you can link to your SFSU student ID for easy access.
- Muni System: This system consists of both buses and light rail and will likely be your primary mode of transport. The Muni app is a helpful tool for checking routes and schedules in real-time. Some of the most useful bus routes for students include:
- 28: Travels through Golden Gate Park to Fisherman’s Wharf
- 29: Covers Golden Gate Park and the Haight-Ashbury area
- 18: Heads to Ocean Beach
For light rail, the M-line runs from 19th Avenue at the top of campus and is the main route to downtown San Francisco.
- BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): This system is ideal for traveling longer distances, such as trips to Berkeley or San Jose. While it is reliable, it can take longer than expected due to extended routes, so plan accordingly.
- Walking and Biking: Exploring the city on foot or by bike is a great way to take in San Francisco’s sights. However, be mindful that many streets are incredibly steep, so plan your routes carefully!
Making Friends and Building a Social Life
Moving to a new country—or even just a new city—can be intimidating, especially when it comes to meeting new people. However, SFSU offers plenty of opportunities to help you build a strong social network.
- Join Student Organizations: SFSU has a wide range of clubs where you can meet like-minded individuals. The International Education Exchange Council (IEEC) is a great place to connect with other international students, including those from your home country.
- Attend Campus Events: The university frequently hosts cultural nights, sports events, and networking mixers throughout the semester. These events are excellent opportunities to make friends in a relaxed setting.
- Explore the City Together: Many students share the same excitement about discovering San Francisco. Plan outings to popular attractions like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Chinatown. Exploring the city with others not only helps you make friends but also makes the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.
Understanding the Academic System
Adjusting to the American university system was one of the biggest challenges I faced at the start of my semester at SFSU. It is quite different from what I was used to at my home university in the UK.
- Class Structure: In the UK, I was accustomed to large lecture halls with hundreds of students, where sessions would last around two hours. Some courses also had smaller classroom-based discussions, but not all. In contrast, classes at SFSU are much smaller and more interactive, often requiring class participation, quizzes, and group projects. While I was initially hesitant to raise my hand and contribute, I quickly realized that engaging in discussions helped me get more out of the classes.
- Grading System: Another key difference is the grading structure. In the UK, final exams and assignments carry significant weight, sometimes making up to 80% of the final grade. However, at SFSU, final exams generally count for only around 20%, with the remaining grades distributed across participation, quizzes, and projects. This system ensures that students engage consistently throughout the semester rather than relying solely on final exams.
- Academic Resources: Take advantage of the library’s online databases, which grant access to resources that would typically require payment. Additionally, many departments offer free tutoring services, which can be a great help if you're struggling with certain courses.
- Office Hours: Professors hold office hours, where students can ask questions and seek guidance on assignments. I highly recommend making use of this opportunity, as it allows you to clarify doubts and gain deeper insights into course material.
- Balancing Travel and Academics: Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new country, and I strongly encourage you to travel while you’re here. The U.S. has a vast array of destinations worth visiting, however, it’s essential to balance travel with academic responsibilities. Plan Around Deadlines, Before booking trips, check your assignment due dates to avoid last-minute stress. Use weekends and Holidays to maximize your travel opportunities by taking advantage of long weekends and academic breaks. Stay Organized by keeping track of your coursework using a planner or digital calendar to ensure that you meet deadlines.
In conclusion, studying at SFSU has been an enriching and life-changing experience so far, and I hope these insights help make your transition smoother. Moving to a new country comes with challenges, but by finding comfortable housing, learning how to navigate transportation, making friends, understanding the academic system, and balancing travel with studies, you can make the most of your time in San Francisco. Embrace the adventure, step out of your comfort zone, and take full advantage of everything this incredible city and university have to offer.