SDSU Parent FAQ
SDSU is a big campus with a lot of offices, and calling the right one first can save a full day of transfers. These are the contacts SDSU publishes for the questions parents bring most often.
About this group
Is this the official San Diego State University parent group?
No. Far From Home is an independent parent community supported by College Cubbies. For official information, visit the San Diego State University parent and family page.
Dates and breaks
When is SDSU Family Weekend in 2026?
The 29th Annual Family Weekend is Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, with the schedule running through Sunday, Oct. 4. Registration has closed and the picnic, brunch and tailgate are sold out. Saturday's football game against Texas State is at 7:30 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium.
When is Thanksgiving break at SDSU in 2026?
There are no classes Wednesday, Nov. 25, and campus is closed Nov. 26 and 27. Housing communities that close for the break shut at 4 p.m. on Nov. 25 and reopen at noon on Nov. 29.
When can my student leave for winter break?
Fall finals run Dec. 12 to 18, 2026. Communities that do not offer winter housing close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 and reopen Jan. 18, 2027, so check your student's own exam times before booking.
When is SDSU spring break in 2027?
Spring recess is March 29 to April 2, 2027. Communities that close for it shut at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 26 and reopen at noon on Sunday, April 4.
When is SDSU commencement 2027?
Ceremonies run Thursday, May 13 to Sunday, May 16, 2027, with undergraduate ceremonies May 14 to 16. The commencement office says exact days and times will be finalized later in the fall semester.
Travel and where to stay
What airport is closest to SDSU?
San Diego International Airport (SAN). SDSU event pages put it about twenty minutes from campus by car. Without a car, take the free San Diego Flyer to Old Town Transit Center and ride the Green Line east to the SDSU Transit Center.
Where do parents park when visiting SDSU?
Admissions directs visitors to Parking 3 (P3), levels one through five. Visitor parking is $3.00 per hour for up to 6 hours or $20.35 per day through PayByPhone or Offstreet, and it is enforced at all times, including nights and weekends.
Is there a hotel discount for SDSU families?
Bartell Hotels offers an "SDSU Friends and Family Rate" at eight San Diego hotels: 15% off the best available rate plus $5 off overnight parking. Book through the partner page or call 800-345-9995.
Move in and move out
When do SDSU residence halls close in May 2027?
Housing says 9 month residence halls and apartments close for the academic year at noon on Friday, May 14, 2027.
What is my student not allowed to bring to SDSU housing?
Housing prohibits mini fridges, space heaters, barbecues, hot plates, portable stoves, portable air conditioners, electric water coolers, ice makers, humidifiers and essential oil diffusers.
What happens to things left behind at move out?
Housing charges an abandonment fee of $100 or more for items left behind, including bikes and surfboards. Usable items can go in the donation bin outside the community, and keys must be turned in, not mailed.
Health, safety and local life
What is my student's mailing address at SDSU?
Mail goes to the UPS Store for your student's area, not the hall: 5505 Hardy Ave. (West Campus), 5187 College Ave. (East Campus) or 5425 55th Street (North Campus), San Diego, CA 92115. Put your student's full name on the first line and their building and room number on the line after the street address. The UPS Stores do not accept mail or packages for M@College residents.
Where does my student go if they get sick at night or on a weekend?
SHS's after hours page says to call (619) 594-4325 evenings, weekends and holidays for nurse advice. The SHS parents page lists (858) 225-3105 as the after hours nurse line, so save both numbers. The nearest emergency department SHS names is East Campus Medical Center at UC San Diego Health, 6655 Alvarado Road. For emergencies, call 911.
What is the SDSU police non emergency number?
Call (619) 594-1991 and press 1. In an emergency, dial 911 or use a blue light duress phone on campus.
More questions
Who do I call at SDSU with a general parent question?
Start with the Parent Hotline at (619) 594-1653, where a member of SDSU's Parent Programs staff will help. The SDSU main line is (619) 594-5200.
Can SDSU Student Health Services tell me about my student's visit?
Only with your student's permission. SHS says it can share information with parents only when the student allows it.
Who to contact for what
Parent Hotline (Aztec Parents & Families)
(619) 594-1653. The starting point for help navigating the university and for general questions or concerns. A member of the Parent Programs staff will assist you.
Family Weekend and orientation events
(619) 594-1509 or orientation@sdsu.edu, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration, tickets, accessibility requests and event questions.
Housing and Residential Education
(619) 594-5742, Monday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m., or housing@sdsu.edu (include your student's RedID; replies usually take one to two business days). Walk in help is at 6001 Lindo Paseo, second floor, during the same hours, and a Zoom front desk runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Move in, break closures, room changes and mail questions.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Student Services West, Room SSW 2620. Parent PLUS loans, FAFSA verification, ScholarShare 529 withdrawals and parent address changes. The office also hosts a Virtual Coffee Hour series on financial aid, and its phone and email are on its Contact Us page.
Office of the Registrar
Registration, enrollment records and the academic calendar. The registrar runs a Virtual Front Desk on Zoom, weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a Contact Us form rather than a parent phone line.
Student Health Services
(619) 594-4325, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Wednesday from 9:30 a.m.). Medical visits, the campus pharmacy, immunization requirements and the after hours nurse line. SHS shares information only with your student's permission.
Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS)
(619) 594-5220, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For a crisis at any hour, call 988.
SDSU Police Department
Non emergency (619) 594-1991, press 1. Emergencies: 911. Non emergency reports and questions.
Dean of Students and Student Affairs
(619) 594-5211. SDSU's contact page lists this number for the Dean of Students, and the Parent Hotline page lists it for Student Affairs. The Aztec Parents site also points to Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Parking and Transportation Services
(619) 594-6671. Visitor permits, PayByPhone and move in parking.
Anything else
The SDSU main line is (619) 594-5200.
A word on privacy
Most offices can talk with you about general policy but not about your student's records unless your student gives permission. Before a problem comes up, sit down together and decide which releases make sense.
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