Living On-Campus

Residents of SF State have described living on-campus as a rewarding and enjoyable experience. SF State is positioned in an ideal San Francisco neighborhood—residents are within close proximity to public transportation and bike routes. Housing, Dining, & Conference Services offers move-in ready, pre-furnished bedrooms and unfurnished bedrooms, which allows residents to bring their own furniture. Residents are expected to follow the policies and standards, as outlined in the Community Living Standards, while on-campus in order to cultivate a positive living experience. Given the department’s strong focus on social justice and diversity awareness, Residential Life strives to engender an environment where all residents feel welcome and included. Learn more about our Community Living Standards [PDF] to make your campus transition easier.

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Emergency Preparedness

To view the latest published Fire Safety Report, click the file link below.

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Tornados, fires, tsunamis, could all happen in the bay area. By and large though, the disaster we as residents at SF State, should all get prepared for is an earthquake. The majority of experts agree that it is not "if" we (bay area) are going to have an earthquake, but "when.” Therefore it is important for all of us to plan and prepare. Develop a personal preparedness plan, review safety tips on what to do during an earthquake, institute some basic precautions within your room or apartment to reduce hazards during an earthquake, and prepare an emergency supply kit full of supplies.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following precautions to take to help prepare your room or apartment:

  • Fasten shelves securely to walls.
  • Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
  • Fasten heavy items such as pictures and mirrors securely to walls and away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit.
  • Brace top heavy objects.
  • Immediately report any defective lights or plugs to the Service Desk (415-405-0579). Additionally, report any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
  • Weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products should not be stored in your room or apartment.
  • Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Perform practice drills with your roommate(s) to reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.

FEMA lists the following safety actions during an earthquake:

Drop, Cover and Hold On

Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If Indoors

  • DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
  • Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
  • Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.
  • Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If Outdoors

  • Stay there.
  • Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
  • Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a Moving Vehicle

  • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
  • Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If Trapped Under Debris

  • Do not light a match.
  • Do not move about or kick up dust.
  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Prepare an emergency supply kit...

Additionally, many of the services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, including cell phones, may be unavailable. The Dining Center may even be damaged and unable to provide food or supplies. We may not be able to travel for many hours or even days.

Therefore, it is recommended that everyone have emergency supplies and first aid kits prepared ahead of time. Though it may be impractical or unaffordable to get everything listed below, all at once, it would be prudent to begin collecting the items, and periodically adding more items as time goes on.

When planning out your emergency supply kits keep in mind, supplies should be placed in a large, watertight container which you could store easily in your room.

Additionally it is a good idea to have a separate to "Go Bag", filled with a few necessary items, which you can carry with you while evacuating...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that your emergency kit should contain...

  • Water – one gallon per day
  • Food – ready to eat
  • Manual can opener
  • Plates and utensils
  • First aid kit & instructions
  • Warm clothes
  • Heavy work gloves
  • Disposable camera
  • Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
  • Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
  • Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
  • Tools such as a hammer & wrench
  • Blanket or sleeping bag
  • Large heavy duty plastic bags
  • A copy of important documents & phone numbers

Your Go-Bag should include...

  • Radio – battery operated
  • Batteries
  • Whistle
  • Dust mask
  • Pocket knife
  • Emergency cash
  • Sturdy shoes
  • a change of clothes
  • and a warm hat
  • Local map
  • Some water and food
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Permanent marker, paper and tape
  • Photos of family members
  • List of emergency contact numbers
  • List of allergies to drugs & foods
  • Copy of health insurance cards
  • Prescription medications
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

For more information on being prepared for a disaster, including a more inclusive list of items to keep in your emergency kits, and more information on developing an emergency plan, you can go to the FEMA or ready.gov; or the University Police department website directs individuals to San Francisco's disaster preparedness website at 72hours.org.

Additionally for more information on emergency preparedness; Emergency Notification System; CPR and First Aid; crime reports; and safety education, at SF State, please check out the University Police Department .

*All information was either adapted, worded, or resourced from:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency;
City and County of San Francisco 72hours.org .

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An apartment or building fire is one of the worse situations any resident can face. Fire can be quick, and deadly; residents should be aware of some important facts about fire, and follow a few steps to prepare, and practice in case there ever is a fire in an apartment or building.

In a matter of seconds a fire can spread quickly out of control. It can take as little as a minute for a room to be completely filled with thick black smoke and also be completely engulfed in flames. The heat of a fire can rise above 100 degrees at floor level and above 600 degrees at eye level in a very short period of time. In a matter of minutes everything in a room can become so hot that everything ignites at once.

Additionally, as items begin to burn, thick, black smoke can cause complete darkness. This smoke is also toxic. Odorless, colorless fumes can also spread into a room before the fire, which can cause confusion, sleepiness, and eventually death.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides numerous online safety information and courses, on a variety of topics including fire safety, encourages everyone to have an escape route and plan prepared ahead of time and to practice it twice a year.

Additionally here are some pre-fire safety tips:

  • If at all possible find two ways out of a room or apartment. At the very least locate two ways out of your townhouse or apartment building. Also NEVER use the elevator to exit in case of a fire.
  • If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. If you are in a townhouse or on the first or second story of your apartment building, a secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
  • If you are in a townhouse or on the first or second floor of an apartment building, and decide to purchase a collapsible ladder, make sure it is one which has been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
  • Make sure that windows are not stuck
  • Practice feeling your way out of your apartment in the dark or with your eyes closed.

Note: If you are in one of the apartment buildings, memorize how many doors you are away from the exit stairs. If there was really a fire you can feel your way along the hallway

 

What to do during a fire...

If there is a fire in your townhouse, room, or apartment, or in your building, it is important for you to get out fast, but safely. When the smoke detector alarm or building fire alarm sounds, it is important that you evacuate out of the building immediately. You may have only seconds to escape safely.

  • Remember do not use the elevators. Use the stairs.
  • If there is smoke blocking your door or first way out, use your second way out.
  • Smoke is toxic. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
  • Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your second way out.

    Use the back of your hand to check the doorknob or door for heat. This will help prevent you inadvertently grabbing anything on the door, which might be intensely hot, and burning yourself.

  • If there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
  • If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
  • If you can't get to someone needing assistance, leave the townhouse or building at once, and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
  • If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
  • If you can't get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
  • If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll –

    Stop immediately, Drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.
    If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

  •  

Fire prevention...

The majority of 'home' fires occur in the kitchen, and are the leading cause of injury from fires. Residential fires have other causes such as smoldering ashes from smoking in your room or apartment, or placing heating elements too close to furniture or other combustible materials. Fires such as these, can be particularly dangerous because they may smolder for a long period before being discovered by sleeping residents.

Residential fires are preventable! Here are some important tips for fire prevention:

Cooking

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
  • Do not cook if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.
  • Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.

Additionally, if you are cooking, and the grease in the pan catches fire, do not pour water onto the grease fire, or attempt to move the pan.

  1. Grab an oven mitt, then using the mitt, place a lid over the flaming grease in the pan, and turn off the burner.
  2. This will remove the oxygen from the fire and help it to extinguish.
  3. If the fire does not go out immediately, or the flames have spread onto any other objects near the stove, leave the apartment immediately and call 911.

Smoking

  • Remember smoking is never allowed in our buildings! Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas. If you have a question of where a designated smoking area is, ask your Resident Assistant (RA)

Electrical and Appliance Safety

  • Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
  • Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
  • Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets.
  • Immediately shut off, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Report these at once to the Service Desk (415-405-0579)

Portable Space Heaters

  • Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
  • Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Portable heaters must have a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
  • Remember: Kerosene or fuel heaters are not allowed in Housing townhouses or apartment buildings.

More Prevention Tips

  • Avoid using lighted candles. Also remember candles are not allowed in our residential community
  • Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
  • Replace mattresses made before the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Mattresses made since then are required by law to be safer.
  • Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.

For more information on fire safety, the following resources are available:
FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration:
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/nfaonline/

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA): http://www.nfpa.org/

Additionally for more information on fire safety and emergency preparedness; Emergency Notification System; CPR and First Aid; crime reports; and safety education, at SFSU, please check out www.sfsu.edu/~upd.

*All information pertaining to fire safety was either adapted, worded, or resourced from:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency: http://www.ready.gov/home-fires; U.S. Fire Administration: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/nfaonline/; or The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA): http://www.nfpa.org/

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Gender Identity/Expression Guidelines

Housing, Dining, & Conference Services (HDCS) and Residential Life (Res Life) at San Francisco State (referred to hereafter as "SF State Housing") value the freedom gender expression and take all efforts to promote the dignity and respect for and among all residents. SF State Housing acts in concert with federal and state law, as well as California State University (CSU) and SF State policy and practice. Under CSU policy, no student on the basis of gender may be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of any CSU program or activity, and all students have the right to participate free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Additionally, gender is defined as inclusive of one's gender identity and gender related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth.

Within this framework, SF State Housing seeks to meet the needs of students of all gender identities/expressions in the best way possible. This includes addressing students' needs regarding accommodation and harassment complaints.

The following are the SF State Housing guidelines related to gender identity/expression that apply to all residents and staff in our community:

Accommodation Guidelines

Residents who wish to request special accommodations due to gender identity/expression or gender non-conformity should contact SF State Housing as soon as the housing application is completed and submitted to the Housing Office. SF State Housing understands that going through the application can be stressful and confusing for students with matters around gender identity. SF State Housing will not ask for any more information than is required to meet students housing needs and all information is strictly confidential. SF State Housing will make every effort to honor all reasonable accommodation(s) requests; however, accommodation requests will not circumvent the housing waitlist. All applicants are housed on a first come first served basis. Questions about the application process can be directed to the Student Housing Office, housing@sfsu.edu or (415) 338-1067.

Gender Inclusive Housing Option

Gender inclusive housing opportunities are available within SF State Housing. While any student may request gender-inclusive housing, placement priority will be given to students who notify SF State Housing that they require accommodations based on their gender identity or expression. Gender inclusive housing generally exists in the Towers at Centennial Square and University Park South (UPS), however gender inclusive housing options may be available in other housing areas and is determined on a case by case basis. Gender inclusive housing allows same-gender roommates, opposite-gender roommates, or other gender-identity roommate pairings, regardless of biological sex. (To clarify, gender identities are numerous and include man, woman, transgender, and gender non-conforming). The Towers and UPS features single-person restroom and shower facilities, providing privacy for every resident. Visit the housing website to view Towers and UPS living space. All residents within gender inclusive housing, like those of any other SF State residence hall, must adhere to common standards of civility and respect regarding diverse gender identities/expressions.

Guidelines related to use of preferred versus given name

Students wishing to request a change from the name listed in their Housing account to a different preferred name can contact the Housing Business Office. Requests must be made in writing either by emailing housing@sfsu.edu or coming into the Housing Business Office located in Mary Ward Hall. It is important to note that when a student chooses to change their name regarding their Housing account, some complications, while not common, can occur, including the following:

  1. The SF State OneCard (University ID cards) is issued based on a student's "legal name" used on their University application. For more information on Preferred Names on the Onecard be sure to visit their website.
  2. Any refund from the SF State Bursar's office related to Housing will be under the student’s “legal name”.

Intimidation/Bullying/Harassment concerns

San Francisco State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation in its education programs or activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Title IX protects all people regardless of their gender or gender identity from sex discrimination, which includes sexual harassment and violence.

For complete information and resources, visit the Title IX site for San Francisco State University.

Roommate Complaints

In SF State Housing, reports of unjust behavior can be made to any staff member. The staff member will assist or direct you to the appropriate resources to support you with your concern. If you are not comfortable on your floor or in your room or apartment, speak with your Resident Assistant or Area Coordinator. Staff is available to assist if you wish to have a mediation or conversation with your roommates about expectations in your living space.
If you feel that you are not able to remain in your current room or apartment, speak with your Area Coordinator about options that may be available. Ideally, residents are able to speak to each other and resolve differences. However, if you feel that the differences are too extreme or that your safety or security are a concern, other living arrangements in SF State Housing can be considered in consultation with your Area Coordinator. If your Area Coordinator is not available within a reasonable amount of time to address your concerns, you can download and complete a Room Change Form to begin the process of moving to a different housing space.

Resources for our residents can be found at the following links:

On-campus resources

All-Gender Restrooms:

are located in various building throughout campus.

PRIDE Committee:

PRIDE at SF State is a committee of faculty, staff and students that is committed to making San Francisco State University a safe and welcoming community for people of all sexualities and gender identities. You can contact the committee for more information or to get involved.

EGAY at SFSU (Everything Great About You):

The Residence Life Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally network. EGAY organizes meet and greets and has events for the residence community at SFSU. From discussion groups to excursions to events (such as Pride Prom and All Dragged Up), EGAY does much for the LGBTA community in the SFSU residential community.  You can contact EGAY for more information or to get involved.

Off-campus resources

The Center:

The mission of the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Community Center is to connect our diverse community to opportunities, resources and each other to achieve our vision of a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBT people and our allies. The Center's strategies inspire and strengthen our community by fostering greater opportunities for people to thrive; organizing for our future; celebrating our history and culture; and building resources to create a legacy for future generations. The contact information for The Center is: 1800 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102; Phone: (415) 865-5555; Email: center@sfcenter.org.

Dimensions Clinic:

The mission of the Dimensions Clinic is to increase the physical and mental health and wellness of LGBTQIQ young people in a culturally competent environment. Dimensions has a weekly transgender & gender-variant support group. This group is run by trans counselors and transgender/gender variant facilitators. Young people 25 and under are welcome to attend on a drop-in basis. The group is held at Dimensions Clinic every Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm. General contact information is provided here: Dimensions Clinic, Castro-Mission Health Center, 3850 17th Street , San Francisco, CA 94114; Phone: (415) 934-7789; Email: dimensions.clinic@gmail.com.

Lyric:

Lyric's mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities. You can reach Lyric at: 127 Collingwood Street, San Francisco, CA 94114; Phone: (415) 703-6150; E-mail: lyricinfo@lyric.org.

If at any time anyone needs to speak to someone for information or support, contact the Associate Director of Residential Education & Leadership, Jessica Robison, at jrobinson@sfsu.edu or (415) 338-2729.

Living in the Residence Communities

The Living Learning Communities (LLC) at SF State play a pivotal role in the residential student experience. The primary objective of our communities is to provide an environment where students can explore the interconnected relationship between what is learned and what is lived.

Living Learning Communities connect and integrate students to residential and academic components. Students residing in a Living Learning Communities community may be required to take a course with their floor mates in the fall and spring semesters. Courses are assigned by the Department of Residential Life in collaboration with an academic college and/or department.

Living Learning Communities at SF State are separated into three areas: Academic, Identity, and Theme.  Many of our communities may have more than one overlapping area.

In order to be part of an LLC, you must apply to be part of the community and meet all requirements.

Afrocentric
The Afrocentric Living Learning Community invites students to enhance their living and learning experiences by joining and building relationships with one another around common interests in the cultural, social, and political realities and liberation of people of African descent. This community provides students with an environment where they can safely explore, celebrate, and think critically about key issues related to excellence, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. Students will be encouraged to openly discuss and consider how their learning in various fields of knowledge relate to the needs, concerns, and advancement of Black communities.

Ubuntu is a term that means we become human as we affirm and enhance the lives of one another. In the spirit of Ubuntu, the floor creates an atmosphere where students can build lasting supportive relationships with one another during and after their experiences at San Francisco State. Our signature programs will involve faculty cultural activities, mentorship, a partnership with Black student organizations, discussion of critical issues in Africana communities, cultural performances, community service, professional development, and leadership development.

Building/Floor(s): Residence Halls
Class: FTF (First Time Freshman)

Students in this community must register for AFRS 101: Introduction to Africana Studies in the Fall semester and AFRS 200: Introduction to Black Psychology in the Spring semester.

Building/Floor(s): University Park
Class: Continuing Students

Students in this community must register for AFRS 210: Introduction to Africana Literature in the Fall and AFRS 202: Black Men's Studies or AFRS 335: The Black Woman: A Cultural Analysis in the Spring semester.

Rainbow

The Rainbow theme community that is unique at San Francisco State University. The Rainbow Floor/Community focuses on gender, sexuality, and the intersectionality of identities within the LGBTQ community. This community offers students the opportunity to live in a supportive and collegial space and to explore the issues that face LGBTQ-identified individuals in our society. Through active involvement in educational programming and community mobilization, the community strives to provide an environment where residents feel supported and empowered. This community hosts monthly socials, educational programs, service projects, and resident-sponsored events.

Building/Floor(s): Towers at Centennial Square & University Park South
Class: Everyone

An important piece to your success on campus is developing a healthy relationship with your roommate or apartment-mate. While every shared living relationship is different, here are some themes that we believe will lead to a successful living arrangement: 

  1. Expectations: Conflicts arise from a difference of  expectations. Identify your expectations early to avoid conflict.
  2. Communication: Open lines of communication; talk to each other about needs and concerns.
  3. Flexibility: Remain open to doing things differently than what you are used to.
  4. Respect: Respect each other's differences, needs and priorities.

All of these themes tie directly into...

Living Agreements

Living agreements are a required document to be filled out by you  and your roommate(s), guided by your Resident Assistant.  These are often referred to as Apartment Living Agreements (ALA) or Resident Living Agreements (RLA).

Useful tips for your Living Agreement:

  • Think about sleep schedules.
  • Determine cleanliness expectations.
     

One of the most important relationships you'll have this year is the one you cultivate with your roommate or apartment-mates. Numerous books have been written on "successful relationships." Here are four crucial ingredients to a successful roommate or apartment-mate relationship we encourage residents to keep in mind:

  1. Expectations: Each person may have different interpretations of what sharing space means.
  2. Communication: The best way to communicate with your roommate is in person. Its hard to determine tone in texts/emails/ sticky notes.
  3. Flexibility: Misunderstandings and mistakes happen. Be willing to fix issues before determining the relationship done.
  4. Respect: Remember that when working to resolve conflicts, offer the same courtesies and respect you would want to receive.

Do You Live in a Room Without a Roommate(s)?

If a vacancy occurs in your room or your apartment, please review the Community Living Standards for guidance.

Room Changes

Requests related to roommate conflicts will be handled by the office of Residential Life. Requests due to financial circumstances will be handled by the Student Housing Office. Requests will not be processed during the first two weeks of the semester. Roommate expectations and responsibilities are available in the Community Living Standards [PDF].

Should you and your roommate(s) encounter difficulties, we encourage you to contact your resident assistant or community coordinator. We strongly encourage residents to go through the mediation process with the resident assistant to begin to create an environment that fosters open dialogue in an effort to resolve room/apartment concerns. We believe sharing space and learning to respectfully co-exist despite, our differences, are the hallmarks of a person's development into adulthood.

Residents may be required to participate in mediation with their resident assistant or other Residential Life staff member before a physical move will be considered for approval. During mediation, all residents involved in the situation will be asked to discuss their concerns and attempt to find a mutually agreeable resolution with assistance from the staff member present.

To request a room change, log into the Student Housing Portal and click the “Request a Room Change” button and complete the form.

To view a flyer of what is summarized above, please view the Living with a Roommate Guide.

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Residential Life provides mail and package distribution services for our student residents residing in: 

  • Mary Ward Hall: 800 Font Boulevard 
  • Mary Park Hall: 802 Font Boulevard 
  • Towers @ Centennial Square: 796 Font Boulevard 
  • Towers Jr. Suites: 798 Font Boulevard 
  • Village @ Centennial Square: 750 Font Boulevard 
  • Manzanita Square: 2 Varela Avenue 

Mail and Package Carriers (USPS, FedEx, etc.) provide direct services for our students residing in: 

  • University Park South 
  • University Park North

Central Communities 

How to Address Your Packages and Letter Mail for Mary Ward, Mary Park, Towers, Towers Jr. Suites, and Village (Central Community) 

[Full Name] [Last 5 digits of SFSU ID] 
### Font Blvd, Apartment [#] 
San Francisco, CA 94132 

Manzanita Square 

How to Address Your Packages and Letter Mail for Manzanita Square 

[Full Name] [Last 5 digits of SFSU ID] 
2 Varela Ave, Apartment [#] 
San Francisco, CA 94132

University Park North and University Park South 

How to Address Your Packages and Letter Mail for University Park North: 

  • All letter mail should be sent to your direct address:
    [Full Name] [Last 5 digits of SFSU ID] 
    [###] Buckingham Way (or Winston Dr.), Apartment [#] 
    San Francisco, CA 94132 
     
  • Package Delivery to Your Apartment: 
    • If you address your packages to be delivered to your University Park North apartment, the mail carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS etc.) may drop it off in the lobby (High Rise Apartments), in front of exterior facing apartments (Garden Units), or in the black courtyard mailboxes (Garden Units).
  • University Park North residents can ship packages to the Towers Mail Room if they have concerns about sending directly to the apartment.
     
  • Towers Mail Room:
    [Full Name] [Last 5 digits of SFSU ID] 
    796 Font Blvd
    San Francisco, CA 94132 

How to Address Your Packages and Letter Mail for University Park South: 

  • All letter mail should be sent to your direct address 
    [Full Name] [Last 5 digits of SFSU ID] 
    [###] Street Name 
    San Francisco, CA 94132 
     
  • Package Delivery to Your Apartment: 
    • If you address your packages to be delivered to your University Park South townhome, the mail carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS etc.) will drop it off directly at the front door of the apartment.
    • University Park South residents can ship packages to Manzanita Square if they have concerns about sending directly to the apartment. To set this up, University Park South Residents should communicate with the Community Desk Coordinator of the South Neighborhood: James Ebben, jebben@sfsu.edu  
       
  • Manzanita Square Mail Room
    [Full Name] [Last 5 digits of SFSU ID]
    2 Varela Ave 
    San Francisco, CA 94132 

Important mail reminders 

  • Please ensure that your mail is addressed using your Full Name, as mail is processed using a roster utilizing University provided information. More information about modifying Legal and Preferred Names through the University can be found on the Registrar’s website.
  • Packages are generally processed within 72 hours of receipt. You will be notified when your package is ready for pick-up. Processing time may extend during high volume package periods such as the beginning of the semester, major sales like Amazon Prime Days, and the holidays.
  • The University is not responsible for perishable packages or deliveries.
  • Packages containing items prohibited in the License Agreement such as smoking products or alcohol may be refused or returned to sender.
  • Residential Life will only hold packages up to 30 days. If packages are not retrieved within 30 days, Residential Life will attempt to return the item to sender. If the carrier will not return the package, it will be disposed of.  
  • Residential Life does not forward mail. It is the resident’s responsibility to update their mailing address upon move out. Any items delivered for individuals who are no longer residents will be returned to sender or disposed of. 
    • Due to Manzanita Square being labeled as a business by the US postal service, individuals will need to update address manually, rather than through the postal service forwarding system.