As this summer moves a little closer to coming to an end, San Diego State University students are getting ready to be back on campus and the start of classes on Monday, Aug. 26.

One aspect of the 2024-25 school year students are excited about is the opportunities within their majors. SDSU provides many different avenues outside of academic classes for students to get involved on campus and connect with their fellow peers.

SDSU senior Phoebe Ostashay is looking forward to more ways to meet new people and network.

“I came to SDSU as a transfer student so I didn’t get to have the traditional four years,” Ostashay said. “I am excited about continuing to transition into the ‘normal’ college experience.” Ostashay is involved in a few campus organizations such as the Recreation and Tourism Student Association. “I try to make sure I am as involved as possible,” Ostashay added.

SDSU Junior Lindsey Brintwood, is excited to continue her involvement on campus. 

Brintwood is a part of many organizations at SDSU such as the Daily Aztec, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and SDSU Ambassadors.

“I have really enjoyed my experience in getting to meet like-minded people through all the organizations I’m a part of,” Brintwood said.

Students are also curious to see what new campus developments are coming.

Last year, students left the campus shortly after the addition of two new food options, Jr. Jamal’s Chicken and Baba’s Pizza.

“I am looking forward to any new food places or restaurants they are going to add to the campus.” student Mac Phametro dijo.

With a student favorite, Chipotle closing its doors last semester, students are anxiously awaiting a new food joint to take its spot.

“I was pretty disappointed when they closed Chipotle. I have been waiting to see what they will put in its place,” SDSU student Kyla David said.

Sports are big part of campus life for many students

The upcoming school year means another year of sporting events. Sports enthusiasts like Pham are anxious to be back courtside.

“Last year, I went to a lot of sporting events on campus and I am looking forward to that again.” Pham said. Pham writes for the Daily Aztec on campus, primarily for the sports section.

Last semester, SDSU basketball concluded another enthralling season. Students are excited to see what the team will bring this year.

“I think that the sports seasons will bring the campus much closer and hopefully build up that school spirit,” student Vinnie Espejo said.

Another area of campus involvement that students are looking forward to resuming is Greek life.

Espejo, who is a part of the Delta Chi fraternity on campus where he serves as the chapter’s vhielo pagsresident said, “My goal for being on the executive board is to build it, get as many people as we can, and really create a good group of men out of it.”

Greek life has always been at the center of campus life at SDSU. And while some students have found their home away from home in it, others are concerned about its presence at SDSU.

“I think one of the ongoing issues on campus are the sororities and fraternities,” Pham said, “A lot of people make up stories and these fraternities can have a lack of diversity.”

Planning coursework can be tricky at times

An additional issue students face at the front of each academic year is the stress of planning courses. With so many students on campus, there can be a lack of open seats for classes leaving students to spend their summers refreshing a waitlist.

“I have had issues trying to pick my classes to accommodate my work schedule,” Jack Kuffner said.“Most of my class options are only offered at one time each which makes it pretty difficult to take what I need.”

Making the situation worse, this academic year is the first of the 6% tuition increase across all California State Universities.

For David, this meant not being able to take all the classes she needs to finish up her senior year.

“I had to drop one of my classes due to the added cost. It has affected my ability to graduate on time,” David said.

The rise in tuition costs creates an additional challenge for students when organizing their schedules.

Despite the anxieties attached to the upcoming school year, students are still ready to see what life at SDSU will offer them this year.

Top caption: Students will soon once again be seen all over the SDSU campus as fall classes begin Aug. 26. Photo credit: Natali Gonzalez