Get Counted

2020 Census: What College Students Need to Know to Be Counted in the Right Place

The impact the 2020 Census data will reach every single person living in the United States. Your responses will help shape future investments in health care, education, jobs, roads, businesses, and more, including seats in the House of Representatives.

By ensuring that the greatest number of people are represented, a richer dataset will be collected and the information will have a larger impact in the years to come.

I am a current student (including international students) who lived in on-campus housing at the start of the Spring 2020 semester.

Before filling out the census survey, talk to your parents and make sure they are informed about how to fill out the census form, and whether or not you should be included.

All college students who began the semester living in housing away from their parent or guardian while at a college or a university are to be counted at their on-campus address. Please follow the directions provided in the campus communication sent out Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Foreign students living and attending college in the United States should be counted at the on- or off-campus residence where they live and sleep most of the time.

I am a current student (including international students) living in an off campus community.

All college students who are currently living in housing away from their parent or guardian while at a college or a university are counted only at the residence where they live and sleep most of the time.

College students who live away from home should count themselves at the residence where they live and sleep most of the time, even if they are at their family home on April 1, 2020.

Foreign students living and attending college in the United States should be counted at the on- or off-campus residence where they live and sleep most of the time.

If you attend SDSU and live off campus, your household will receive an invitation in the mail to participate in the census. Please be sure to check your mailbox for the invitation.

If you live with multiple people, such as roommates, designate a time when each member of your household can sit down together with one person filling out the survey.

If you are a commuter student (defined as a college students living at their parents’ or guardians’ home while attending college), you will be counted at the home of your parent or guardian. Your parent should include you as a resident when they respond to the census.

I am an employee of SDSU.

By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Please be sure to check your mailbox for the survey. You will have three options for responding: online, by phone, and by mail. The 2020 Census is the first time individuals will be able to respond online. You will also be able to respond via your mobile device.