Back To Campus: Events You Need to Check Out

From a roller rink in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union to dozens of student-led organizations set up along Campanile Walkway as students pass by, San Diego State University is always full of fun, carefree opportunities. 

With a campus over 34,000 strong, SDSU students come from all walks of life but throughout the year they find events to celebrate and be in community with their fellow Aztecs. Traditions go as far back as 1936, with many current and former students proudly reciting the SDSU “Fight Song” in a crowd. Events like Welcome Week and Homecoming give students the space to enjoy themselves and make new friends after a summer away. 

“It kind of feels like home pretty quickly, which is not what I expected,” said incoming transfer student Jacob Willett after only his second visit. A San Marcos native, Willett is looking forward to “everything this campus offers in terms of things to do.”

SDSU has already begun welcoming its students back for a new school year. Below are some events to consider as everyone settles into the semester and the first day of classes, Aug. 22. 

Aztec Nights

Aztec Nights are a string of free, late night weekend events on campus, where students can attend throughout the school year. Sponsored by Associated Students, Student Affairs, and Business & Financial Affairs, Aztec Nights give students the option to enjoy fun, safe weekend activities on campus at no extra cost. The only requirement for each event is a valid RedID upon entry. 

“It’s exciting because you realize how many people actually go to this school. It makes the big school really feel big, and you’re going to see a new face everywhere you look,” said Speech Language and Hearing Sciences major Lauren Edh, a fourth-year student from Turlock, California. Edh works for Aztec Nights, and is often one of the first faces many new students see as they check in. 

There will be multiple Aztec Nights throughout the year, with different themes and attractions for the student body. For students looking for colorful, energetic performances, Aztec Nights Dragstravaganza returns on Friday, Sept. 2 in Montezuma Hall as Aztec Nights Dragstravaganza: After Dark from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. The show offers student performers the stage to make their debuts, and a crowd of their peers to cheer them on. Students also have the opportunity to appear alongside professional and established drag queens. 

But Aztec Nights can be more than a show, they can be an experience some students may not have had the chance to learn about. Aztec Nights: Rolling into Fall event reimagines the Aztec Student Union Lee & Frank Goldberg Courtyard into a roller skating rink. On Friday Sept. 9 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m., students can dress up and skate to a live DJ with friends. 

The full calendar for each Aztec Night is available on their website.

“I've met so many people, made so many different connections, and being involved on campus in a variety of different things has really shown me what I'm passionate about and what I want to do.”  Fourth-year Political Science major and Black Resource Center mentor, Caili Anderson explains what getting involved on campus has done for her.  

Student Involvement Expo

While Aztec Nights take place after hours, the Student Involvement Expo for Recognized Student Organization will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday Aug. 22. Happening simultaneously with the first official day of classes, the expo allows incoming students to find their interest groups throughout the day. Up to 350 student organizations will be tabling the event, representing the variety and opportunity students have to get involved on campus.   

The long lines of decorated tents and signs along Campanile Walkway and the student representatives attending them may seem inconvenient or overwhelming for students just trying to get to class. But after class, new and returning students should consider all that the expo has to offer, from community engagement to clubs dedicated to STEM to the arts, SDSU students have carved out a place for those interests on campus.  

New Student and Family Convocation

Just as every school year ends with Commencement, the year kicks off with New Student and Family Convocation, symbolizing to new students and families the beginning of their college journeys. All attendees must reserve their tickets in advance, and attend either Convocation Ceremony I or II depending on the college they correspond with. The August 15 deadline to RSVP has passed, but for those unable to attend in person a livestream of the event will also be available. 

IF YOU GO:  

New Student and Family Convocation  AUGUST 20, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
The Convocation Ceremony I for the Fowler College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the College of Health and Human Services, and SDSU Global Campus  

AUGUST 20, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Convocation Ceremony II for the College of Arts and Letters, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, the College of Sciences, Faculty Advancement & Student Success (Undeclared), and SDSU Imperial Valley 

MORE EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS  

Aztec Nights:  Dodge, Duck, & Dive Your Way into Fall 2022
Aug 19, 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Aztec Nights First Night Fest
Aug 19, 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Campanile Walkway
Aztec Nights SDSU Block Party
Aug 20, 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Campanile Walkway
Movie Nights Movie Under the Stars
Aug 21, 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Aztecs Pump Up the Gym
Aug 25, 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Aztec Recreation Center 
Aztec Nights Carnival: Night 1
Aug 26, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Campanile Walkway
Aztec Nights Carnival: Night 2
Aug 27, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Campanile Walkway
Food Truck Night, Presented by Aztec Nights Sept 3, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Campanile Walkway
Aztec Nights Movie Night
Sept 4, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Aztec Nights Rolling into Fall 
Sept 9, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Aztec Nights Back 2 Skool
Sept 10, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Location Not Listed 
Aztec Nights Comedy Night 
Sept 17, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Union Theater, Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union