Read on to find some insider's tips to making your semester in San Francisco a great success. Check out what the present class of students say will make you a savvy urbanite right from the start!
Clothing:
I would bring less than you would take with you to Westmont. Make your life simpler and don’t bring too much.
Bring less than you think you will need.
You do not need to pack much wintery stuff, just a light jacket and sweatshirts.
Pack everything you think you need and then put back half of it - remember, you're not roughing it in the outback; you're going to live in a fabulous multicultural city!
Bring layers. Don’t bring too much so there’s room in your closet for thrift store finds (The one at 17th and Mission is the best).
Internship:
Prepare yourself for your internship now. Make some initial contacts before you start your program and try to get the ball rolling. Really dive into your internship and make relationships with your co-workers.
In looking for and beginning your internship, try to really take the time to think about what exactly you want to be doing. You'll be spending a large chunk of time working at your internship, and this can be a very valuable learning opportunity for you.
For the internship, think about what you want to get out of it before coming to San Francisco. What skill do you want to develop, what jobs would you like to explore, etc. Also, don't forget to pick something you will enjoy. The internship is not the end-all. It is a unique time to try out a career. It does not have to be exactly what you want to do in the future.
I would say that SF Urban is fairly similar as far as class work goes. But there is less academic challenge and more personal/spiritual challenge. But as for learning in your internship...you can do as much or as little as you put into it. You can put in the time and effort to really know the organization and people you are working with, or you can skate by and just go to work every day. I would recommend the former.
Don’t be afraid to be picky and ask a lot of questions at your interview- your internship will be the biggest part of your semester, so do your best to find something you’re passionate about with people you feel you’d like to work with.
Community:
Don’t take yourself too seriously, it will make the house dynamics better. I would really recommend doing some group activities in the first few weeks without the staff. Explore the city together. It’s always fun coming home and wondering what everyone else is doing.
Spend time in the house off the phone, computer or DVDs- invite people to go out around the neighborhoods or explore the Park!
What unique qualities does someone need to possess to 'make it' in the SF Urban Program? 1. An open heart and mind; 2. A true desire to want to be there
Don’t expect anything and let yourself be surprised. Be intentional about having conversations with people you disagree with. Wash your dishes, then people will love you!
Living in SF:
I had a hard time finding my own space to reflect and energize myself. I found that the University of San Francisco gym was a great escape for me; also bike riding and the Park in general. Don’t be afraid to jump into the urban lifestyle.
There’s no reason to go to the same restaurant twice unless you really liked it. Explore new cuisines and neighborhoods, including our own!
Don't worry too much about public transportation! I know it was pretty new for me, and I was a little reluctant at first, but you'll catch on quickly! By the end of the semester you'll be a pro at riding the MUNI!
Clothing:
I would bring less than you would take with you to Westmont. Make your life simpler and don’t bring too much.
Bring less than you think you will need.
You do not need to pack much wintery stuff, just a light jacket and sweatshirts.
Pack everything you think you need and then put back half of it - remember, you're not roughing it in the outback; you're going to live in a fabulous multicultural city!
Bring layers. Don’t bring too much so there’s room in your closet for thrift store finds (The one at 17th and Mission is the best).
Internship:
Prepare yourself for your internship now. Make some initial contacts before you start your program and try to get the ball rolling. Really dive into your internship and make relationships with your co-workers.
In looking for and beginning your internship, try to really take the time to think about what exactly you want to be doing. You'll be spending a large chunk of time working at your internship, and this can be a very valuable learning opportunity for you.
For the internship, think about what you want to get out of it before coming to San Francisco. What skill do you want to develop, what jobs would you like to explore, etc. Also, don't forget to pick something you will enjoy. The internship is not the end-all. It is a unique time to try out a career. It does not have to be exactly what you want to do in the future.
I would say that SF Urban is fairly similar as far as class work goes. But there is less academic challenge and more personal/spiritual challenge. But as for learning in your internship...you can do as much or as little as you put into it. You can put in the time and effort to really know the organization and people you are working with, or you can skate by and just go to work every day. I would recommend the former.
Don’t be afraid to be picky and ask a lot of questions at your interview- your internship will be the biggest part of your semester, so do your best to find something you’re passionate about with people you feel you’d like to work with.
Community:
Don’t take yourself too seriously, it will make the house dynamics better. I would really recommend doing some group activities in the first few weeks without the staff. Explore the city together. It’s always fun coming home and wondering what everyone else is doing.
Spend time in the house off the phone, computer or DVDs- invite people to go out around the neighborhoods or explore the Park!
What unique qualities does someone need to possess to 'make it' in the SF Urban Program? 1. An open heart and mind; 2. A true desire to want to be there
Don’t expect anything and let yourself be surprised. Be intentional about having conversations with people you disagree with. Wash your dishes, then people will love you!
Living in SF:
I had a hard time finding my own space to reflect and energize myself. I found that the University of San Francisco gym was a great escape for me; also bike riding and the Park in general. Don’t be afraid to jump into the urban lifestyle.
There’s no reason to go to the same restaurant twice unless you really liked it. Explore new cuisines and neighborhoods, including our own!
Don't worry too much about public transportation! I know it was pretty new for me, and I was a little reluctant at first, but you'll catch on quickly! By the end of the semester you'll be a pro at riding the MUNI!
Make sure to take advantage of all the fun things to do in the city. Emily (the RA) does a great job of keeping us updated on fun places to go and events taking place, so really seek out these opportunities. The semester flies by quickly, and there is really so much to do!
Transportation is really easy to use, just keep your map handy (that the program gives you) until you know your way around.
Remember to take breaks from the intensity and chill out. Go everywhere the first few weeks before your internship is set because you won’t have time later on. Never eat in the same place twice (except Central Coffee). Buy local, especially in used bookstores; take advantage of living near the Park (just don’t go at night).
P.S. (A former student wrote to the Staff a year later) Who knew what a transformative place San Francisco would be for me?!! I guess part of the answer to that is, ‘all of you’.
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