Class of 2029 | Bay Area Immersion
Program Dates: Sun | Sep 14 - Thu | Sep 18, 2025
Move In Date: Sun | Sep 14
Cost: $250
The First Year Immersion (FYI) is designed to help incoming students connect with the local community while getting to know fellow Broncos. We believe that all new SCU students should feel welcome, supported, and empowered in their new community, and we want to give them the tools they need to do that prior to the start of the academic year!
The first-year Immersion is a five-day program where new SCU students get to learn about people and organizations who are working hard to make the Bay Area a better place. Our Program is aimed at supporting and inspiring upcoming civic leaders in the class of 2029. Students will get to know a larger group of peers and participate in a small group experience in San Jose, Half Moon Bay, or San Francisco.
Our themes will be Civic Engagement for Mental Health and Civic Engagement for Housing Equity. Participants will reflect on their experiences in the context of their upcoming education at SCU, find friendships, and get to know their new home - all before move-in weekend even starts!
It is a great place to build friendships with new classmates and deepen your understanding of SCU’s Jesuit tradition of holistic community-engaged education.
You also get to move in early!
Application Process
- Applicants must have their SCU ID available to complete the application
- Application Open: July 1 - July 20, 2025
- For Incoming Class of 2029 students only
Am I eligible to participate in the First Year Immersion?
New students attending their in-person Orientation session on September 17 or September 18, students in the LEAD Scholars Program (due to LEAD Week), and international students (due to International Student Welcome) are unfortunately not eligible to participate in the immersion. All other incoming first-year students are eligible to participate. For any students who are not eligible to participate, we encourage you to join us for our First Plunge of the Year on September 27th, or explore other immersion opportunities throughout the academic year.
When will I move in?
You can move in early on the morning of September 14th; the program will start in the evening. Students who are confirmed as participants in the immersion do NOT need to contact the Housing Office to request early move-in privileges; we will do that on your behalf.
Will we sleep in our dorms?
We will be living, working, AND sleeping in the community. Also, expect to have no access to showers for 3 days.
Can I participate in Welcome Weekend activities?
Yes, our program will finish on the night of September 18th, and you will be able to participate in all Welcome Weekend activities.
Where do I pay?
After application closes (July 20) you will receive a personalized confirmation email with a payment link to secure your spot.
Will I need anything in terms of gear or food?
Food and transportation are included in the program fee. You will need to bring a sleeping bag. A sleeping pad is optional, but nice to bring if you have one. We will send a packing list with more details to all confirmed participants in August. We will accommodate dietary and mobility needs; however, please note that we will offer simple meals and accommodations.
The photos below are from previous San Jose Immersions. The activities and format will be different this year but the spirit of the program remains the same.
