The Student Support Services Summer Bridge Program is an intensive one-week program that will help incoming first-year and transfer students transition into life at USD. The 2026 Summer Bridge Program will begin on Saturday, August 22nd, and conclude on Friday, August 28th.
Summer Bridge Benefits
Students who participate in the program are given the following opportunities:
Familiarize yourself with the USD campus before all other students arrive for Ole Weekend!
Create meaningful relationships with incoming and transfer SSS students
Pair up with an SSS mentor who will help guide you through your first year at USD
Engage with USD professors in an encouraging environment
Learn the "unwritten rules" of college and the tools to thrive and graduate
Check into the residence halls early
Participate in social events designed to introduce you to the vibrant and distinct culture of San Diego
All at no cost to you!
Summer Bridge FAQ
Participating in Summer Bridge offers a wide range of benefits to help you start strong at USD, including:
- Early Move-In: Get settled into campus before the semester starts.
- Connect Early with USD Faculty: Begin building relationships with professors and staff who will support your academic journey.
- Explore Campus and Resources: Learn how to navigate campus and access key resources like financial aid, academic support, and more.
- Free Cultural Excursions & Social Activities: Enjoy fun outings and events that help you get to know San Diego and your fellow students.
- Meet Your Retention Specialist/TCC & SSS Pro Staff: Start working with the team that will support you throughout your time at USD.
- Build Community: Form lasting friendships with other incoming SSS students and begin creating your support network.
Summer Bridge is a great way to feel confident, connected, and ready for your first year at USD!
- Living on campus
- Expected to abide by University and Housing policies during this time
- Mandatory Programming from 8 AM to 8:00 PM that varies day to day
- During this week, if a student participant is feeling unwell and unable to attend programming, they will be required to stop by the Student Health Center on campus and check in with the SSS Director.
Yes! Even if you're not living on campus during the school year, it is required to live in the dorms during summer bridge. We provide a free on-campus room for you to stay in during the Summer Bridge program. Please note: Once the program ends, you'll need to move all personal belongings out of the room.
All Summer Bridge sessions are mandatory, and participants must be available each day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The program is designed as a full-time experience to ensure you get the most out of it, including building community and receiving key support before the semester begins. For extenuating circumstances, please contact the Director of Student Support Services at SSS@sandiego.edu.
Parents and supporters are welcome to help you move in and attend the Parent and Family Supporter events on the first day of Summer Bridge. There will be time for family and supporters to say goodbye to their student. After this, all programming is intended for student participants only.
Housing will be available starting on the first day of the program. If you plan to arrive earlier, you’ll need to make your own off-campus accommodations until move-in begins.
The first day of the summer bridge program at check in time.
Yes, airport pickup will be available between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. We ask that you schedule your flight to arrive during this time window to ensure we can arrange transportation for you.
You will be unable to participate in any additional pre-orientation programs that overlap with Summer Bridge dates and times, with exception to:
- B.L.A.C.K. Summer Immersion (BSI)
- College Corps
- P.U.R.E (Pre-Undergraduate Research Experience)
- NROTC Program
Yes, you can still join SSS. While participation in Summer Bridge is highly encouraged, it is not required. If you’re unable to attend, please let us know during your intake meeting.
Parking is free on the weekends. If you are planning on bringing your car on campus during the week, you will need to purchase a parking pass from Parking Services. This is one of the few expenses that the program is unable to cover.
Apply for Summer Bridge 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, JULY 19th, 2026, AT 11:59 PM PST! Once your Summer Bridge application is submitted, you should schedule your intake meeting with our staff. For more information or support, please email sss@sandiego.edu.