SJSU students pose behind pillars in downtown San Jose.
Photos: Mel Chircop ’21 BFA Photography

Experience the Heart of Silicon Valley

SJSU Loves SJ brings together San José State University and the city of San José to promote San José as the capital of Silicon Valley—a vibrant city at the center of innovation, creativity and technology. There are many reasons why Spartans love our city. With San José State located in the heart of the city, we’ve created the SJSU Loves SJ initiative in collaboration with Visit San José, the Downtown Association, Japantown Business Association, and San José City Hall to further connect and integrate students with the culture of the thriving local community. To kick off the new semester, we’ll be hosting events as a part of our Weeks of Welcome program to help students experience the best parts of the city and SJSU. From lighting of the San José City Hall rotunda in blue and gold to local farmer’s markets and beautiful street murals, opportunities abound for students to explore a city like no other.

Students jumping in front of a wall that says San Jose State University.

Weeks of Welcome

It’s the start of a whole new semester and we’re so excited to welcome Spartans with our Weeks of Welcome (WOW) programs and events designed to provide support for students as they transition into SJSU and connect with the Spartan and San José community.

Downtown San Jose with map drop pins.

Explore San José Together

Get to know your new home and explore all the great things San José has to offer with our interactive Google Map. Students will be able to explore the best places to grab coffee, catch a show, taste delicious food, discover which places have student discounts and experience local landmarks. 

Students taking a selfie in front of Hammer Theatre.

SJSU Bucket List

Make your college experience a memorable one and take advantage of our SJSU Bucket List to help you check off different ways to prove you’re a true Spartan.

Students hanging out in front of San Pedro Square Market.

WOW! What’s there to do?

WOW will have a variety of free programs and events to kick-off our Fall 2020 semester starting Monday, August 17 to Wednesday, September 20. From virtual meet and greets to emerging leaders info sessions to a Spartan Speaker Series with actor Leslie Odom Jr. from “Hamilton the Musical,” there is sure to be an event that will help support your success as a student and also have some fun. Below you’ll find a calendar full of exciting in-person and virtual events hosted by SJSU and the city of San José.

Events

Event OnSep11

Downtown San Jose Farmers' Market

Time:Every Friday: 10 a.m - 2 p.m.Location:Downtown: Market and San Pedro
Event OnSep16

Writing Center Mad Lib Bash

Time:3 - 4 p.m.Location:Host: Writing Center
Event OnSep21

Graduate Student Mixer: Trivia

Time:4 -6 p.m.Location:Host: Student Involvement
Event OnSep22

IG Livestream: Fall Equinox and Harvest Festival

Time:Noon - 3 p.m.Location:Host: Campus Community Garden
Event OnSep25

Virtual Spartan Trivia

Time:3 - 4 p.m.Location:Host: Student Involvement
Event OnSep30

Spartan Speaker Series: Sally Kohn

Time:7 - 8:30 p.m.Location:Host: Spartan Speaker Series

Alumni Stories

Alumnus Josh McGhie, '99 Marketing.

4th Street Pizza: An SJSU Institution

One block from campus, at 4th and Santa Clara, alumnus Josh McGhie, '99 Marketing, runs a popular sports destination that became an SJSU institution among students. They're still delivering 4th Street pizzas to campus, by the way. 

Jay Tran, alumnus and proprietor of Buddy Teahouse

Buddy Teahouse: Expertly Engineered Boba

Spartan Daily met with Jay Tran, alumnus and proprietor of Buddy Teahouse, an ideal downtown spot to pick up a bubble tea. When Tran set up shop, he knew SJSU was the place to be. 

Jasmine Sanchez presenting to Ray Zinn.

Big Network, Small World

Learning an entrepreneurial mindset prepares students like Jasmine Sanchez, '20 Business, for work and life in Silicon Valley. Everyone can join SJSU's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.