Where to Hang Out Between Classes at SF State

The centrality and size of the Cesar Chavez Student Center on campus makes it the hub of culture and community at SF State. It is home to the majority of the university’s clubs and organizations as well as a bar for the 21+ crowd, pool hall, arcade, art gallery and countless eating establishments.

The Pub, located on the ground level of the student center, is a popular place to go after sporting events or performances at the adjacent music venue, The Depot.

“Usually during the day I’ll take my drink to The Depot and hang out with friends,” said Vivian Monique, an SF State student. “Oftentimes students will be playing the piano, so there’s typically some tunes going throughout the day.”

Intimate, free and always buzzing with subtle excitement, The Depot is a popular destination for students. The venue, which is completely student-run, welcomes local bands, student musicians and big-name artists alike. In recent years, student bands have shared the stage with The Growlers, Mac Demarco, DIIV and FIDLAR.

The Art Gallery, located on the top floor of the building, hosts three to four thought-provoking art exhibits each semester. Janna Alfred, a gallery employee and SF State Studio Art major, explained why it’s such a popular destination for students: “The students who work here have a really good community, everyone in tech services and everyone in the art gallery is friends with everyone at The Depot…they care about their program and what they’re putting on.” She loves working at the gallery because it allows her to be a part of something while honing her craft.

The roof of Cesar Chavez is the highest point on campus. It’s a great place to catch the sunset on a clear evening with awesome views of the school and city. Consider this your cardio as you climb the steep flight of stairs leading up to it.

West Campus Green is—you guessed it—a sprawling green field at the west end of campus. This is the go-to location if you want to experience the stereotypical “college scene.” The area was unveiled only late last year, but has become one of the most popular places on campus for students to sit in the grass, play sports and enjoy the outdoors.

“The field has a whole new atmosphere. You can just feel the wind hitting your face and you look around and you see all the colors and you can smell the new freshness of the area,” Stevenson said.