The SFAI residence hall, appropriately named Sutter Hall, is conveniently situated near San Francisco’s downtown district in Lower Nob Hill at 717 Sutter Street and is centrally located between the historic 800 Chestnut Street campus and the Graduate Center at Third Street. Just steps away from Union Square, the neighborhood is alive with galleries, alternative art spaces, world-renowned museums, shopping, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. Public transportation between the two SFAI campuses and throughout San Francisco is readily available. The Powell Street BART and Muni station, the cable car stop, and several bus lines are all within walking distance of Sutter Hall.
Our building is staffed by students and professionals who strive to ensure that Sutter Hall is a safe, secure, inclusive, artistically inspiring, and engaging place for students to live. Residents enjoy the comfort of security at the Front Desk, special programs and events designed just for them, and the creative rewards of living in a community of artists.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding housing at SFAI, please contact Michael J. Friedman, the Assistant Director of Student Life for Housing and Residential Life at 415 351 3556 or at
mfriedman@sfai.edu.
Important PreCollege Housing Information
The cost for PreCollege Housing is $1,300, which includes a non-refundable $100 security deposit.
The PreCollege Program is alcohol and drug free regardless of age. All residents and parents must sign the Zero Tolerance Alcohol and Drug Policy Form prior to being assigned a bed space in the residence hall. Students who are found to be in violation of the Alcohol or Drug Policy will be removed from housing within 24 hours. Students who take prescription and/or over-the-counter medication must list these medications on the Health Form that is part of the Housing Application.
The move-in date for PreCollege Housing is Monday, July 5 at 2:00 p.m. All students should arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. in order to attend the Housing Orientation and Dinner.
The move-out date for PreCollege Housing is Saturday, August 7 no later than 10:00 a.m.
Travel arrangements should be made around those dates and times.
Apply for PreCollege Housing
Applying for PreCollege housing in SFAI’s residence hall is a simple process.
- Fill out the PreCollege Housing Application and submit it via fax, email, or postal mail.
- After emailing us your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Housing and Residential Life Office within 3 business days.
- Housing assignments are based on gender and the student comments on the housing form. We are unable to provide housing assignment or roommate information prior to move-in.
Things to Bring
Please click here for a PDF document that summarizes what you may bring to Sutter Hall.
Items that you should bring to the residence hall:
- Pillow and pillowcase
- Sheets for a regular, twin size bed
- Blanket, comforter, or bedspread
- Alarm clock
- Photo identification
- Cell phone and charger
- Bath towels
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
Other items that you may want to bring to the residence hall:
- Room decorations ~ no nails, adhesives, tacks, etc.
- Computer and printer
- Money for personal use, checkbook, and credit or debit card
- Class/art supplies and backpack
- Mini-vacuum
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry basket
- Quarters
- First aid supplies
- Cleaning supplies / dish soap
- Coffee maker
- Stackable crates
- Flashlight
- Books
- Calculator
- Postage stamps
- Clothes hangers
- Umbrella
- Sewing kit
- Tape, scissors, stapler
- Iron / ironing board
- Stereo
- Mini tool set
- Bicycle
- Prescription medication (contact a local pharmacy in San Francisco to have prescriptions transferred)
Things to coordinate with your roommate before move-in day:
- Decorations / Wall Coverings / Posters / etc.
- Floor Rug
- Coffee Maker
- Radio / stereo / CD player
Items not allowed in Mason Hall:
- Outside beds / mattresses
- Mini-refrigerators
- Toaster, toaster ovens, and other open coil appliances
- Microwaves
- Televisions / dvd players
- Additional desks
- Candles or Incense
- Extension cords
- Outlet splitters
- Power tools
- Halogen lamps
- Hot plates
- George Forman grills or similar appliances
- Weapons of any kind
- Electric skillets
- Air conditioner units
- Electric heaters
- Fireworks
- Non UL-listed appliances
- Alcohol (unless 21 years of age or older
- Drugs and/or drug paraphernalia
- Pets (except fish in a 1-gallon tank and licensed service animals for residents with documented disabilities)
Helpful tips:
- Write down the serial numbers for any electronic devices you bring. You may use our Electronic Item Inventory Sheet to keep this information in your records.
- Secure your belongings. It is important to lock your door every time you leave your room.
- Review your insurance. Coverage for items in your room may be included on your parent’s home-owners insurance.
- Consider your space and limit what you bring. Residential Life does not provide additional storage for large items such as luggage, bikes, and boxes