FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Classes at Fresno State started on Wednesday, and the campus was full of energy as over 6,600 new students began their college journey.

“I think for me, the most exciting part is finally being a college student, you know, getting that college experience, like football games, the frat parties and stuff like that. But yeah, I’m really excited,” said Carlos Ramirez, who is a freshman majoring in construction management.

The university expects a total enrollment of just over 25,000 students this fall, and one of those students is Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) President Camalah Saleh.

“I’m really excited. It’s my last year,” Saleh said. “I have, like I said, an impactful schedule, but I’m excited to make the most of it.”

 This year, as ASI President, she’s focused on making Fresno State more accessible, addressing challenges like food insecurity and parking.

“Over 40% of our students are food insecure, and since 2014, when our student cupboard opened, they see hundreds of thousands of visitors from students, so it’s a really impacted area, and an issue that we need to focus on,” Saleh said.

This year also brings new academic opportunities. The College of Social Sciences is launching a major in Asian American studies, a first for Fresno State reflecting the region’s diversity, offering courses like K-pop.

With fresh faces, new goals and a strong sense of bulldog pride, the 115th academic year at Fresno State is officially underway and fourth-year students have advice for freshmen.

“I would say just kind of jump in, you know, get to know people, don’t be too nervous or scared to like to talk to people,” said Monica Casillas, who is a senior majoring in child development.”  “We’re all here for the same thing. We’re all here to kind of get our education, get ahead, and get a head start on life. and so just kind of get into it and don’t be scared to talk to new people.”