Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I would like more information about the orientation activities you have planned for us.
A. Please check this website periodically for updates. Click on the Program link and you will see the most up to date information available. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.

Q. Is someone picking me up from the airport? How do I get from the airport to Stanford University?
A. We will be arranging for a shuttle or town car to pick people up periodically throughout the day on August 27. The shuttle service will be aware of flight numbers and arrival times, so don't worry if your flight is late. If by any chance we miss you (though it probably won't happen), there are a couple of other options for getting to campus relatively easily. We recommend taking a door-to-door shuttle or a taxi. For more details, please check the Travel Info section of this website.

Q. If I have to take a shuttle/taxi to Stanford. Which address should I give to the shuttle/taxi driver?
A. You will be staying in a group house. First, tell your driver that you are going to Stanford University, then give him the following address: Xanadu, 558 Mayfield Ave, Stanford, CA 94305.

Q. I am arriving a few days before the orientation program begins. Can I check into the house early?
A. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate early arrivals, as there will be another group using the house before your group arrives and we need to allow time for cleaning between groups. There are many hotels to choose from close to the University. You can find a list with contact information on the following web page: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/rde/chs/general/hotel.html

Q. What time can I check in on Thursday, August 27? What time is check-out on August 31?
A. You may check in between 10:00 a.m.and 6:00 p.m. on August 27. You must check out before 12 noon on August 31.

Q. I will be arriving on campus later than 6:00 p.m. on August 27. What do I do?
A. If you arrive after 6:00 p.m., you will need to check in at the Florence Moore Conference Front Desk. Ask your driver to drop you off at 436 Mayfield Avenue, Stanford, CA, 94305. Once you get to the Service Center, use the courtesy phone outside the office and dial 6-9989. If you have a cell phone or choose to use a pay phone, dial (650)736-9989. Your call will be forwarded to an on-call Office Assistant who will meet you in the Service Center to check in. Please contact us in advance to let us know that you will be arriving after the designated check-in time.

Q. Where will I be staying? Will I have my own room?
A. You will be staying in Xanadu, one of Stanford's large Row houses. You will be sharing a room with at least one other FLTA participant of the same gender. For more information regarding housing, please see the Housing section of this website.

Q. I will be observing Ramadan during the orientation. Will there be a place I can go to pray? What about meals?
A. There will be a designated prayer room in the house and meals will be set aside in the kitchen refrigerator for those observing Ramadan. There is a microwave you can use for meals that need to be heated. Please try to be respectful of those who are still sleeping in the early morning hours before sunrise.

Q. I do not have a mobile phone that works in the U.S. How can I get in touch with my family to let them know I have arrived safely?
A. We recommend that you purchase an international calling card or use email. You can purchase a calling card at the airport, at the Tresidder Express store on campus or the Post Office on campus. There will be an active phone in each bedroom of the house. There will also be computers with internet access set up in one of the common areas.

Q. In case I need to shop for toiletries, aspirin or a snack, where do I go?
A. The easiest option is Tresidder Express, located in Tresidder Memorial Union. They are open Sat & Sun 10AM-6PM and Mon-Thur 8AM-8PM.

Q. What is the weather like at Stanford?
A. The summer season temperatures range from the mid 70s to the mid 90s (Fahrenheit) during the day. It usually cools down significantly at night and can be almost cold, so it's a good idea to bring clothes you can layer. It can be overcast in the mornings, but is usually sunny by mid-day. It very rarely rains during the summer in this part of California. For more details click here.

Q. Where can I exchange foreign currency or use an automatic teller machine (ATM) to withdraw money?
A. Although you will not likely need much cash while at Orientation, you might want to have some U.S. dollars with you. The easiest thing to do would be to exchange some money at the airport when you arrive. If you want to exchange money while at Stanford, the closest place to do so would be TravelEx at the Stanford Shopping Center, just outside campus. There are, however, automatic teller machines (ATM) available on campus at the Wells Fargo Bank in Tresidder Memorial Union if you wish to withdraw cash using an ATM card.