Housing & Dining

Housing

The physical plan of the Stanford campus recognizes that a true college experience can only exist with students and faculty living and learning in the same areas, a belief that has been preserved since the University first opened in 1891. Stanford’s small-house system guarantees campus housing to entering freshmen for all four years, and all first-year students are required to live on campus.

Varied housing options are provided through nearly 80 residences including:

All houses foster abundant social opportunities, including dances, theme nights, intramural athletic games, and off-campus day and weekend trips. Each type of residence offers a distinct lifestyle that tries to meet the needs of Stanford's diverse student body.

Dining

Dining at Stanford is residentially based and, as such, the dining table becomes an intimate space not only to share good company but also to discuss, debate, and exchange ideas and perspectives. Students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan and typically eat in a dining hall located within their home on campus (but are free to eat elsewhere on campus.)

Stanford Dining leads the industry in its commitment to providing the highest quality, best-tasting, and most diverse menu possible. The award winning chefs have years of experience in preparing an extensive selection of regional and international cuisine. Each meal served at every Stanford Dining location has vegetarian and vegan options.  Kosher dining is available through the Kennedy Kosher Coop.

A number of additional places exist on campus to grab a quick bite, including:

  • Subway
  • Peet’s Coffee & Tea
  • Jamba Juice
  • The Treehouse
  • The Axe & Palm