Freshman FAQs
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Mailings/Emails
I’m missing a mailing. What should I do?
Go over the Approaching Stanford Schedule to look at the mailing date for each mailing. Note that for hard copy mailings, the date specified on the schedule is the date that we anticipate sending your package via U.S. mail or courier service, not the date by which you should receive it. If a mailing is more than a week late (or more than two weeks late for international addresses), first check the What You Need to Know section on the Freshman Page to see if any delays/changes are reported for this mailing. If no delays are reported, send an email with your full name, your mailing address, and a description of the mailing that you are missing to frosh@stanford.edu.
I'm an international student (or have an international mailing address) and am concerned about how promptly I'll be receiving my mailings. How are you sending them?
For international addresses, our mail house will use a courier service to deliver your hard copy mailings if a courier service is available in your region and your mailing address does not contain a P.O. Box. (Regular mail must be used for delivery to P.O. Box addresses.) If two weeks have passed from the scheduled mailing date and you still have not received your package, please send an email to frosh@stanford.edu and we'll help you locate your package using the tracking information (if a courier service was used). In the meantime, you can review important publications in PDF format via the links on the Freshman Page.
Approaching Stanford Forms
Are the Approaching Stanford forms really due by the deadline?
Yes! We start reading your forms right away! And it's a good idea to complete them early since the system can slow down significantly around the deadline date (since so many students log on to complete their forms at the last minute). It is critical that you complete them by the stated deadline; offices across the University will begin using the information collected through these forms immediately to prepare for your arrival. If you do not complete your forms by the deadline, we may not be able to consider your preferences when we begin critical processes like housing assignments or advisor matching.
Why do I need a SUNet ID?
Your SUNet ID is the first part of your Stanford email address (sunetid@stanford.edu), and you will use it to access Stanford-only online resources (such as your Approaching Stanford forms and Axess). It is critical that you keep your SUNet ID private; you must not provide anyone (not even a parent) access to this information. More information and policies about using your SUNet ID are available in the Computing Resources section of the Approaching Stanford handbook (p. 72-74).
I can’t find my Stanford ID number. Where is it?
Your Stanford ID number is located on your Stanford acceptance letter and on the welcome letter from the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education that was sent in the first Approaching Stanford mailing.
I need to make changes to the information I submitted on my Approaching Stanford forms. How do I do that?
Once you submit your forms, you won’t be able to go back into the forms to make changes. Thus, it’s very important that you review your answers before you send them to us. If you have questions about this, please send us an email using your @stanford.edu email address to frosh@stanford.edu.
Why do I have to write so much on my forms? I thought I was already accepted to Stanford.
Writing thoughtful, honest responses is essential. The more you share with us, the more we know about your interests, your goals, and your personality, which helps us better match you with a roommate and a Pre-Major Advisor.
What is the Axess Student Check-In?
Form 2 of your Approaching Stanford forms asks students to complete the Student Check-In to collect and verify information such as emergency contact information and tax dependent status. This is required by federal law and helps the University receive federal funding and effectively respond to emergency situations, so a hold is placed on your account to prevent you from enrolling in classes until the Check-In is complete. More information can be found on the Office of the University Registrar's webpage.
How do I know how to rank my Thinking Matters preferences on Form 4?
The Thinking Matters and SLE Course Catalog provides a lot of information about each individual Thinking Matters course offering, as well as the Education as Self-Fashioning courses (offered only in Autumn Quarter) and Structured Liberal Education (SLE, which is a three-quarter sequence). A hard copy of this publication is included in your first Approaching Stanford mailing. Read through these descriptions carefully. Look through the required texts. Go to a bookstore or library and get a feel of what you would be studying in each course. Listen to your gut and rank accordingly.
When am I supposed to receive forms for my housing/dining application?
We collect your preferences for your first-year housing with the Approaching Stanford forms, in Form 8; you have received directions on how to complete these forms in your first Approaching Stanford mailing. Be sure to read the information in the Approaching Stanford handbook about the different housing types (p. 12-15) prior to completing Form 8. You will also find information in the "Stanford Dining" section of the Approaching Stanford handbook (p. 59-61) about the meal plan options that are available to you and how to switch plans if you desire. You will have the opportunity to select a meal plan later in the summer, after you are notified of your housing assignment.
The system won’t accept my digital photo on Form 14. What’s wrong?
Your photo is used for a number of purposes, including your Stanford ID card and the printed Stanford Facebook that is given to all incoming students. To meet these different needs, each photo is individually screened to ensure that specific requirements are met. The photo system will automatically reject photos that do not meet the size and resolution requirements. (Photos must be at least 420 by 420 pixels, but cannot exceed a file size of 2MB). Submitted photos are then reviewed manually to ensure that the content of the photo is appropriate (i.e., it is free of shadows, no hats/sunglasses are worn, you are the sole subject in the photo) and to ensure that the photo is properly cropped/centered. You will receive an email (at your @stanford.edu email account) verifying that your photo has been accepted or to inform you why it has been rejected. If you need further assistance submitting your photo, submit a HelpSU request to the Student Services Center.
General Questions
Where do I send my final high school transcript?
The Office of Undergraduate Admission should receive an official copy of your final transcript by July 1. The instructions for submitting this were included in your acceptance letter from the Office of Undergraduate Admission and are also described on Admission's School Reports and Transcripts webpage.
How can I be sure my final high school transcript has been received?
You will receive a note from the Office of Undergraduate Admission only if your transcript has not been received. If the Office of Undergraduate Admission does not contact you regarding your final high school transcript, you can assume that it was received by the University.
I need an enrollment verification for insurance or scholarship purposes. How do I obtain one?
Enrollment verifications are available through Axess, but only after you have registered for courses. As an incoming freshman, you will not register for courses until New Student Orientation, and thus you cannot request enrollment verifications through Axess over this summer. If you need an enrollment verification prior to the start of Autumn Quarter, contact the insurance company or scholarship agency and alert them to this situation. In most cases, they will allow you to send the enrollment verification after you register for courses in the fall. If they will not wait, please send an email to frosh@stanford.edu; include details about why you need this enrollment verification, where it should be sent, and the date by which it is needed.
Who can answer my questions about entrance medical requirements, health insurance, and other medical services?
Information about the entrance medical requirements, health insurance, and services provided by Vaden Health Center can be found in the "Vaden Health Center's Health Forms" (p. 17-18) and "Health Services - Vaden Health Center" (p. 62-64) sections of the Approaching Stanford handbook, and at http://vaden.stanford.edu. If you have any further questions about these topics that are not covered in these resources, please contact Vaden Health Center directly at (650) 498-2336 or vaden-emr@stanford.edu.
Is there any required reading for the summer?
Stanford will mail a package of the "texts" for this year's Three Books program to every incoming freshman and transfer student in late June. They will be the focus of the Three Books program during NSO, in which the three authors and the Stanford professor who chose the books will discuss common themes and students will have the opportunity to pose questions to the authors, so it is important to finish reading before your arrival.
Academic Advising
How am I assigned to an academic advisor?
You will be assigned to two advisors. Your Academic Director is assigned based on which dorm you’re in. You are paired with your Pre-Major Advisor based on your responses to the Academic Interests Form (Form 7). Varsity athletes are also supported by an additional UAR advisor whose office is located in the Athletic Academic Resource Center (AARC); varsity athletes are assigned an Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes based on their sport. See the "Approaching Your Liberal Education" section in the Approaching Stanford handbook for more information or review our online overview of freshman advising at Stanford.
When will I learn who my advisors are?
You will receive an introductory email from your Academic Director on Monday, August 13. (Varsity athletes will receive this message from their Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes.) You will meet your Pre-Major Advisor during New Student Orientation (NSO) and will also meet with your Academic Director in groups during NSO.
When do I register for courses?
As an incoming freshman, you will not be able to register for classes until you have met with your advisors during NSO. The schedule of academic information and academic sessions during NSO is designed to provide you with opportunities to ask questions, get information, and prepare to make your course selections for Autumn Quarter.
But I want to figure out my classes now!
We love your enthusiasm, but rest assured that you don’t need to have everything figured out now. Talking with your advisors early and often will help you find the best way to explore your interests within Stanford’s offerings and requirements.
How do I prepare for my first meeting with my Pre-Major Advisor?
The summer is a great time to think broadly about what interests you (and what doesn’t interest you). You have the online Stanford Bulletin, the Approaching Stanford handbook, and the Undergraduate Academic Life website (http://undergrad.stanford.edu) to begin this exploration. Take note of what classes you are excited to take and what areas of study intrigue you. These will help guide your conversation with your advisors. Go here for more tips on how to make the most of your advising sessions.
I have requested AP or other transfer credits. How do I know if I am receiving those credits?
Approved credits will be posted in the Student Center section on Axess (http://axess.stanford.edu), under the “View Test and Transfer Credit” function of the "other academic" scroll-down menu, on or around September 1. For more information about Advanced Placement, review the "Advanced Placement" section (p. 35-36) in the Approaching Stanford handbook and see the Registrar Office's webpage on Advanced Placement.
Who can answer my questions about foreign language placement or Stanford's Language Requirement?
For questions about foreign language placement or the Language Requirement, contact Patricia de Castries, Assistant Director of the Stanford Language Center, at patricia@stanford.edu. The Language Center also has an informative webpage on Placement Testing.
Arrival
What date should I plan to arrive on campus?
New Student Orientation begins on Tuesday, September 18 after 8:00 a.m. The vast majority of students will arrive that morning; a small percentage of students who are participating in specific pre-Orientation programs will arrive on campus a few days earlier. These programs are the Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT), Native American student retreat, and International Student Orientation. (Participants in these programs should check their registration materials for their arrival date. If you have additional questions, please email frosh@stanford.edu.) We look forward to welcoming all other students on September 18 after 8:00 a.m., when the residential staff will be ready to greet you.
What time should I arrive on Tuesday, September 18?
You should not arrive before 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 18, since campus will be continuing to prepare for your arrival up until that time. The earlier you arrive on campus, however, the more time you will have to start settling into your room. We do recommend that you arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. on this day.
Where can I find directions to campus?
View maps and general driving directions to campus here. You will also receive an email on Friday, August 31 with more detailed information about getting to campus, parking, and other important reminders for move-in day.
I'm arriving by car. Where can I park on September 18?
If you or your parents plan to have a car on campus on September 18, you will need to display a temporary parking pass in your parked car at all times to avoid receiving a ticket. A link to this parking pass (and other important reminders) will be included in an email sent on August 31, so you should print out this parking pass in advance and bring it with you.
Although freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus once school has begun, transfer students who intend to keep a car on campus after Orientation must be sure to purchase a parking permit from Parking and Transportation Services before the temporary Orientation pass expires.
What if I have questions about the freshman transportation policy?
Parking and Transportation Services has posted the Freshman Transportation Policy on its website. Also available is an FAQ list about the policy and information about Alternative Transportation.
New Student Orientation (NSO)
When is New Student Orientation (NSO) and when do classes begin?
NSO runs from Tuesday, September 18 through Sunday, September 23, 2012. Autumn Quarter classes begin on Monday, September 24. Information about NSO will be posted as it becomes available at http://orientation.stanford.edu.
How busy will I be during Orientation?
You will be extremely busy. There are many events and programs to attend across the six days of NSO. While many events are mandatory, you will also have opportunities to choose what interests you and what you believe will benefit you as you become oriented to Stanford. We will post a PDF of the 2012 NSO Student Events Calendar online in early September. (You can refer to the 2011 NSO Student Events Calendar now, but keep in mind that there will be changes.) You will receive a printed calendar when you check in to your residence on the first day of NSO.
How do I apply for International Student Orientation (ISO)? What if I am a U.S. citizen but have been living abroad?
In late June, Bechtel International Center (I-Center) will automatically send an email to all new international students (non-U.S. citizens) that provides information about visa documents and registering for ISO. Even though attendance at ISO is expected for all new students who are non-U.S. citizens, you are still required to complete the registration form before the July 15 deadline. Information will also be posted on the I-Center's website (http://icenter.stanford.edu) when it is available. Due to space limitations, U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad are not eligible to attend ISO. For questions about ISO (or urgent questions about visa issues), please contact the I-Center at new_intl_students@stanford.edu.
Whom should I contact if I need information about disability-related accommodations for NSO events?
For questions about accommodations such as wheelchair access and sign language interpreters, please send us an email at frosh@stanford.edu or call us at (650) 72-FROSH.
Packing and Settling In
What do I need to bring to Stanford?
Refer to the "Guidelines for Packing" section (p. 75-77) in the Approaching Stanford handbook for a list of essential and suggested items for living in a Stanford dorm. The handbook includes some guidance on what you should consider bringing with you on September 18, what you might want to get after you arrive, and how to ship items to your campus P.O. Box and the on-campus package center. Please understand that no list/guide can be comprehensive; many students are satisfied with much less, while others bring much more.
Where can I find information about where to purchase supplies on or near campus?
We have compiled a list of on-campus and local shopping locations. Note that Stanford's Parking and Transportation Services operates the Marguerite Shuttle system, which features a daily Shopping Express route during the academic year (September - June). Free buses run every 45 minutes to the San Antonio Shopping Center in Mountain View (stores include Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and CVS/pharmacy). View the list of shopping locations.
Can I ship belongings to campus?
Yes, many students choose to ship items that would be impractical or unwieldy to bring with them. However, there are guidelines for the timing and method of shipments; this is explained in the Approaching Stanford handbook and you can also find more information about shipping guidelines and addresses here.
Parents
What events are scheduled for my parents?
Parent programs are scheduled for Tuesday, September 18, and will include opportunities for your parents to meet representatives from many campus offices, meet members of the Stanford Parents’ Club, and hear from a panel including Stanford parents. We will post a PDF of the 2012 NSO Parent Events Calendar online by early September. In the meantime, you may refer to the PDF of the 2011 NSO Parent Events Calendar , but keep in mind that there may be some changes. Parents will receive a hard copy of this calendar when new students check in to their residences on Tuesday, September 18.
When should I plan to say goodbye to my parents?
All parent programming is scheduled for Tuesday, September 18. The traditional time for students and parents to say goodbye is at the 5:45 p.m. “Welcome Home” event in your residence. There will be very little time after this first day for you to spend with your parents.
Where do my parents stay during Orientation?
There are many hotels located near the Stanford campus. Visitor Information Services maintains a list of local hotels, their distance from campus, and their approximate costs. You can access the list of local lodging options here.
How can my parents purchase tickets for the Parent Dinner with the Provost?
In early June, parents will be able to purchase tickets online for the Parent Dinner with the Provost. More information will be available online soon, and parents will also receive a flyer about this event in the Parents Mailing that is sent on June 22 to the address(es) that you have provided on Approaching Stanford Form 3. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage parents to purchase their tickets in advance via the online ticket system, although a limited number of tickets may be available to purchase in person, early in the day on September 18 at the Parent Resource Center and Lounge.