Stanford University's campus, known as "the Farm" since it was built on the founders' own Palo Alto stock farm, is anchored by the 285-foot Hoover Tower, completed in 1941, with all new undergraduates required to live on campus across residence halls spanning West, Central, and East Campus, including GovCo, Lagunita, FloMo, Muwekma, Branner, Crothers, Stern, and Wilbur.
Enrollment
7,841
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,960
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Sep 15, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
4%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Bring a government-issued photo ID (high school ID cards will not be accepted) to Housing Check-In. If arriving between 8 a.m.-12 p.m., check in at your dorm's Outdoor Check-In Location; if arriving 1-5 p.m., check in at your dorm's Housing Service Center. Print your specific 2026 Move-In Instructions, Maps, and NSO Parking Pass PDF in advance, based on whether you're in West-Central or East Campus housing. Opening Convocation Ceremony takes place the same afternoon; guest tickets must be ordered by September 1.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Move-in runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 15, 2026, split into two check-in windows - report to your dorm's Outdoor Check-In Location if arriving 8 a.m.-12 p.m., or its Housing Service Center if arriving 1-5 p.m.
- Check-in location
- East Campus (Branner, Crothers, Gerhard Casper, Stern, Wilbur, EVGR-A) checks in at the Crothers Hall courtyard, then the Crothers Housing Service Center. Governor's Corner and Lagunita residents check in at Sterling Quad or the Lagunita courtyard, then the GovCo Housing Service Center. Florence Moore and Muwekma-Tah-Ruk residents check in at the Florence Moore courtyard, then the Lasuen Housing Service Center.
- Parking
- Display your NSO Arrival Day Parking Pass, printed in advance. Temporary 30-minute parking and active curb unloading are allowed in residential lots with Move-In volunteers assisting. The Galvez Parking Lot offers free all-day parking with the NSO pass, with free shuttle buses running every 15-30 minutes to residences from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- What you'll receive
- Show a government-issued photo ID (high school IDs aren't accepted) to receive your SUID card and room key at check-in, along with an NSO packet containing your nametag, schedule, and event information - the nametag doubles as your entry ticket to NSO events.
- Vehicle restrictions
- First-year students are not allowed to have cars on campus during their first year - use the Galvez Lot shuttle system for move-in itself. Transfer students may purchase a parking permit after arrival.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Wilbur Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Branner Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Stern Hall
Suite-style · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Stanford University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO) (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
September 15 - September 20, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$19,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy1 miles
- Walgreens2.2 miles
- Walmart3.8 miles
- Target4 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Stanford University.
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