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
September 15 - September 15, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
4%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
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.
September 15 - September 15, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
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
Links open Stanford University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
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
Nearby data coming soon.
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.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.