New Student Orientation

Welcome Class of 2029 and Transfer Students!

The Approaching Stanford and New Student Orientation (NSO) team is thrilled to welcome our undergraduate first-year and transfer students as the newest members of the Stanford family.

NSO Photo of the Class of 2027 and Transfers (Photo credit: Kurt Hickman, Stanford News Service)

2025 New Student Orientation (NSO)

New Undergraduate Student Move-In Day: September 16, 2025
Opening Convocation Ceremony: September 16, 2025
New Student Orientation (NSO): September 16-21, 2025

NSO Requirement: All new undergraduate students are required to live on campus and participate in New Student Orientation. The multi-day orientation will introduce you to the rich academic, social, and cultural life at Stanford. Plan to arrive to campus and move in to your residence on Move-In Day between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If possible, we encourage students to arrive by 12:00 p.m. to enjoy welcome events beginning that afternoon, including events for families. You will be fully engaged in NSO programs for the week, please do not make any plans or commitments that will prevent you from participating in NSO or that will take you off campus during this time.

Pre-Orientation Programs: If you have been selected to participate in a pre-orientation program, you will need to arrive to campus a few days earlier than Move-In Day. Dates and details will be provided by your program.

NSO Schedule: The full NSO schedule will be posted online by September 1. Event details and updates will be posted in the NSO Module in Canvas for new students.

Parents & Families: We invite parents and families to join us on the first day of NSO, Tuesday, September 16, 2025. New Student Move-In will take place in the morning. Community Welcomes and Open Houses will be held throughout the afternoon. In the late afternoon, President Levin will welcome new students and families at the Opening Convocation Ceremony. The conclusion of Convocation is the traditional time for students and family members to say their goodbyes.

Local Lodging Guide: If you arrive to the area before Move-In Day, we recommend that you book local lodging, as you cannot move in earlier than your designated move-in day.

Stanford Indigenous Land Acknowledgment

Stanford sits on the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Ohlone people. Consistent with our values of community and inclusion, we have a responsibility to acknowledge, honor, and make visible the University’s relationship to Native peoples.

Three Resident Assistants dressed in colorful clothing outside dorm on move-in day. Photo by Linda Cicero.

Two students hugging outside dorm on move-in day during NSO. Photo by Linda Cicero.

Six student Resident Assistants dressed in matching white shirts greet a frosh on move-in day. Photo by David Gonzales.

Student Volunteer walks alongside new frosh on move-in day of NSO. Photo by Kate Chesley.

Transfer student volunteer stands at podium on move-in day for NSO. Photo by Linda Cicero.

Group of four students walk along sidewalk with suitcases on move-in day. Photo by Linda Cicero.

A Note About Accessibility & Accommodations

Accommodations are available for those with accessibility or disability needs during New Student Orientation. Contact the Diversity and Access Office by calling (650) 725-0326 or emailing disability.access@stanford.edu for disability access information and/or to request assistance for NSO.
All NSO event locations are wheelchair accessible.

Web Accessibility

Stanford University is committed to providing an online environment that is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Having trouble accessing any of this content due to a disability? Learn more about accessibility at Stanford and report accessibility issues.