New Student Orientation

Welcome Class of 2027 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.

New Undergraduate Student Move-In Day: September 19, 2023
New Student Orientation (NSO): September 20-24, 2023
Opening Convocation Ceremony: September 20, 2023

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 September 19 between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 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 are selected to participate in a pre-orientation program, you will need to arrive to campus a few days earlier than September 19. Dates and details will be provided by your program.

International Student Orientation (ISO): ISO is required for all students who are not US citizens/permanent residents and will include a mandatory session on immigration. ISO will begin on Saturday, September 16. On this date, students will move directly into their dorm rooms for the academic year. ISO registration will be open only to students who are not US citizens/permanent residents. More information will be provided by the Bechtel International Center.

Families: We invite family members to accompany your students to Move-In Day and the first day of NSO, September 19-20! Welcome events and Open Houses for students and families, including our Opening Convocation Ceremony, will be held on these days. Plan to say your goodbyes before dinner on September 20, so that students can join their dormmates for their first dinner and house meeting together. More information will be provided in the summer in the Approaching Stanford Newsletter for Families.

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.

2023 Move-In and New Student Orientation information will be updated online this summer.

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.