New Student Orientation

2025 Summer Bridge & Pre-Orientation Programs

Stanford offers the following Summer and Pre-Orientation Programs for first-year and new transfer students to meet each other in small group settings before New Student Orientation (NSO). 

In order to attend any of these programs, students must register in advance. All programs will conclude before the first day of New Student Orientation (NSO) so that you can participate fully in the programs and activities of NSO. More information with registration instructions, application deadlines, and program details will be shared during the summer.

Summer Programs

Summer Bridge Program

Overseen by the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Summer Bridge Program is designed to foster academic preparation, build community, and equip students with the tools and confidence they need to succeed and feel a sense of belonging as they begin their Stanford education. Students may apply for either a residential or online five-week bridge program experience (June-August). The sixth week will be the Pre-Orientation Week in September for the residential participants. Online participants will have the option to arrive to campus early for the Pre-Orientation Week.

  • Registration: Apply to the Summer Bridge Program. Priority deadline for Online Session I is May 26. The deadline for Online Session II and the On-Campus Session is June 10.
  • Program Dates: Online I: June 22-July 25. Online II: July 27-August 29. On-Campus: August 2-September 13.  
  • Participants: Frosh and Transfers
  • Cost: There is no additional cost to attend

Summer Frosh Civil Dialogues Program

Run by the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society, new incoming students are invited to join peer-facilitated small group discussions to begin building the skills necessary for active participation in campus discourse, for robust intellectual growth, and for engaging in conversations with diverse perspectives. Through four 90-minute virtual sessions of no more than 10 participants, students will hone and practice skills for engaging in productive dialogue across difference, share political values in a pluralistic setting, and build small communities through conversation.

  • Registration: Apply by July 11 to the Summer Civil Dialogues Program.
    (You will need to first log out of your personal Google account, then log in to this Google Form with your Stanford email and password.)
  • Program Dates: Tuesdays or Wednesdays in August (choose one series)
  • Online: Students will meet online
  • Participants: Frosh and Transfers
  • Cost: There is no additional cost to attend

Pre-Orientation Programs

International Student Orientation (ISO)

All new international students who are not U.S. citizens/permanent residents and who must attend the mandatory immigration session with the Bechtel International Center are required to attend ISO as part of their transition to Stanford. (U.S. citizens living abroad and permanent residents do not attend ISO, though you may request to attend if you have not previously lived in the U.S.)

Overseen by the Bechtel International Center, International Student Orientation (ISO) supports your transition to living in the U.S. through presentations, panel discussions, and social activities. The mandatory immigration session will be provided during ISO. In order to enroll in your courses, international students must attend this required session.

  • Registration: Acknowledge your participation (international students) or request to attend (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) in the Approaching Stanford Forms, due June 6 for frosh, and June 27 for transfers.
  • Program Dates: September 13-16, 2025
  • On-Campus: Move into your dorm room on September 13
  • Participants: Frosh and Transfers
  • Cost: There is no additional cost to attend

Neurodiversity Pre-Orientation Program

The Neurodiversity Pre-Orientation Program from the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is an opportunity for students with documented or self-identified ADHD, autism, learning differences/disabilities or executive functioning challenges to learn more about the neuro-affirming resources and strategies that will help them to be successful at Stanford. Learn tips and tools to harness the unique strengths of neurodiverse brains while connecting with peers. All brains are welcome! International students required to attend ISO are welcome to apply for this program as it does not interfere with ISO scheduling.

  • Registration:  Apply by 11:59 p.m. PDT on June 16.
    (You will need to first log out of your personal Google account, then log in to this Google Form with your Stanford email and password.)
  • Program Dates: September 8-12, 2025
  • Online: Students will meet online from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. PDT
  • Participants: Frosh and Transfers
  • Cost: There is no additional cost to attend

Stanford Native Immersion Program (SNIP)

Through the Native American Cultural Center (NACC), the Stanford Native Immersion Program (SNIP) is a six-day, fun-filled experience that is designed to welcome incoming Indigenous students to the Farm. For the duration of the program, participants will stay at an off-campus lodge and will be joined by a team of current students and NACC professional staff who will direct them in activities, explore Indigenous issues and local sites of interest, and advise them on academic and student life at Stanford. Students will have time to learn important information about Stanford while making friends and meeting people who will be supportive during their first year on campus!

  • Registration:  Apply by June 27 for priority registration. 
    (You will need to first log out of your personal Google account, then log in to this Google Form with your Stanford email and password.)
  • Program Dates: September 11-16, 2025
  • Off-Campus: Move into your dorm room on the morning of September 16
  • Participants: Frosh and Transfers
  • Cost: There is no additional cost to attend

Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT)

Coordinated by Stanford Recreation and Wellness, Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT) provides immersive outdoor experiences the week before NSO. Set within the beauty of California's  iconic coastal and mountain areas these wilderness based trips are led by our student staff who foster community, personal growth, and exploration of these natural spaces. Students will have a choice of location depending on their interest and comfort level with camping.

  • Registration: Register for the SPOT lottery between June 9 (8:00 a.m. PDT) to June 16 (5:00 p.m. PDT). 
    Placement will be decided by a lottery process for all those who register by the deadline. Participants will be notified within 1-2 weeks after registration has closed.
  • Program Dates: September 10-16, 2025
  • Off-Campus: Move into your dorm room on the morning of September 16
  • Participants: Frosh and Transfers
  • Cost: $550 participation fee. Financial aid available according to need. The participation fee will be billed to your Stanford account in the fall.