New Student Orientation

Pre-Orientation Programs

Stanford offers the following pre-orientation programs for first-year and new transfer students. 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.

2025 Pre-Orientation Programs will be updated in May 2025. At this time, you are welcome to review the 2024 Pre-Orientation Programs listed on this page.

2024 Stanford Pre-Orientation Programs

All new students are welcome to apply to any of the programs below. While you may apply to more than one pre-orientation program, if selected by multiple programs, you can only participate in one program and must choose* which program to attend. 

*If you are required to attend International Student Orientation, you must attend ISO and cannot choose to attend a different pre-orientation program.

International Student Orientation (ISO)

All new international students who are not US 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, 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 7 for frosh, and June 28 for transfers.
  • Program Dates: September 14-17, 2024
  • On-Campus: Move into dorm room on September 14
  • 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 is a six-day, fun-filled experience designed to welcome incoming Indigenous students to the Farm. For the duration of the program, participants will stay at Hidden Villa—in nearby Los Altos— 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:  Submit the SNIP application by June 28, priority registration deadline. 
    (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 12-17, 2024
  • Off-Campus: Move into dorm room on September 17 in the morning
  • 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. These trips are designed to foster Stanford identity, community, and personal growth through activity, self-reflection, and mentorship.

  • Registration: Register online for the SPOT lottery between June  10 to June 18 (5PM 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 11-17, 2024
  • Off-Campus: Move into dorm room on September 17 in the morning
  • 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.