New Student Orientation

NSO Move-In Day Events

2025 NSO Move-In Day: Tuesday, September 16

Events For Students and Families

New Student Arrival

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Housing Service Centers and Residences
Students should go to their Housing Check-In Location where they will receive their Stanford ID (SUID) card and room key. Students can then head to their residence to move in. After unloading, move your vehicle to the Galvez Parking Lot and ride the free shuttle back to the residences. Students arriving after 1:00 p.m. should check in at their Housing Service Centers.

All new students are required to be checked in by 5:00 p.m. on this day. If you have questions or concerns, please contact approaching@stanford.edu.

NSO Welcome & Info Center

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Stanford Bookstore Patio, White Plaza
Stop by for a cup of coffee and write your student Tree Mail. Pick up a Stanford Family pin and map for a self-guided walking tour. NSO staff will be available and representatives from Residential & Dining Enterprises and Vaden Health Center will answer questions. A limited number of Convocation Guest Tickets will be available for those who missed the September 2 order deadline - please bring your photo ID.

Stanford Parents’ Club Welcome Booth

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Stanford Bookstore Patio, White Plaza
Members of the Stanford Parents’ Club will be present to greet families. Learn more about the Parents’ Club and consider joining: stanfordparentsclub.org. All families are invited the Parents' Cub post-NSO social off campus later this evening.

Lunch

11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Residence Dining Halls
Parents and families are invited to join their student in the residence dining halls for a complimentary lunch on this day.

NSO Moo-ve In Mingle

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | White Plaza
Welcome to the Farm! Students and families are invited to meet Stanford faculty, staff, and each other while taking selfies at our NSO photo stations. Browse our Farmer’s Market booths and check out the eateries in Tresidder Memorial Union. Complete the NSO Bingo Card with your friends for a special “moo-ve in” prize.

Residence Welcome

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Residences, Transfers meet in Kimball Hall
Come meet your Resident Fellow(s), Resident Assistants (RAs), and your dormmates at this residence welcome for students and families. All transfers are invited to the Kimball Welcome.

135th Opening Convocation Ceremony

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  | Frost Amphitheater and Livestream
President Jonathan Levin will welcome new students and families to Stanford at our formal inauguration of the academic year.  

  • Tickets are required - A limited number of Convocation Guest Tickets will be available at the Family Welcome Center for guests who missed the September 2 order deadline.
  • Student Entrance & Accessible Guest Entrance: Lasuen Gate, at the corner of Lasuen St. & Roth Way
  • General Guest Entrance: Galvez Gate, at the corner of Galvez St. & Campus Drive
  • Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. Please note the separate entrances for new students and family members. All guest tickets (digital QR code) will be checked at the Galvez Gate (except for guests needing the accessible entrance.)
  • Plan to arrive early with ample time for ticketing, security check, and seating. Walk over with your dorm and dress casually, as it may get hot. Bring only a small water bottle, if needed. Frost’s Clear Bag policy will be enforced. Do not bring backpacks, large bags, or suitcases, as they will not be permitted.

The conclusion of Convocation will be the traditional time for families and students to say your goodbyes. Students will walk back to their dorms for their First Dinner and House Meeting (required). Families are invited to join the Stanford Parents' Club for the NSO Dinner with the Provost. 

Dinner with the Provost for Parents & Families

6:45 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. | Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation & Koret Plaza
Provost Jenny Martinez and the Stanford Parents’ Club invite parents and families to join them for a casual dinner and dessert. Enjoy dinner, a student group performance, and lively conversation with other families. Provost Martinez will give the dinner address. Tickets for this event have sold out.