New Student Orientation

Summer Bridge & Pre-Orientation Programs

2026 Summer and 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

The Stanford Summer Bridge Program, overseen by the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, offers incoming students an opportunity to begin their Stanford experience early through coursework, community, and connection to campus resources. Through Summer Bridge, students engage academic life before fall begins, build connections with other incoming students, and become more familiar with the people, resources, and opportunities that shape student life at Stanford. The program includes both online and on-campus options, offering flexible ways to start Stanford strong.

  • Program Dates:
    • Online Session I: June 22–July 24
    • Online Session II: July 13–August 14 Cancelled
    • Online Session III: July 27–August 28
    • Residential Session: August 1–September 5

Students in the online sessions also have the option to arrive on campus early for Bridge Pre-Orientation, September 11–14.

  • Registration: Apply to the Summer Bridge Program
    • Frosh Priority Deadline for All Sessions: May 17
    • Frosh Online Session I Application Deadline: May 24
    • Frosh Online Session III & Residential Application Deadline: May 31
    • Transfer Student Deadline for Online Session III: June 15
  • Participants: Frosh (all sessions) and Transfers (online session III only)
    • International students are welcome to apply for the online sessions only as the residential session is not compatible with visa requirements
  • Cost: There is no additional cost to attend

Summer Civil Dialogues Program

Run by the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society, incoming students are invited to join in the Summer Civil Dialogues Program. The program consists of a set of 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 to the Summer Civil Dialogues Program (to apply, sign out of your personal Google account and log back in using your Stanford SUNet ID and password)
    • Application Deadline: July 10
  • Program Dates: Tuesdays or Wednesdays in August (choose one series)
    • Tuesday sessions are from 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. PDT on August 4, 11, 18, and 25
    • Wednesday sessions are from 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. PDT on August 5, 12, 19, and 26
  • 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 5 for frosh, and June 30 for transfers.
  • Program Dates: September 12–15, 2026
  • On-Campus: Move into your dorm room on September 12
  • 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!

  • Registration:  Apply to the Neurodiversity Pre-Orientation Program (to apply, sign out of your personal Google account and log back in using your Stanford SUNet ID and password)
    • Application Deadline: June 16 at 11:59 p.m. PDT
  • Program Dates: August 31–September 5, 2026
    • Sessions will take place from 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. PDT
  • Online: Students will meet online
  • 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 for Stanford Native Immersion Program (to apply, sign out of your personal Google account and log back in using your Stanford SUNet ID and password)
    • Priority Application Deadline: June 26 at 5:00 p.m. PDT
  • Program Dates: September 10–15, 2026
  • Off-Campus: Move into your dorm room on September 15
  • 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
    • 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.
    • Lottery Registration Window: June 1 (9:00 a.m. PDT)–June 15 (5:00 p.m. PDT)
  • Program Dates: September 9–15, 2026
  • Off-Campus: Move into your dorm room on September 15
  • 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.