Welcome to the Freshman Page

Hello, Class of 2016. Bookmark this page. Use it as a navigational tool as you familiarize yourself with the nuts and bolts of your freshman year as well as the host of opportunities available to you.
 

What You Need to Know Now

Welcome from Vice Provost Harry Elam

Please be sure to read the VPUE Frosh Newsletter, which contains important advice and information for you as you begin your first year on the Farm.

Cardinal Compass and Stanford Introductory Seminars

Cardinal Compass is designed to help you navigate through your first year at Stanford and to assist you in building a freshman year that takes full advantage of the wealth of courses available through Stanford Introductory Studies

The Freshman “Must Do” list

Take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you. Know what’s required, what’s optional, and what you definitely don’t want to miss.

• Learn the university requirements for graduation
• Explore the search tools for course planning on Axess
• Review the Approaching Stanford handbook for important information about Stanford traditions, academics, the Stanford community, and practical stuff
• Meet with your Pre-Major Advisor on regular basis - a quarterly check-in with your PMA is required until you declare a major
• Take a Freshman Seminar
• Get good advice about course planning, sequences, and requirements by meeting with your Academic Director
• Go to a professor’s office hours
• Visit the Hume Writing Center
• Visit a community center
• Check out tutoring and academic support resources
• Become familiar with Stanford libraries; take a tour
• Get to know faculty & staff; take the initiative in developing relationships with your instructors, Resident Fellows, advisors, and student service representatives
• Learn about the places, spaces, and services that will help you get settled into life on the Farm
• Think about possible majors
• Visit academic departments and programs for in-depth information; speak with the student services representative whose role is to introduce you to the department offerings
• Have fun!

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Get Involved

Enrich your experience by becoming involved in academic, extracurricular, and social activities. Remember to live a balanced life.

• Frosh Council
• Community centers
• Student government
• Leadership opportunities
• Explore the creative arts
• Undergraduate research
• Public and community service
• Familiarize yourself with Stanford traditions, such as the school song.
• Enroll in a 1 or 2 credit activity class

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• Selected Deadlines and Events: Visit this page for details on these and other deadlines and events.
• University Academic Deadlines
• Housing Draw

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Thinking Ahead

When you are ready to start planning for life beyond the freshman year, consider the following opportunities and options.

• September Studies (Sophomore College, Arts Intensive, and Bing Honors College)
• Summer plans
• Internships
• Scholarships and fellowships
• Overseas Studies
• Off-Campus studies and academic exchange programs
• Awards
• Public and community service
• Research

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Questions to Ask Yourself

To make the most of your time at Stanford you need to be willing to take risks (and make mistakes). Be intentional…and spontaneous. Reflect on your experiences in order to inform your subsequent decisions and pathways.

• Have I taken a course in a discipline that didn’t exist in my high school?
• What idea or topic has grabbed my attention that I want to pursue in further study?
• How has my involvement with fellow students – in class and out – with completely different backgrounds, experiences, and opinions shaped my perspectives?
• Have I sought out an opportunity to talk to a professor one-on-one?
• How have my interests and ideas evolved since I arrived at Stanford?
• What lecture, discussion, reading, or conversation has significantly changed my view of the world and of myself?

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Undergraduate Advising & Research

Undergraduate Advising & Research welcomes and integrates freshmen into the Stanford family from acceptance of admission through the end of the first undergraduate year. It does so by addressing students' individual transitional needs, connecting students to resources and opportunities, and cultivating an understanding of Stanford's history and traditions. The office is also a resource for transfer students and parents.

• Make an advising appointment
• Email us at [email protected]
• Call our front desk at (650) 723-2426
• Visit us on the first floor of Sweet Hall

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