Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of weather should I expect at Stanford?
- How should I dress for my campus visit?
- I am planning a visit to Stanford University. Do I need to let you know that I’m coming?
- Do you have any resources available to visitors who speak languages other than English?
- What is the main postal address for Stanford University?
- What address can I use to find directions to Stanford University via an internet search engine?
- I'm coming to campus straight from the airport. Is there a place to store my bags?
- How can I get around Stanford once I am on campus?
- A member of our party has a mobility restriction. What resources are available to us while visiting Stanford?
- I would like to visit other schools in addition to Stanford while visiting the area. Is this possible?
- Where can I access the Internet while I am visiting the Stanford campus?
- Is there a specific program or tour I should attend if I am interested in applying as an undergraduate?
- I am a prospective student and will be visiting the campus. Can I sit in on classes?
- How can I meet current students during my visit to the Stanford campus?
1. What kind of weather should I expect at Stanford?
Visitors to Stanford are often surprised by the area’s mild climate. Protected from the chilly summer coastal fog by the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, Palo Alto enjoys summer daytime temperatures typically in the 70s and low 80s, with an occasional brief heat wave. Fall is also quite temperate. Winter daytime temperatures are usually in the 50s and 60s. Rain is rare during the summer; the “rainy season” usually begins in the late fall and continues into the spring.
For yearly temperature and rainfall averages, see the local weather profile at IDcide. Current Stanford weather is available at the Stanford Weather Station.
2. How should I dress for my campus visit?
Dress casually—and for the weather! Be prepared for sunny and warm days during the summer. If you’re taking a tour, it’s a good idea to bring a water bottle and a hat and/or sunscreen. You can’t go wrong with “layering” in the late fall, winter, and early spring. Some backup rain gear is advisable for November through March.
3. I am planning a visit to Stanford University. Do I need to let you know that I’m coming?
Stanford has an open campus that you are welcome to explore at your leisure. If you would like to take a guided tour, the reservation process may vary depending on the type of tour that you would like to take. More specific information about each of these tours can be found at the Campus Tours section of our website.
4. Do you have any resources available to visitors who speak languages other than English?
Campus Tours are conducted in English. However, the Visitor Center has brief self-guided tours available in French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, Italian, and Korean that cover the primary historic areas of campus.
Many campus attractions, such as the Cantor Arts Center, Memorial Church, and outdoor sculpture, do not require knowledge of English to be visited, viewed, and appreciated.
5. What is the main postal address for Stanford University?
Stanford’s main mailing address is:
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
USA
If you are interested in mailing something to Stanford University, we recommend that you address your mail to a specific department or individual. Each building and department has its own specific street number and mailing code that should be included to ensure that your mail arrives at its destination. For example, an envelope or package intended for the Visitor Center should be addressed to:
Visitor Information Services
Stanford Visitor Center
295 Galvez Street
Stanford, CA 94305-6104
Start at the Stanford University Homepage or Stanford’s Directories page to find the specific building or department address you need.
6. What address can I use to find directions to Stanford University via an internet search engine?
The University does not have one main address. When using an internet search engine (such as MapQuest or Yahoo! Maps) to obtain directions enter Stanford University's zip code: 94305
Be aware that an address searched on these sites might not be accessible to vehicular traffic. Quite often buildings are accessible to pedestrians only. Visitors may need to park in one of our visitor lots and walk to their destination.
See Maps & Directions for basic driving directions to the Visitor Center in Memorial Auditorium from surrounding locations.
7. I’m coming to campus straight from the airport. Is there a place to store my bags?
For security reasons, few locations on campus will hold large bags or other parcels. Visitor Information Services has limited availability to store items for visitors who are on campus to attend a student-led tour. The Arrillaga Alumni Center provides small lockers for Stanford alumni. The Cantor Arts Center has limited storage facilities for visitors to the museum. Open, unsecured shelves are available for storing smaller bags and backpacks while viewing the museum, and paid lockers are available to store small carry-on suitcases.
8. How can I get around Stanford once I am on campus?
Many buildings on campus are not accessible to vehicular traffic. Many Stanford University community members walk or bike to get from one campus location to another. Additionally, the Marguerite Shuttle is a free bus network with several routes that service locations both on and off campus. Key locations served by the Marguerite Shuttle include Tresidder Union, the Main Quad, Memorial Auditorium, the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, the Palo Alto CalTrain Station, downtown Palo Alto, the Stanford Shopping Center, and the San Antonio Shopping Center. If you are interested in biking around Stanford, the Campus Bike Shop located at Tresidder Union rents bicycles to visitors.
9. A member of our party has a mobility restriction. What resources are available to us while visiting Stanford?
Golf cart tours are available during academic quarters, but tend to book up quickly (please see the Campus Tours section of our website). If a golf cart tour is unavailable during your visit, the Visitor Center has a wheelchair that visitors may reserve for the day. To make a reservation call Visitor Information Services at (650) 723-2560. All buildings on campus are wheelchair accessible. Should your party have any questions or concerns, please contact the Disability and Access Center at (650) 725-0326 (voice) or e-mail disability.access@stanford.edu.
10. I would like to visit other schools in addition to Stanford while visiting the area. Is this possible?
Other schools in the area that prospective students often visit include Santa Clara University, University of California – Berkeley, and University of California – Santa Cruz.
While it may be possible to visit Stanford and an additional school in the same day, our experience has found this itinerary to leave visitors pressed for time.
11. Where can I access the Internet while I am visiting the Stanford campus?
Wireless internet is available at the Visitor Center under "Stanford Visitor" (no password necessary). Internet access is available at Green Library during library hours and at Wallenberg Hall in Building 160 of the Main Quad during regular business hours. Please note that the hours at each location vary depending on the academic calendar.
12. Is there a specific program or tour I should attend if I am interested in applying as an undergraduate?
If you are a prospective undergraduate, you may want to consider making a reservation for our Discover Stanford program. This 2.5-3 hour program consists of a walking tour of the campus followed by an information session with an admission representative. The program is intended for high school juniors and seniors and their parents. Reservations are required, and can be made online.
13. I am a prospective student and will be visiting the campus. Can I sit in on classes?
During the academic year, the Visitor Center or office of Undergraduate Admission can provide a list of classes open for observation by prospective students. This list is normally available one week after the start of classes each quarter.
If visiting a class is a high priority for you, be advised that those courses that allow prospective students to observe generally have a lecture-based format, and last for approximately one hour. Please ensure that you are visiting while classes are in session and not during finals or academic breaks. Stanford University operates on the quarter system, and our class calendar can differ significantly from those of other institutions. See the Stanford Academic Calendar for holidays and dates of instruction.
Observing a class during Summer Quarter is not possible, as course options are limited.
14. How can I meet current students during my visit to the Stanford campus?
Current students and recent alumni are on staff at the Visitor Center and welcome your questions. In addition, Stanford students typically enjoy talking about their experiences, and you are welcome to ask questions of any student that you see walking around campus.
Updated on August 26, 2015 10:32 AM
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