Getting Started
As a graduate student, you are part of a broader graduate student community that accounts for more than half of the University's student body and much of our campus life. We hope you find Stanford intellectually and personally enriching, and that you will take advantage of all the University has to offer by attending seminars, taking courses from other departments, and interacting with people from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
This page provides an introductory list of essential tasks, orientations and training, and other resources to help you adjust to your new home at Stanford.
New Student Checklist
Keep track of what you need to do before starting at Stanford. The Graduate Student Gateway contains essential information and deadlines, including:
- Instructions for your Stanford student ID
- Updating your mailing address
- Entrance health requirements
- Housing
- English for Foreign Students summer program
- Signing the Patent and Copyright Agreement
- Academic calendar
International Students
The Bechtel International Center is the primary resource for international students at Stanford.
The Bechtel International Center (I-Center) provides information on a wide range of issues that are important to international students, scholars, and their families: immigration matters, social and cultural concerns, and personal issues. In addition, the I-Center hosts programs and events to help international students adjust to life in the United States.
SUNet IDs: Email and Axess, your online hub
SUNet ID
This login is your key to access Stanford's online resources.
Your account identifies you, uniquely and permanently, as a member of the Stanford community. It is what is used to log in to Stanford computer systems.
Computing and Communication provides a helpful starter's guide for Stanford technology, from purchasing a laptop to managing your SUNet ID and connecting to the campus network.
Axess
This web-based system is the go-to hub for most student business. Students use Axess to accomplish the following tasks:
- File or adjust a study list and select grading options each quarter
- Update emergency contact information
- View and print an unofficial transcript
- Check registration status each quarter (e.g. pending holds)
- Review grades
- Ensure University bill is paid
Axess also hosts services for official transcript requests, campus housing applications, and printing enrollment certifications.
A resource for incoming graduate students to welcome, inform and connect to Stanford. Learn more
