Stanford Parent FAQ
Stanford's offices are spread across a large campus, and knowing which one owns your question saves a lot of transferred calls. When in doubt, start with the Families Helpline at 650.725.0649.
About this group
Is this the official Stanford University parent group?
No. Far From Home is an independent parent community supported by College Cubbies. For official information, visit the Stanford University parent and family page.
Dates and breaks
When was move in at Stanford for fall 2026?
New frosh and transfer students moved in on Tuesday, Sept 15, 2026, and returning undergraduates on Thursday, Sept 17. Undergraduates must check in within two days of their official date.
When is Stanford Family Weekend 2027?
Family Weekend 2027 is Friday, Feb 26 and Saturday, Feb 27. Everyone must register ahead and there is no day of registration on site. Stanford sends details to parents listed as student contacts toward the end of autumn quarter.
When do Stanford dorms close for winter break?
All undergraduate residences close at noon on Saturday, Dec 12, 2026, the day after autumn exams end. They reopen for winter quarter on Saturday, Jan 2, 2027.
How long is Thanksgiving break at Stanford?
A full week. The registrar lists Thanksgiving recess from Monday, Nov 23 to Friday, Nov 27, 2026, with no classes.
Does Stanford have a spring break, and does housing stay open?
Yes. Spring break falls between the end of winter exams on Friday, March 19 and the start of spring quarter on Monday, March 29, 2027. R&DE says undergraduate residences remain open during spring break.
When is Stanford Commencement 2027?
Commencement is Sunday, June 13, 2027. Baccalaureate and Senior Class Day are the day before, Saturday, June 12.
Travel and where to stay
What is the closest airport to Stanford?
San Jose Mineta International (SJC), about 20 miles south. San Francisco International (SFO) is about 25 miles north and has the widest flight selection.
Can I get from SFO to Stanford without a car?
Yes. Take BART from the SFO station in the International Terminal to Millbrae, transfer to Caltrain south to Palo Alto, then ride Stanford's free Marguerite shuttle onto campus.
How much does visitor parking cost at Stanford?
Stanford Transportation lists main campus visitor parking at $4.46 an hour or $35.68 a day, plus a $0.40 transaction fee. You pay through ParkMobile on the web, by phone or in the app, using the zone number on the green signs.
Does Stanford have a hotel block for Family Weekend?
No. Stanford does not reserve a room block or arrange special rates, so contact hotels directly. The Plan Your Visit page links to lodging lists for Palo Alto, Redwood City and Silicon Valley.
Can parents stay on campus at Stanford?
The Stanford Guest House on Sand Hill Road is run by the university, but guests need a Stanford, SLAC or Stanford Medicine affiliation and an educational purpose for the visit. Stanford's travel page points other visitors to hotels in Palo Alto, Redwood City and the wider Silicon Valley.
Move in and move out
When does my student have to move out in June 2027?
Undergraduate housing closes at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2027. Seniors taking part in Commencement may stay through 2 p.m. on Monday, June 14 at no charge.
What size sheets fit Stanford dorm beds?
Undergraduate singles have twin extra long beds, 36 by 80 inches, so buy twin XL sheets. R&DE also suggests a mattress pad or topper.
Can my student store things at Stanford over the summer?
Mail & Package Services runs the Stanford Summer Storage Program, which keeps students' items at the Stanford Warehouse over the summer. Students can also ship boxes home through the blue USPS and FedEx drop boxes on campus.
Health, safety and local life
What address do I use to mail a package to my Stanford student?
Mail & Package Services asks that packages go to the Stanford Warehouse: your student's first and last name with their SUNet ID, 8424 Central Avenue, Newark, CA 94560. Do not send packages to the Tresidder Package Center address.
What should my student do if they get sick at night?
Call Vaden at 650.498.2336 and choose option 2 for the after hours service. For mental health support, CAPS answers 24/7 at 650.723.3785, and in an emergency call 911.
What is the Stanford police non emergency number?
The Stanford Department of Public Safety non emergency line is 650.329.2413. The department is at 233 Bonair Siding Road.
Who to contact for what
Families Helpline, Student Affairs 650.725.0649, mykidis@stanford.edu. The first stop for parents and families. Staff can tell you which office handles your question.
Vice Provost for Student Affairs office 650.723.8213, vpstudentaffairs@stanford.edu. Tresidder Memorial Union, 459 Lagunita Drive, Suite 6. The central student affairs office that oversees student life programs, including resources for families.
Family Weekend team 650.736.9018, or a support request through the Family Weekend FAQ. Registration, schedule and access questions for Feb 26 and 27, 2027. Disability access requests go to disability.access@stanford.edu.
R&DE Student Housing Your student's Housing Service Center handles keys, lockouts and maintenance requests during business hours. After hours, the CARE Team is at 650.725.1602.
Financial Aid financialaid.stanford.edu explains application requirements, forms and deadlines. The Family Weekend FAQ notes that the Stanford Opportunity Fund supports certain expenses for family attendance at Family Weekend.
Student Services and the registrar's calendar studentservices.stanford.edu is home to the official academic calendar and general student services information.
Office of Accessible Education R&DE points students to this office for information on emotional support animals in student housing.
Undergraduate Education undergrad.stanford.edu covers academic advising, overseas programs and writing support.
Vaden Health Services 650.498.2336, 866 Campus Drive. Medical care, the after hours line (option 2) and Cardinal Care insurance.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 650.723.3785, answered 24/7. Mental health care for students.
Department of Public Safety 650.329.2413 for non emergencies, 233 Bonair Siding Road. Call 911 in an emergency. The department also runs lost and found and bike registration.
Mail & Package Services Requests go through the ServiceNow link on mps.stanford.edu. Lost packages, mail forwarding and the Summer Storage Program.
After hours
At night or on a weekend, Stanford points students to Vaden's after hours service (650.498.2336, option 2), CAPS (650.723.3785, 24/7) and, for housing problems, the R&DE CARE Team (650.725.1602). In any emergency, call 911. For anything that can wait until morning, email the Families Helpline at mykidis@stanford.edu.
Get Stanford key dates and reminders
Up to 2 emails a month. Unsubscribe anytime.
Join the Stanford parents group
Stanford Parents & Families: Far From Home. Free, private, parents and families only.
Independent parent community. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Stanford University.
Last verified
Know something other Stanford parents should? Share a tip