# Housing & Move-In OC Blog Posts

**Source**: https://approaching.stanford.edu/housing-move-oc-blog-posts
**Parent**: https://approaching.stanford.edu/housing-move-posts

- [Dorm Life & Building Community Where You Live](/housing-move-oc-blog-posts#dormcommunity)
- [An Overview of Frosh & Transfer Dorms](/housing-move-oc-blog-posts#overviewdorms)
- [A New Student's Guide to Moving In](/housing-move-oc-blog-posts#movingin)

## Dorm Life & Building Community Where You Live

*by Your OCs*

Now that August has officially rolled around, it’s almost the moment you’ve all been waiting for - finding out where you’ll be living your first year! As some of you have asked, you won’t meet your roommate just yet because roommates don’t meet until move-in day. So for now sit tight and trust that you and your roommate (or roommates) will have a chance to get to know each other when you get to campus! We’ll have another article coming out about preparing to meet your roommate, but for this week let’s dive into what you can expect from living in a dorm on Stanford’s campus!

### Who and What’s In a Dorm?

In most (if not all/any) dorms you might live in, there are a few consistent aspects of the dorm experience and support systems that you can expect to see. Let’s get to know your RAs, RFs, and how you might be interacting with them and your dorm mates!

#### Residential Student Leaders: Resident Assistants (RAs)

The first thing to know about your RAs is that they’re students, just like you! They will likely be in their junior or senior year, and their role is to serve as a student leader in the dorm and coordinate programming so that you feel a sense of community where you live. You’ll get to know your RAs through weekly dorm-wide house meetings (where you’ll get updates on activities and other dorm things to be aware of), weekend activities, and other dorm events that your RAs will organize. If you have questions about how to do something on campus or in the dorm, adjusting to college, or anything else along those lines, your RAs are also great student leaders to ask! They are there to support you and help you find supports, so you can feel comfortable knowing that you have a peer there to guide you in your new environment. And, if you live in an Ethnic Theme House, you’ll also have Ethnic Theme Associates (ETAs) who are Residential Student Leaders, just like the RAs, but focused more on supporting the house’s theme.

#### Resident Fellows (RFs)

Throughout your dorm activities and meetings, you’ll also get to know your RFs! RFs are faculty or academic staff who live in cottages in or attached to your dorm and will be great resources for getting acquainted with your dorm and campus. They work closely with your RAs to give you a great experience in your residence and help guide you through the transition to college life. While it’s wonderful to ask RAs questions about adjusting to Stanford and navigating life around the dorm, you can also ask your RFs many of these questions - and they will know who to direct you to for questions related to academics or activities as well. Between your RAs and RFs, you will be well supported with both peers and faculty to provide guidance as you settle into your first year.

#### Communal Living

With living in a dorm on campus also comes all of the elements of being part of a larger community as well. You’ll have restrooms, laundry, and kitchen facilities that you’ll be sharing with your community - these are great facilities, but make sure you do your part to keep them clean!

### Ways to Engage With the Dorm

There are several ways in which you can get involved with your dorm community throughout the year! Have fun and explore the different events, programs, and organizations in your dorm so you can see what feels comfortable to you.

#### House Meeting

Every week, dorms with frosh come together in community to socialize, share announcements, plan upcoming events, and in general, to check in and make sure everyone is doing well. While it’s easy to take House Meetings for granted, we encourage you to attend and to participate in your dorm community! It’s so special to have a place where you can celebrate each other every week. Once you finish frosh year, you’re going to miss having House Meetings!

#### Weekend Dorm Fun

On Friday and Saturday nights, you can look forward to fun and creative activities in your dorm! These events are a wonderful way to get to know the others in your dorm and unwind at the end of the week. Your RAs will take turns hosting these events throughout the year, so it’s a great chance to get to know them as well! As a result, the activities will also vary from day to day and week to week, so if one event isn’t your cup of tea, still stop by the next one to check it out! While you shouldn’t feel obligated to come to every single weekend activity, try to come to as many as possible - your RAs work hard to put these on and it’s fun to just talk to the others in your dorm!

#### Dorm Events/Trips

Outside of these weekend dorm activities, there will also be a mix of on and off campus dorm activities throughout the year! Taking trips to San Francisco, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Great America Theme Park, or sports games are popular ones. You might also explore new locations on campus with your dorm, like going to the Ford Center for an Open Gym session or going fountain hopping. These dorm-wide activities are a wonderful way to stay engaged with your dorm and find a great community there!

### Dorm Government & Organizations

Each dorm will also have a small dorm government, with three main types of representatives: Social Committee, Birthday Fairies, and Kitchen Manager.

1. Social Committee

   This group of students will work with an RA and be responsible for planning fun events for the dorm to help build community! This is a fun and creative role which will ensure that you’re involved in your dorm and get to work with your peers.
2. Birthday Fairies

   You may also be able to sign up to be or be elected to be a birthday fairy, which means that you’re responsible for planning a little something to celebrate everyone’s birthday. In my frosh dorm, Cedro, we had a couple of wonderful birthday fairies (who are now returning to RA, so keep an eye out for them!) who made decorative “Happy Birthday” signs to put on everyone’s door when it was their birthday. This is super fun and a great way to build community and ensure that everyone in your dorm feels recognized on their special day.
3. Kitchen Manager

   A third dorm government position that will be elected at the beginning of the fall quarter is your dorm’s kitchen manager. They’ll be responsible for ensuring that the kitchenette in your dorm is kept tidy and the dishes are put away. However, this DOES NOT mean that the Kitchen Manager is responsible for cleaning up everyone’s dishes! Instead, they are responsible for alerting the dorm and RAs when the kitchen needs attention. Make sure that you do your part to clean up after yourself when you’re done using the kitchenette, meaning that you clean and put away any dishes that belong to you or to the dorm and you return dining hall dishes to the dining hall dish return area. You don’t want to put this work on your RAs or your kitchen manager!

In addition, every dorm with frosh will also elect a couple of positions that will get to work with the reps from other dorms: the Frosh Council Representative and the Frosh Service Liaison.

1. Frosh Council Representative

   A representative from each dorm will be elected to represent their residence on the Frosh Council, which is a committee that plans large frosh events for the entire class. Frosh Formal, for example, is an event heavily coordinated with the Frosh Council. This dorm government role means that you’ll meet with the rest of the council once a week and share at your dorm’s house meetings (dorm-wide meetings that happen every week and are led by your RAs) to keep everyone updated on events and get feedback for planning. This is a great way to be very present in your dorm community and get to know representatives from other dorms as well!
2. Frosh Service Liaison

   Similar to the Frosh Council Representative, each dorm with frosh residents will also elect a Frosh Service Liaison (FSL) to meet weekly with other FSLs at the Haas Center for Public Service and keep their dorm informed on all of the great programming and opportunities to be found with public service in the Bay Area. FSLs will also likely present at their dorm house meetings to share this information and keep their dorm up to date. This is another great chance to stay involved with your dorm, engage with service on campus and in the Bay Area, and meet others from dorms across campus!

#### Frosh and Transfer 101

Frosh and Transfer 101 is a 1-unit course that you would take in your dorm with a group of your fellow residents, usually led by an RA and a second-year Frosh 101 co-lead. This is a great chance to get to reflect on your transition to Stanford and get to know others in your dorm!

#### The Little Things & OC Tips

And while we’re talking about how to stay engaged with your dorm, let’s not forget the importance of the more informal, less structured interaction and moments you’ll have with your friends and dorm mates. Whether it’s saying hi to folks in the bathroom or hall or having late-night while eating instant ramen in the lounge at 2 am, there are special moments to be shared with your peers both in your dorm and across dorms. Here are some tips from your OCs on how to initiate these more informal interactions and take the first steps in forming your community.

1. The Small Hellos Go a Long Way

   As you start to get familiar with your dorm and the community there, it will help leaps and bounds to say hello and just start to recognize your dormmates. OC Jack advises, “Get to know everybody on your floor and address them by their first name. You’ll be walking by them every day, so you’ll want to get to know them.” Sometimes just saying hello to someone and using their name can be the start of a great conversation and eventually friendship!
2. Take Initiative and Make the Ask!

   As nerve-wracking as it might be at first, it can make a huge difference to ask folks in your dorm if they want to hang out. OC Malik sums this up well, saying, “Ask people in your dorm if they want to go do basic things, like get lunch, get coffee, explore campus, anything like that.” OC Sophia adds that a good way to think about this is to remember that this is everybody’s first time meeting each other and living together. “All incoming frosh and transfers are a little bit nervous and excited,” she says, “so everyone would appreciate a nice gesture or reaching out.”
3. Connect With the Dormmates You Have Classes With

   Once you get to know others in your dorm and classes start, you will probably realize that you have a class or two with some of your dorm mates! OC Malik emphasizes that it’s good to, “talk to the people who you see in your classes and who are also in your dorm.” You might be wondering, what if it’s a huge lecture class and it’s hard to tell if I know anyone there? OC Bryan suggests going to office hours to get to know others in your classes - and potentially your dorm by extension! He says, ““Going to office hours is great - you can get help on your assignment and you might meet others in your dorm there.” You can form study groups for your classes and get to know them beyond the class or classes that you share as time goes on. This is a great way to start conversation and feel a sense of community in both your classes and your dorm!
4. Consider Leaving Your Door Open When You’re in the Room

   Similar to the first tip, it’s also a good idea to try leaving your door open when you’re in the room to welcome conversation and interaction when you’re first getting to know folks. OC Malik notes that, “In the first quarter, people just leave their doors open to get to know people. Your dorm mates might say something like, ‘Wow, that decoration on your wall is really cool!’ and make conversation.” On the topic of doors, you will also have a small cork board outside of your room, which can be a great platform for reaching out or starting a conversation. OC Sophia emphasizes, “We have cork boards outside of our doors, and it was always nice when folks put candy out or wrote notes on their board.” These gestures can be the first step in breaking the ice and building a community in your dorm!
5. Get to Know Your RAs & Go To Their Weekend Activities!

   Spending time with your RAs and getting to know who they are outside of the RA role is a great way to find a sense of homeliness and support in your dorm. OC Malaika notes that your RAs are, “experienced people and they have so much knowledge to offer. Whether it’s a class that you’re taking (that they’ve already taken) or a social situation you need help navigating, they’re there for you.” One of the best ways to do this and build community with your fellow residents at the same time is by checking out the weekend activities we mentioned earlier that your RAs will host! OC Jack says, “Get to know your RAs! Beyond being a resource for help from your RAs, weekend dorm activities are a great way to get to know the people you’ll be living with.”

### Why Does This Matter?

We’ve discussed an expansive list of things you can expect from your first dorm experience and how to build community there. But what to do with all of this information and why is it important?

#### Relationship Building for Second Year

Developing this sense of community in your dorm and across dorms can greatly help to establish lasting relationships that you’ll also have in your second year. You might find a group of friends in your first dorm who you really enjoyed spending time with and would like to form a housing group with for your second year. Or even if you and your friends from your first year dorm live in different houses next year, those bonds are lasting, and you will have a community to fall back on and stay connected with throughout your second year.

#### Expanding Your Communities

Having a strong community where you live is also hugely impactful for expanding your overall community at Stanford. Some of you may be involved in a summer program, athletics, or a strong community within a student organization - all incredible ways of building community! As the academic year begins and you move into your dorm for the year, however, you’ll want to get to know the peers you live with as well since you’ll be seeing them everyday and will have the chance to get to know them in various ways throughout the dorm. OC Jack emphasizes this, saying, “You want your dorm to be like home, and as great as your student groups might be, they might not be the people you’re living with during your first year. Student groups are one space, but it’s also important to have community in your living space as well.”

### Closing Thoughts

Building a community looks different for everybody, but know that all of your peers will also be going through the adjustment of living in this new setting for the first time - so if you’re feeling uncertain about reaching out or going to mingle at a certain event, you’re not the only one! The community you feel out of a certain environment also depends on what you invest in it - it will be worth it to take that first step and put yourself out there. It’s a process that takes time and doesn’t come easily - but trust that no matter how you’re feeling about the process, you will have a support system to lean on as you navigate it.

We're looking forward to seeing you all on campus for NSO in just 39 days!!

*39 days until NSO!*

## An Overview of Frosh & Transfer Dorms

*By OC Jack*

Welcome to an overview of frosh dorms on campus! In this article, I’ll be going over the many different dorms where frosh will reside this year, and I’ll also talk a bit about the typical frosh dorm experience. At Stanford, nearly all frosh will live in all-frosh or 4-class residence halls, with the exception of Muwekma-Tah-Ruk, which is a self-operated house. For more information about each of the dorms in this post, be sure to check out [R&DE’s page about Undergraduate housing options](https://rde.stanford.edu/studenthousing/Undergraduate-Housing-Options).

### Branner

#### About the dorm

Branner is an elegant, Mission-style building known for its vibrant spirit. It is an all-frosh dorm that houses around 166 students primarily in 2-room triples. Nestled between Casper Quad, Arrillaga Dining, and Wilbur Hall, Branner is commonly bustling with activity during the school year, and has a beautiful courtyard to relax or study in. Branner also has its own dining hall which is attached to the back side of the building.

**Fun fact:** Branner was used as an Olympic Village for athletes competing in the 1984 Summer Olympics.

*Branner RAs excited to welcome new students for the 2024-25 year*

### Crothers

#### About the dorm

Crothers Hall is an all-frosh dorm located very conveniently in a central area on campus, close to Green Library, Arrillaga Dining, Coupa Café, Main Quad, White Plaza, and many other buildings and outdoor spaces. Most of the dorm rooms in Crothers are 1-room doubles. Crothers Hall has many common spaces, including multiple lounges, music rooms, computer clusters, and TV/Game Rooms.

**Fun Fact:** Crothers boasts a massive courtyard where several large events are hosted annually, including “Crochella”, an annual student-band music festival.

*An introduction to Crothers and its courtyard and housing center*

### Florence Moore

#### About the dorm

Florence Moore Hall (or “FloMo”) is home to two all-frosh dorms – Alondra, in East Flo,  and Mirlo, in West Flo – and one 4-class dorm Cardenal, in East Flo. Students enrolled in the Structured Liberal Education (SLE) program live in East Flo. Flomo as a whole consists of seven dorms that radiate from a central dining hall with both indoor and outdoor seating. Built on a hillside near White Plaza, Tresidder Student Union, and Lake Lagunita, FloMo is perhaps best known for the wall-to-wall windows in each of its spacious 1-room doubles.

**Fun fact:** Florence Moore, a donor who helped fund the dorm’s construction, did so on the condition that ice cream be served at every meal.

*FloMo Staff ready to greet new students on Move-In Day 2024*

### Gerhard Casper Quad

#### About the dorm

Gerhard Casper Quad consists of four residences and the Gerhard Casper Dining Commons. Among these four residences that make up the quad are two all-frosh dorms, Castaño and Lantana, as well as Kimball, the dorm that hosts new transfers. The quad houses approximately 480 students in total in singles or two-room doubles. Located at the far reaches of East Campus, Casper quad has plenty of green space, with a central lawn great for lounging in the sun or studying.

**Fun fact:** The Gerhard Casper Quad buildings are the newest dorms on campus, dedicated in honor of Former Stanford president Gerhard Casper, president from 1992-2000.

*Casper Quad in the Spring*

### Governor’s Corner

#### About the dorm

Governor's Corner (or GovCo) is home to two all-frosh dorms, Robinson and Schiff, as well as one 4-class dorm, Potter. Consisting of mostly 1-room doubles and singles, these buildings are located in between Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center, the larger of the two main gyms on campus, the Stanford driving range, and the Farm, and Ricker Dining. Potter is home to the Explore Energy House. Learn more about the program [here](https://explore-energy.stanford.edu/explore-energy-house).

**Fun Fact:** Robinson, Schiff, and Potter are each named after Stanford professors Edgar Eugene Robinson, Leonard Isaac Schiff, and Davis Morris Robinson.

*Students moving into Governor's Corner in 2024*

### Lagunita Court

#### About the dorm

Lagunita - Spanish for “little lake” - is named for the neighboring lake (now dry) and is one of Stanford’s most historic residences. This beautiful, Mediterranean-style complex, built in the 1930’s, consists of six communities, including West Lagunita, an all-frosh dorm, and Ujamaa, a 4-class dorm that is home to the African-American theme program, focusing on the histories, issues, and cultures of the black diaspora, arranged around a picturesque central courtyard and Lakeside Dining commons. Lagunita Court is located right across from Roble Field, one of the larger fields on campus that hosts tabling fairs and festivals throughout the year.

**Fun Fact:** Lagunita Court’s dining hall, Lakeside, is home to “Late Night at Lakeside”, where students can snag tasty snacks after hours like waffle fries, mozzarella sticks, and milkshakes. Late Night at Lakeside is open Sunday-Thursday nights from 9:30pm-2:00am

*The entrance to Lagunita Court*

### Muwekma-Tah-Ruk

#### About the dorm

Muwekma-Tah-Ruk (or Muwekma) was established in 1988 to celebrate the diversity of indigenous peoples throughout the Americas and the Pacific Islands. A small, close-knit community, Muwekma is the only 4-class house on the Row, and is considered a [self-operated house (or Self-op)](https://rde.stanford.edu/studenthousing/self-operated-houses). Muwekma residents take a credit-bearing seminar to explore cultural identity, legal, historical, and societal issues that affect indigenous peoples through speakers, discussions, and events. Residents also volunteer at the annual [Stanford Powwow](http://www.stanfordpowwow.com/) organized by the Stanford American Indian Organization (SAIO) and Hui o Nā Moku’s annual marquee event.

**Fun Fact:** The name “Muwekma-Tah-Ruk” means “House of the People” in the language of the Muwekma Ohlone, the people whose ancestral lands Stanford now occupies.

*Orientation Volunteers helping new students move into Muwekma*

### Stern Hall

#### About the dorm

Stern Hall consists of six smaller communities that accommodate about 80-100 students each in mostly 1-room doubles, including two all-frosh dorms, Donner and Larkin, as well as three 4-class dorms, Burbank, Casa Zapata, and Sally Ride. Burbank is home to the ITALIC theme house (Immersion in the Arts: Living in Culture), an arts community. Read more about [ITALIC](https://italic.stanford.edu) here. Casa Zapata is a four-class residence focusing on the Chicanx and Latinx experience. Learn more about this [program](https://resed.stanford.edu/neighborhoods/neighborhood-houses/neighborhood/stern-casa-zapata) here. The Stern complex is centered around Stern Dining commons and is conveniently located near Arrillaga Dining, Arguello Field, Meyer Green, and White Plaza.

**Fun Fact:** Stern Dining is famed for its “Cardinal Sage” food station serving Mexican and Latin American cuisine each day for dinner.

*Stern staff ready to greet new students on Move-In Day*

### Wilbur Hall

#### About the dorm

Wilbur Hall consists of eight houses, including four all-frosh dorms, Arroyo, Cedro, Rinconada, Soto, as well as three 4-class dorms, Junipero, Okada, Otero, all built around a central dining commons. Okada House is the Asian-American theme house, a space where people of all identities and backgrounds can explore identity and lift their voices as a community. Learn more about this [program](https://resed.stanford.edu/residential-experience/neighborhoods/neighborhood-s/wilbur-okada) here. Otero House is home to the Public Service and Civic Engagement theme house. Service Scholars in Otero make a year-long commitment to a public service program or organization. Learn more about this theme [here](https://resed.stanford.edu/neighborhoods/hyperion/hyperion-houses/otero). Consisting of mostly 1-room doubles, Wilbur Hall is located in between Wilbur Field, Arguello Field, and Branner Hall, fostering its rather social environment.

**Fun Fact:** The Wilbur dorms are in alphabetical order when read in the shape of a U.

*Arroyo staff ready to welcome new students to Wilbur on Move-In Day 2024*

### A Bit About Frosh Dorm Life

Each residence hall is staffed by a Resident Fellow (RF) family as well as a team of Residential Assistants (RAs) who are there to help ensure that your Frosh dorm experience is fun, safe, and memorable! Your RAs will be there to welcome you to the dorm as you move in, and you’ll get to know them as well as your RFs during your first house meeting during NSO. Throughout the year, your RAs are meant to be a point of contact for questions and emergencies, whether you are locked out of your dorm room at 1am (I’ve been there) or you have concerns about your living situation, RAs are there to help.

RAs will also host social events each week, typically on Friday or Saturday, which take place in the evenings and run late into the night, typically involving snacks or a fun activity in the dorm lounge. These events are a great way to get to know RAs and residents alike! During your frosh year, definitely be on the lookout for off campus and bigger dorm events that your RAs will help organize. Frosh dorm classics include a San Francisco scavenger hunt, a trip to a Giants game or to Top Golf, a weekend getaway to the Santa Cruz boardwalk, and of course, your dorm’s end-of-year banquet! These events are often free for residents and are essential for the frosh dorm experience.

Your first year at Stanford will be a great time to meet new people from all different backgrounds and worldviews. Frosh dorms are an amazing opportunity to build a new community and create lasting friendships that might even be the highlights of your Stanford experience. Regardless of where you are assigned, your time in your frosh dorm is sure to be memorable.

All the best,

OC Jack :)

## A New Student's Guide to Moving In

*by OC Canon*

With only 2 weeks to go until NSO as I write this, I’m sure you’re all getting ready to make your packing list and prepare to move into your new home away from home on The Farm! We’re very excited to see you soon - in the meantime, here’s a deep dive into Stanford’s provided moving and packing list with some anecdotes about items that were particularly helpful and you won’t want to miss!

### Navigating the Provided Moving & Packing List

The moving and packing list that Stanford provides is divided into a few main segments so that you can clearly distinguish between what you can expect to see in your dorm and what you’ll want to bring with you. First, we’ll dive into what specifically you’ll need on move-in day, then we’ll take you through your day as you enter your dorm and see the space for the first time!

*A student and their parent/guardian getting ready to move in*

#### **What You’ll Need to Bring**

First thing’s first - when you get to campus on move-in day and as you prepare, there will be a few simple steps to take.

1. ##### Make Sure You’ve Packed the Following:

- Government-issued ID, health insurance card, and other necessary cards (e.g., auto insurance card, bank/ATM card). Keep your driver’s license or passport on hand to show at Move-In. If you plan to pursue part-time employment on or off campus, you will need multiple forms of ID.
  - For convenience, consider opening a student checking account with the [Stanford Federal Credit Union](https://www.sfcu.org/personal/checking-accounts/#student-checking) on campus.
  - [Stanford Discounts for Personal Mobile Device Plans](https://uit.stanford.edu/mobile/personaluse)
- Medications and/or prescriptions
  - For convenience, consider transferring prescriptions to the [Walgreens @ Vaden Pharmacy](https://vaden.stanford.edu/pharmacy) located in the Vaden Health Center on campus.
- Bedding (twin extra-long sheets fit the 80” extra-long mattresses)
  - For convenience, consider ordering a [Dorm Bedding Kit from the Stanford Bookstore](https://www.bkstr.com/stanfordstore/shop/dorm-home/bedding-sheets) and picking it up upon arrival.
- Clothing (including a rain jacket and a coat)
- Toiletries (including a shower caddy to transport them to the bathroom)
- Towels (including a large bath towel or bathrobe, as the shower is down the hall)
- Shower sandals (plastic flip-flops to wear while you shower)
- Laundry supplies
- Hangers
- Computer
  - Review guidance from [Tech Resources](https://techsource.stanford.edu/information-guides/you-come-campus) on Personal Computing, Other Devices, and Adaptive Technology.
  - If you will be arriving without a computer, consider purchasing a computer from the [Stanford Bookstore](https://www.bkstr.com/stanfordstore/home) and picking it up upon arrival.
  - You are not required to have your own personal computer. [Computers](https://thehub.stanford.edu/find-software-and-computers/desktop-locations) and [printers](https://uit.stanford.edu/service/cardinal-print/students) are available in every residence and across campus.
- Desk lamp (preferably LED design)
- UL-approved power strip/surge protector with built-in circuit breaker
- Flashlight and batteries (choose an LED flashlight for longer life)

And the following nice-to-haves if you’d like:

- Computer accessories and Ethernet network cable (long)
- Bicycle, helmet, and bike U-lock
  - For convenience, consider ordering online from the [Campus Bike Shop](https://www.campusbikeshop.com/articles/new-student-bike-purchases-pg461.htm) and picking up from Tresidder upon arrival.
  - [Register bikes online](https://transportation.stanford.edu/bicycle/learn-about-bike-safety/register-a-bike) for free.
- Please note: E-vehicles & large-battery devices are prohibited in the residences. No parking, storing, or riding non-OAE approved micromobility e-vehicles in residences, including hallways, stairwells, entryways, common areas, etc.
  - Per the [Resident Agreement](https://rde.stanford.edu/studenthousing/residence-agreement-policies-and-procedures-2025-26#bdgv): Devices with large lithium-ion batteries, such as electric bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, etc. are prohibited inside any university residence due to the possibility of fires associated with overheating while charging.
  - If you bring an e-vehicle, plan to charge it and lock it outside the residence.

This one is super important! You won’t be able to bring your electric scooter, electric bike, or any large battery into the dorm per the [Fire and Life Safety Advisory](https://docs.google.com/document/d/15TCtkdzJNafupeexpHwH1LS6nXhnJLJb5HwyneGUXxw/edit?usp=sharing). Please make sure to adhere to this and look out for the safety of your dormmates, RAs, and RFs!

- Books (only a few)
- Photos & decorations
- Large plastic storage tubs (for under the bed)
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
  - [Music Department rents lockers](https://music.stanford.edu/resources/lockers)
- Microwave oven and/or mini-fridge (look for Energy Star-rated appliances and wait to coordinate with your roommate)

To add to the list of other items you’ll want to bring and will appreciate having throughout the year, I’d definitely recommend a mattress topper and a kettle! This will ensure your maximum comfort and convenience since you can use the kettle for tea or a quick meal of oatmeal or instant ramen!

2. ##### Parking Your Car

When deciding where to park your car when you arrive on campus on move-in day, there are a couple of options. There will be residential parking lots near the dorms, which are a great option for moving in! There is also temporary free 30-minute parking for unloading near the dorms on move-in day.

*You'll see signs like this one for permit parking*

**Here’s what’s recommended:**

We suggest that families arrive at the dorm with their students to pick up their room key and unload with the temporary 30-minute parking.

Then, it’s suggested that families move the car to the Galvez lot for the all-day free parking and then either walk or take the Marguerite (Stanford’s free shuttle system) to return to the dorm and finish the move into the dorm. This will be convenient because all family programs will end near the Galvez lot that day, so it will be a short walk to the car on the way out!

It’s also possible to park in the dorm residential parking lots, though the day pass parking in these lots will come at a small fee of $8. Save yourself the money and time at the end of the day and park at the Galvez lot after unloading!

3. ##### Picking Up Your Key & ID

Depending on when you arrive for move-in on Tuesday the 16th and where you're living for the year, you'll go to a different location to pick up your key, room number, and ID card. Here's a table breaking down everything you need to know about where to go to get all of your essential room access materials!

| Dorm Complex | Key Pick up (8am - 12 pm) | Key Pick Up (1pm - 5pm) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wilbur | Wilbur Courtyard | Wilbur Housing Service Center |
| Gerhard Casper Quad + EVGRA Duan Family Hall | Casper Courtyard/Quad | Wilbur Housing Service Center |
| Branner | Crothers Courtyard | Crothers Housing Service Center |
| Crothers Hall | Crothers Courtyard | Crothers Housing Service Center |
| Stern | Outside by Larkin + Donner | Crothers Housing Service Center |
| Florence Moore + Muwekma | FloMo Courtyard/Quad | Lasuen Housing Service Center |
| Lagunita | Lagunita Court | Governor's Corner Housing Service Center |
| Governor's Corner | Sterling Quad (GovCo Courtyard) | Governor's Corner Housing Service Center |

When you arrive at the housing service center to pick up your key, you’ll need to present your ID (your Stanford ID works perfectly, but any government issued ID will also be good) and then you’ll get your room number and the key to your room. It will be in a small envelope with the room number and your name labeled on the outside - there will also be a QR Code where you can complete a room condition form once you enter your space so that you can let R&DE (Residential and Dining Enterprises) know how your room is looking at the time of your arrival.

It’s a very fun time as you prepare to enter your space for the first time and make it your own! Then the very last thing is to…

##### 4. Check Out Your New Room!

Now that you’ve gotten your room number and key, you’re ready to move in and see your space! You’ll have keycard access to your dorm’s building, so you can use your ID to swipe in. Then, once you enter the building there will be signage in the halls to help you find your room number. Take it all in as you explore the dorm that will be your home for the next 9 months!

When you enter your room, there will be some things that are provided for you, which we’ll get into right now…

### What’s Provided In Your Dorm

Immediately when you enter, your room will be ready with some necessities for you! Per the official Stanford Guidelines for Packing, this is what you can expect to see in your room when you arrive:

- Extra-long (80") or regular twin bed for each roommate
  - Because many beds across campus are XL twin, we recommend purchasing XL twin sheets to use across your 4 years, even if your frosh bed ends up being a regular twin.
- Overhead light
- Bookcase, either attached to the wall or freestanding (for each roommate)
- Small closet or freestanding wardrobe (shared or individual)
- Mirror (shared or individual)
- Dresser drawers (for each roommate)
- Desk and chair (for each roommate)
- Trash and recycling collection system
- Cubby or shelf for toiletries (in the bathroom)
- Window covering
- Robe hook or towel bar (shared or individual)
- Heating system
- At least one communication outlet with Ethernet ports

It’s good to be aware of this list so that you know what you don’t need to bring and you can streamline your packing to the things you know won’t be provided. If you have any questions about this, feel free to email [approaching@stanford.edu](mailto:approaching@stanford.edu) or [studenthousing@stanford.edu](mailto:studenthousing@stanford.edu) about the furniture provisions in your room.

While we’re on the topic of moving and packing, it’s also important to point out that there are some items that you either should not or cannot bring to your dorm, for a variety of safety and sustainability reasons.

### Reminders About Things You Shouldn’t Bring

Based on Stanford’s provided moving and packing list, these are some items that it is not recommended students bring the following items due to their environmental footprint:

- Holiday string lights
- Non-Energy Star-rated appliances
- Disposable products that are not sustainable
- Furniture
- Most electronic equipment, stereos, and TVs
- Drones or other unmanned aircraft

Do your best to refrain! These next items, on the other hand, are not permitted on campus, so make sure not to bring these!

### Items You May Not Bring

These items are strictly prohibited, per the [Stanford Residence Agreement](https://rde.stanford.edu/studenthousing/residence-agreement-overview):

- Candles, torches, incense, and open-flame devices
- Halogen lamps
- Non-University lofted beds
- Weapons and ammunition
- Appliances with open heating elements such as hot plates, toaster ovens, clothing irons, and electric heaters
- Mercury thermometers
- Pets of any kind (including aquatic), unless registered with the Office of Accessible Education.

### Concluding Thoughts

We hope that this gives you a more clear idea of what your move-in day will look like and how to best pack for coming to campus. As you prepare over the next couple of weeks, keep in mind that you’ll be able to purchase some supplies once you come to the Bay Area, and you can also order items ahead to arrive on campus when you get here.

For more information on shipping items to come when you get to campus, you can check out the [official page for mailing and packing](https://mps.stanford.edu/) to find the best address to send it to. Best of luck with the packing, and we can’t wait to see you in less than two weeks now (T-minus 11 days at the time of publishing and counting)!

Much OC love,

OC Canon

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