Find the answers to commonly asked questions, including how to pay, details about the university, and campus life.
Families FAQ
Unless it is an emergency situation, call the Families Helpline at 650.725.0649 for advice. After you speak with someone there, a set of conversations can occur among the people most involved in your student's life. If it is an emergency situation, however, call the Stanford Department of Public Safety directly at 650.329.2413.
The weather in the Palo Alto area stays summer-like and warm–to the 70s and 80s–through October. The region is cool and wet during the winter. Rainwear is essential. A chilly morning fog that burns off by midday is typical. Clothing warm enough for temperatures to the 30s is recommended from December to March. Spring temperatures return to the 70s, and many students quickly don shorts, T-shirts and sandals. Summer in Palo Alto is warm and dry.
Once a student has enrolled, they can generate the enrollment certificate on Axess, which is the online student information system. The certification is available without fee. To obtain the enrollment certificate, students should select the Student Center tab and select Request Enrollment Certification. Students who have issues with printing certifications through Axess can go to the Students Services Center for help.
Generally, Family Weekend has been held on the last full weekend of February. Learn more about Family Weekend here
Start by accessing the university’s academic calendar. Generally speaking, you can anticipate a weeklong break at Thanksgiving, about a three-week break after fall quarter and a one-week break between winter and spring quarters. It is best to wait to learn your son or daughter’s schedule for finals before booking flights. They generally learn that schedule at the beginning of classes each quarter, although it can change.
A good place to start planning your trip is the Visit Stanford website. Area airports include San Francisco International, San Jose Mineta International and Oakland International. All of the airport websites have information about transportation options.
The ASSU, the Stanford student government, often arranges airport shuttles for students during breaks, but that information generally is not available until the last minute.
Commencement Weekend is generally held mid June. We advise families to plan their visits early. Learn more about Commencement Weekend here
Send an email to mykidis with all the information. Here, you can initiate an email with mykidis
Remember that although Stanford acknowledges and respects parents’ and guardians’ financial support, students are responsible for payment. Students may authorize others to access their Stanford account and make payments on their behalf through Axess, the student database system. The best place to look for more information is the Student Financial Services website.
By accepting Stanford’s offer of admission and enrolling in classes, students accept responsibility for paying all debts to the university for which they are liable, including tuition and fees. Stanford assumes that students understand and will honor this financial obligation. While the university acknowledges parents’ and guardians’ financial support, payment is the responsibility of the student. Students may authorize others to access their Stanford account and make payments on their behalf through Axess, the student database system.
Stanford has one of the strongest financial aid programs among U.S. colleges and universities. Stanford’s financial aid program is need-based, meaning that all aid eligibility is determined by a family’s financial circumstances. While you and your students have the primary responsibility for paying for college, financial aid can bridge the gap between the total costs and the ability to pay.
