Life on Campus
Introduction
Stanford is a thriving residential campus and community. It sits on 8,000 acres of foothills and plains – once a horse farm belonging to Jane and Leland Stanford and still fondly known as "the Farm."
Living and learning are intimately interwined at Stanford. Extra-curricular programs, organizations, performances, forums and athletics beckon students, faculty and staff, as well as neighbors from the communities around us.
Arts & Culture
Stanford has a rich tradition of fostering creativity and the arts. Among many programs open to the public are Stanford Lively Arts, who bring renowned performing arts to campus, and the Cantor Center, our world-class museum.
Athletics & Fitness
Stanford students compete in 35 varsity sports and 20 club sports. In addition, students, faculty and staff can participate in intramural sports and physical education courses, and enjoy state-of-the-art recreational facilities.
Student Life
Stanford is a residential university, with over 6100 undergraduates and 4300 graduates living on campus. Students have access not only to the extraordinary resources on campus but also to the Bay Area's many cultural and outdoor attractions.
Public Service
The Haas Center for Public Service connects academic study with public service to strengthen communities and develop effective public leaders. More than 70 student organizations and programs provide students with additional opportunities to serve.
Getting Around & Campus Safety
Biking is one of the most popular ways to get around campus. Other alternative transit includes the free Marguerite Shuttle and Zipcar car-share. Stanford's Department of Public Safety provides law enforcement, public safety and emergency services 24 hours a day.
Traditions
Big Game
The annual football game against the University of California Berkeley Golden Bears is Big Game. It is preceded by Gaieties, a student-produced musical follies.
Full Moon on the Quad
Freshmen are kissed at midnight by seniors under the first full moon of Fall Quarter.
Wacky Walk
Once an oddity, now a tradition, graduating seniors have one last frolic as they enter Stanford Stadium for Commencement.