<p>Most Cali people go back for Thanksgiving and Winter Break. Not too sure about Spring Break, because often people use them for trips to visit other college students, etc. Non Cali people mostly only go back for Winter Break, though some do go back for Thanksgiving as well. It depends on the family situation.
I do recommend getting a bike… Stanford is HUGE and if you don’t have one it sort of sucks if everyone else is biking and you’re stuck walking. Plus it’s just a lot faster, and pretty convenient. I have no idea what type is better, I guess any bike would do.
So far all the professors I’ve known have been really accessible. Of course, I have heard of profs being at the opposite end of the spectrum, which is why there is a shopping period 
Nope. It is not hard to get into undergrad research as a frosh. My friend is working on a project right now.
There really is no say in which freshman dorms are “the best” it depends on the mix of people they select to be part of the freshman body. Some dorms are quieter, some aren’t. It really depends.
I personally don’t do any sports, but there are IM sports, and plenty of athletic classes to take.
No idea about the Chem program, other than that it’s ridiculously hard and the curves are apparently brutal (this is all what I’ve heard from my engineering/premed friends).
As to drinking… I don’t drink. And it’s perfectly fine. It does seem like everyone drinks sometimes, but people totally do not care or will push you to drink (I’ve had people tell me to just play drinking games with water, lol). There is always something going on at campus so don’t feel like frat parties are the only social events. Though I will say that if there’s a party going on, there will be alcohol.
Oh and I have a work-study job on campus. It does take up time though but I like it so far, I’ve met some interesting people. Plus Stanford pays WAY better than some other colleges for federal work study kids. It’s a lot harder to get a job if you are non-federal work study, but not by much.</p>
<p>walking is kinda fun. When I walk everything is so much prettier and awe-inspiring. And people do walk everywhere. Nothing beats a leisurely walk out of your last Friday class, except maybe cruising (no hands of course) with the wind at your back on a warm and dry Friday. </p>
<p>That said, a bike is good to have. You really just need something serviceable, so anything from cheap mountain bikes to commuter bikes are good. If you get something really new and glitzy, it runs a higher risk of being stolen. So, I’d get something that blends in well and is fast :). Gears are not necessary. </p>
<p>+1 to everything else said above.</p>
<p>Thank you guys!</p>
<p>So do a lot of people stay at Stanford during Thanksgiving break?
Is the campus hilly or otherwise tough terrain? I love to ride but I have old lady knees (I’ll bike any way, just curious if I should buy stock in Advil).</p>
<p>So, I haven’t been accepted or denied yet but I visited the campus this summer and fell in love with it. But is it all that it appears to be?
Is Stanford worth being years in debt? because I could easily go to a state school and get a pretty good education as my parents will not be able to contribute much money to pay for Stanford.
How is Student Government at Stanford? I’m really involved at my high school and want to continue, so how is the program?
I am probably the most picky eater you have ever met. No joke. So, will I be able to find things to eat?
What is your favorite thing about Stanford, i.e. Why should I pay all the money to go there???</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>how’s the weather like in the west coast? Are there many bugs…like mosquitos…? Does quarter system mean more workload?</p>
<p>Also - How are the sororities? I definitely don’t want to join a stereotypical sorority but wouldn’t mind a really awesome philanthropic one.</p>
<p>@applicannot- A good number of people do stay over Thanksgiving break, though it is my understanding that the majority of students end up going home. Some parts of campus are kind of hilly but not anything that qualifies as “rough terrain,” at least in the main part of campus. It’s tough biking up hill (especially without any gears) but you could do it (or you can just get off the bike and walk).</p>
<p>@coleyfollmer- Is Stanford what it appears to be? I’m not sure what you mean by this. Are you asking whether Stanford’s beautiful campus and very intellectually vibrant populace match it to its reputation? Then yes (though I must warn you, the weather in winter quarter gets pretty icky and wet. On the plus side, Lake Lag actually looks like a real lake when it rains). Don’t be scared to death by the price tag of Stanford. Stanford’s financial aid program is excellent. I didn’t even have to pull out any loans right now because Stanford’s financial aid is that good. And with California’s economy the way it is right now, a state school might actually be more expensive (especially with the increase in tuition for the UC schools). As for Student Government, I’m not in it, but I have friends who are actively involved in Frosh Council and the ASSU and it sounds like a pretty fun and legit program. The food at Stanford is generally good. I have eaten at Stern, Wilbur, Florence Moore, and Lake Lag (aka Roble). Florence Moore food I think is the best, though Lag is pretty good too (but the dining hall’s super crowded and there are huge lines). They’re usually good about offering a wide variety of foods (plus if you hate practically everything, they do have burgers every day). I don’t know about the Greek life here as freshmen aren’t allow to participate in rush until the spring quarter but there are plenty of philanthropic Greek organizations–just make sure you do your research well. </p>
<p>@Diana Oh: Weather on the west coast–well, that comes in all varieties, dry and hot in SoCal, and wet and mild in the Bay Area. Despite Stanford being in California, it does get pretty chilly here (high 30s-low forties) but most of the time the weather is very fair and sunny (if not as warm as the sun in SoCal). Mosquitoes shouldn’t be a problem unless there are bodies of stagnant water just lying around. The quarter system doesn’t necessarily mean more workload. It just means that everything is done at a quicker pace. Ten weeks total- 1st 3 weeks of shopping; midterm season in weeks 3-8; dead week and the finals week and then the end of the quarter. So the pacing is faster, but you get done with the class in a shorter amount of time (which can be good or bad, depending on how you like the class).</p>
<p>Thank you a lot, Skyraptor!</p>
<p>Regarding bugs, there are these weird things, which don’t bite, and they’re like fruit flies (?). I don’t know where they come from, but I think we’re doing some artificial selection on them by only killing the slow and big ones haha. Those are the only bugs I’ve really noticed. Every month or so I’ll get a bite though (which is high even for here- my blood is pretty tasty ;)). </p>
<p>My favorite food is Ricker. That’s also a pretty sweet dining hall, with the TVs and multi-levels. </p>
<p>Regarding student government, yeah it seems pretty fun. People in Frosh Council get to know like everybody. The ASSU is mired in sleeze and corruption now, from what I hear (check out the Stanford Review’s website). I feel an impending grass-roots uprising in the upcoming senate elections. </p>
<p>Also, I really love the quarter system! My favorite part is I can take a lot more classes each year than my peers at semester schools, yet take less classes each quarter. Like friends at state schools seem to be all taking 4-5 classes. That seems like a lot of back and forth and having to stay on top of things (though it probably also means less work). But that means each year they get 10 classes max (maybe 11 or 12 if they are insane). At Stanford you will probably end up anywhere from 9 to 15 classes each year. More classes = more opportunity to explore, more learning, and more students and professors to meet! </p>
<p>Yeah just thought I’d give a different perspective on some of these topics.</p>
<p>Stanford would be the least expensive school for our daughter to attend. Less than even the CSUs. Her tuition would be free and we would pay for room and board and a small student contribution. And, this is for people who make up to $100,000. We’re at about $80,000. A family making $60,000 or less would have a free ride, with the exception of a 4,000-something student contribution. Yes, Stanford is MORE than generous with no-loan financial aid.
skyraptor wrote:</p>
<p>Don't be scared to death by the price tag of Stanford. Stanford's financial aid program is excellent. I didn't even have to pull out any loans right now because Stanford's financial aid is that good. And with California's economy the way it is right now, a state school might actually be more expensive (especially with the increase in tuition for the UC schools).</p><p>Do you know any people who are trying to graduate Stanford in less than four years (three and a half or maybe three)? How tough is that, and does it take away from the college experience? Maybe assuming you have around 30 credits from APs (around what I’ll have).</p>
<p>Do you know very many students with legacies who attend? Just curious! :)</p>
<p>Stanford is very, very stingy when it comes to taking AP credits. I took 6 APs, got 5s on them and they will not take any of them (except for language). I think what they do let you do though, is take a higher level class if you feel like you are up to it. They do take language credits though. But they really want you to take classes at Stanford. And why would anyone want to graduate in less than four years? There are SO MANY fascinating classes and interesting events happening on campus that many of us wouldn’t even dream of leaving early. Are you sure that Stanford would actually accept those 30 credits? I would def double check to make sure. </p>
<p>Yes. There are a TON of legacies here. I know people who go back four generations of Stanford students. </p>
<p>the quarter system: hard. def. like a marathon. but i feel that’s the same with any college… plus like others have said, it’s great in the sense that you won’t have to suffer through a class you really don’t like for a long period of time, and also that you have a lot more options to choose from.</p>
<p>I know someone who is doing his masters in 4 years. He busy throughout the day but has time to hang out with us during the weekend at least. I’m guessing graduating in 3 years shouldn’t be too hard as long as you’re focused from the beginning.</p>
<p>how are the gym/workout facilities?
Are there any running trails on campus?
Do you know anything about the triathlon program?</p>
<p>Thanks so much! :)</p>
<p>I’ll second that one: how are the gym and workout facilities? How busy are they? Is the equipment new or is it so so? Are they accessible or out of the way?</p>
<p>Also, what kind of bike lock do I need? I was reading about bike locks today and there was everything from $10 locks to $1000 lock systems. Obviously I need something in between. How common is bike theft? Should I get the $65 Kryptonite? I’m on a budget, but obviously a good lock is cheaper than a new bike. Do I need wheel locks as well, or will a body lock be enough?</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about the gym facilities, apart from the fact that Tressider has a small one as well. Supposedly the gym is really good, and it also holds classes, etc. People run here all the time around campus, not too sure about trails though. I think a lot of people do the Dish or around lake Lag. </p>
<p>bike theft is VERY common. So far two of my friends have had their bikes stolen. Always, always, ALWAYS lock your bike, even if you think you will just be gone for a minute. I’m not too sure about wheel locks… i would def. recommend getting a Kryptonite lock/ or the best lock you can find. Think of it as an investment.</p>
<p>
The gym facilities are pretty good. The big gym is Arrillaga, which has basically every type of workout equipment you could imagine and is open to all students. In addition to free weights/machines/treadmills/stationary bikes/ellipticals, there are also three full basketball courts and a rock climbing wall. Arrillaga is a stone’s throw from Hoover tower, so it’s definitely accessible. There’s also a Tresidder gym, but it’s significantly smaller and less popular. </p>
<p>I’d say 95% of people have Kryptonite U-locks like this one: [Walmart.com:</a> Kryptonite 4" x 9" U-LOCK: Bikes, Scooters & Skates](<a href=“http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kryptonite-4-x-9-U-LOCK/10370936?sourceid=1500000000000003260420&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=10370936]Walmart.com:”>http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kryptonite-4-x-9-U-LOCK/10370936?sourceid=1500000000000003260420&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=10370936). You can buy them from the bike shop on campus, or find them at Target/WalMart/etc for a few bucks cheaper. Occasionally someone who has a U-lock will get their bike stolen anyway, but generally these locks are pretty safe. Most thefts occur because people leave their bikes unlocked, or locked but not locked onto something.</p>
<p>The Arrillaga Gym is the biggest gym on campus (the smaller one is in tresidder) and has almost every type of equipment you’ll ever need. (They don’t have kettle bells) The problem is that a large part of the Student Population workout and because of that the gym is jam packed in the evening. You won’t get time on any machines unless you’re willing to wait a while. After about 8 pm the gym becomes less crowded and easier to use. They keep the gym open till 1 am so you can workout whenever you want.</p>
<p>I’m a morning person and would prefer to work out in the morning; I doubt it’d be particularly busy then. Do you know if athletes have their own gym (or are we competing with football practices)? Also, are students allowed to use any of the pools for workout?</p>
<p>Is it hot without AC in the beginning and at the end of the year, or is it not even noticeable? I live in the Mid-Atlantic and there’s no such thing as places without AC.</p>
<p>Do you generally go to your local dining hall, or do students make trips elsewhere?</p>