Getting Ready
Preparing for Summer Essentials
We are so excited for you to join our vibrant community this summer. On this page, we will provide a full list of all of your pre-summer responsibilities and packing needs. We want you to have a great summer, so please review the program requirements and packing restrictions carefully.
There are a number of forms and documents you need to complete with your parent or legal guardian to enroll in the program. Please review this page for instructions and action items to complete.
Important Dates
Friday, April 26, 2024
Submit your admissions decision and tuition payment
Friday, May 17, 2024
Visa Verification (international students only)
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Register for Participant Orientation (SHI only)
Monday, June 3, 2024
Submit your CampDoc Forms
Monday, June 3, 2024
Request Courtesy Accommodations (if needed)
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Register for Participant Orientation (SUMaC only)
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Complete Pre-Program Survey
Friday, June 21, 2024
Complete Gym Waiver
Pre-Summer Responsibilities
- Submit your admissions decision
Log into your Status Page to accept your space in the program by completing the online Admission Response & Enrollment Agreement Form. The form is due by Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
- Complete all required forms
You will need to fill out a variety of forms to complete your enrollment in the program. Visit your CampDoc page for instructions. You should complete these by Monday, June 3, 2024. Certain information, such as your medical information, must be completed by your parent/legal guardian. Required information will include:- Participant contact information
- Emergency contact information
- Arrival and departure travel information
- General medical information (including allergies, immunization history, and medications that you will need to take during your time at Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies)
- Health insurance information
- Information about any dietary restrictions and religious accommodations
- Electronically sign the Participant and Custodial Parent Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement
We will need both your participant’s signature and your parent or legal guardian's signature agreeing to this form.
- Read through this entire Participant Guide
We will need your signature and your parent or legal guardian’s signature to indicate that you agree to follow all of the information in this guide, including the Community Expectations, the Code of Conduct, and guidelines for what you can and cannot bring.
- Submit your tuition payment
You can submit this payment through your Status Page. The tuition payment is due in full on April 26, 2024 to guarantee your spot in the program. If the tuition payment is not received by April 26, 2024 your spot will be released to a participant on the waitlist.
- Upload a current photo for your ID card
Details and instructions on what to submit is included in your CampDoc portal.
- Provide arrival and departure information
If you are flying in or taking a train or bus, please be sure to provide arrival and departure information as you are completing the participant information in your CampDoc portal. Participants who are driving with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to Stanford may be dropped off and picked up on campus directly at their assigned residence hall.
- International students: secure your visa to enter the United States and attend your program.
Check your passport is valid beyond the end date of your program. If your passport is not valid beyond your program, you must apply for a new passport as soon as possible, especially if you need to obtain a visa to travel to the United States. Passport processing times can vary by country, and spring is a popular season to apply for or renew a passport.
If your home country does not offer a Visa Waiver Program that requires an Electronic Signature for Travel Authorization (ESTA), then the most appropriate visa type to obtain is a B-2 Tourist visa. Details about who is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and which steps need to be taken in advance can be found here.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Programs cannot sponsor F-type or J-type student visas. Information about B-2 Tourist visas, including details about how to apply, can be found here.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies cannot provide advice, information, or recommendations on which visa type is best for your particular circumstance. Any questions about visa requirements or your visa application status should be directed to your local Embassy or Consulate.
If you need a letter verifying you are attending a residential Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies program as part of your visa process, you must complete this brief form. This form must be submitted by Friday, May 17, 2024. Visa application processing times vary around the world, and you should begin this process as soon as possible.
- Save our Emergency Contact Number
In the event of an emergency where you need to reach your participant as soon as possible, please use this emergency phone number: (650) 285-9891. Save this number in your contacts. Our emergency phone number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week from June 23 to August 2.
Routine and non-emergency questions should be directed to spcs-residential@stanford.edu.
- Remind Your Emergency Contacts of our Program Dates
Ensure your emergency contacts have their phone accessible at all times during the program in case Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies staff needs to contact them.
Routine and non-emergency questions should be directed to spcs-residential@stanford.edu.
- Arrange U.S. based health insurance
Arrange U.S. based health insurance now, if you do not already have a plan. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies does not provide recommendations of plans to participants. - Check your medication expiration dates
Request any medications you will need during the program from your doctor. Please leave any expired or expiring medications at home.
- Submit your accommodations form
Complete this form by Monday, June 3, 2024 if you require any housing, academic, or classroom-based accommodations.
- Register for Orientation Session
We invite you to join us on Zoom on to prepare for our residential programs:
- Summer Humanities Institute: Monday, June 10, 2024; 4:00 - 5:00pm PT. Click here to register.
- Stanford University Mathematics Camp: Tuesday, June 11, 2024; 5:30 - 6:30pm PT. Click here to register.
During this orientation session, we will review information about move-in and departure day, go over the general program schedule, discuss policies, talk about our staff, and share why we are excited to see you on campus. Additionally, we will leave ample time for you to ask any questions. We strongly encourage you to attend the information session live. If you are unable to attend, we will post a link to the recording on our website.
- Submit your Pre-Program Survey
We would like to learn more about our community of participants this summer. Please complete the pre-program survey by Wednesday, June 12, 2024 so we can better prepare for our time together on campus. Pre-Program Survey
- Complete your gym waiver
During your program, you will have access to Recreation and Wellness facilities on campus. Your parents must complete this waiver on your behalf by Friday, June 21, 2024 to ensure you can access the facility.
During your program, you will have gym access beginning halfway through the first week. Here are the gym access dates:
- SUMaC: June 26, 2024 - July 17, 2024
- Summer Humanities Institute Session I: June 26, 2024 - July 10, 2024
- Summer Humanities Institute Session II: July 17, 2024 - July 31, 2024
What is CampDoc?
CampDoc is a portal for you to submit important health information, emergency contacts, and other details that will help assist Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies staff in providing the best possible summer experience. You will be prompted to register for CampDoc after you have submitted your Enrollment Agreement form. Complete the CampDoc forms as soon as possible, with a particular emphasis on the medical and travel information. Each section will indicate whether it must be completed by you or your parent/legal guardian. You will be able to edit any responses until one week before the start of the program.
If you have difficulty accessing CampDoc, try these tips:
- The unique CampDoc invitation email was sent to the first parent/legal guardian email address that was on file. Parents/legal guardians will need to complete and submit the forms and we advise that you work on it together to ensure all information is accurate and up to date.
- If your parent/legal guardian has not received the invite email yet, please ask your parent/legal guardian to check their spam folder.
- If the invite email is not in their spam folder, please verify that they have not used CampDoc to complete forms for any other summer camp, activity, or event. If they have, your parent or legal guardian will need to use those log-in credentials to access the forms.
SUNet ID
Packing Guidelines
Get Ready for Summer Fun
Because weather at Stanford and in the greater Bay Area can vary from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 10 to 32 degrees Celsius) in the summer, it is important to pack a variety of clothing options. Below is a list of recommendations for what clothing and personal items to bring this summer.
What We Provide
All Bedding (including blankets, pillows, sheets, and towels)
Laundry Facilities and Detergent
Course Materials
What to Bring
Required Items
- A form of identification, photo preferred (e.g.,Passport, State ID, Driver’s License).
- Clothing for temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 32 degrees Celsius), including jackets and layers, and clothes to participate in sports or outdoor activities in.
- Up-to-date prescriptions and medications to last for the duration of the program (unexpired and in their original, labeled packaging), especially EpiPen or other anaphylaxis medications.
- Personal health and toiletry items.
- Supportive footwear for activities and excursions.
- A laptop.
- A cell phone with a SIM card compatible in the U.S. If you do not plan to pre-purchase one at the airport, you may ship a SIM card to your campus address.
- Portable charger compatible with U.S. outlets, headphones, and other phone accessories.
- Extra spending money for gifts and incidentals—Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies covers the cost of meals, transportation, and entry-fees related to program-sponsored field trips and activities.
- An alarm clock, hair dryer, shower shoes, and small portable fan (residence halls do not have air conditioning). All of these items may be purchased at the Stanford Bookstore on campus.
- Bathing suit, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimming goggles, and beach towel (for SUMaC beach trip to Capitola Beach).
- Personal academic supplies such as pens, pencils, highlighters, backpack, etc.
- Books, board games, e-readers
- Any special equipment or materials needed for participation in the Talent Show at the end of the program, such as dance shoes, musical instruments, sheet music, etc.
*Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is not liable if a participant’s personal items, including computers and electronic equipment, are damaged, lost, or stolen. Technical support is not provided for personal devices.
What Not to Bring
- No valuable personal items (the program takes no responsibility for lost or stolen items).
- No cooking or kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, microwave or toaster ovens, or hot plates.
- No pets of any kind.
- No personal transportation of any sort, including a car, bicycle, skates, or skateboard.
- No electronic games, software for computer games, or televisions.
- No flammable materials, including candles, incense, matches, lighters, explosive devices, and fireworks.
- No alcohol, tobacco products, or any unauthorized drugs or unlabeled medications—policy violations will be subject to immediate dismissal.
- No weapons of any kind, including knives, swords, firearms, paintball guns, laser pointers, and other dangerous items.
Booking Travel
Correct Travel Dates
Housing Cannot be Extended
Fly to and From SFO
No Other Airport Transportation
Participants traveling by car may be dropped off directly on campus at their assigned residence hall on arrival day. Participants are not allowed to drive themselves to the program or park a vehicle on Stanford’s campus. Drivers should check all posted signs and ensure they are not parking in permit-only spots. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is not responsible for any parking tickets received on Arrival or Departure days. Additional information about parking on campus can be found here.
Program-Specific Arrival and Departure Dates
Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
Session One Departure Day: July 12, 2024
Session Two Arrival Day: July 14, 2024
Session Two Departure Day: August 2, 2024
Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Departure Day: July 19, 2024
Arriving on Stanford Campus - SHI
Check-In: Ng House, 684 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305
Session I: There will be signs around the building directing you to the check-in table. You may drop your participant off between 1:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
Session II: There will be signs around the building directing you to the check-in table. You may drop your participant off between 1:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Parking is available at Manzanita Field Garage, 742 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305.
Please purchase a visitor parking permit through Park Mobile. For more information on parking on Stanford University campus, please visit Stanford Transportation. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is not responsible for any parking tickets received on arrival or departure days.
Arriving on Stanford Campus - SUMaC
Check-In: BOB (Robert Moore S), 566 Mayfield Avenue, Stanford, CA 94305
There will be signs around the building directing you to the check-in table. You may drop your participant off between 1:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
Parking is available behind BOB off of Campus Drive. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is not responsible for any parking tickets received on arrival or departure days.
Ideal Flight Times
Arriving Flights
Participants must schedule their flight for arrival day. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies will provide transportation from SFO to the Stanford campus. Staff will transport participants in program vans. Staff will pick up participants from SFO at 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:00pm. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is not responsible for the safety and well-being of participants until they are picked up by staff at the airport, so please plan flights accordingly. If participants arrive in between those times, they will need to wait on their own until the next shuttle arrives at the airport. Specific details of where staff will pick them up will be shared with participants directly once Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies receives their flight information. If participants' flights are delayed or changed at the last minute, they should contact the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies emergency contact number. If it is not possible to schedule a flight that arrives before 4:00pm, please contact spcs-residential@stanford.edu.
Departing Flights
Participants must schedule their flight for departure day. Staff will drop participants off at SFO at 8:00am and 11:45am. If possible, participants should schedule mid-morning and afternoon flights since participants should arrive at SFO about three hours prior to their flight. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is not responsible for the safety and well-being of participants once they are dropped off by staff at the airport, so please plan flights accordingly. If a participant has an evening flight, they will need to wait on their own until their flight boards. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies is unable to provide transportation and housing after 11:00am on Departure Day.
Additional Information About Airport Arrival & Departure
At the Airport
Weather at SFO
Short Drive to Campus
Arriving into San Francisco International Airport
Transportation to Campus
Parents, legal guardians, or families traveling with participants must secure their own transportation to campus. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies does not provide transportation to campus from any other airport or any bus terminal or train station.
Residential Staff Assistance
Itinerary Updates
Arrival Procedures
All participants (domestic and international flights) should bring a copy of their Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Program acceptance letter with them that clearly states the program dates in case that is needed for Customs or any other reason at the airport. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies staff will be at the airport and can be reached via (650) 285-9891. This number accepts international phone calls and text messages. Please save this phone number into your cell phone contacts.
It is strongly recommended that all participants flying put their toiletries, medication, chargers, essentials, and an extra pair of clothes in their carry-on luggage in the unlikely event that luggage is delayed.
Travel Safe During the Pandemic
Take precautions before and during your travels to reduce the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19 or another transmissible illness. We encourage you to wear a mask while traveling, use hand sanitizer, wash your hands often with soap and warm water, avoid crowded indoor spaces in the days leading up to your arrival, and refrain from spending a significant amount of time with those who aren’t feeling well. All of these steps will help ensure that you have a healthy start to your program!
Campus Departure
Campus Pick-Up
Airport Drop-Off
*Participants are expected to stay through the last day of the program. Please note that if a participant is not able to complete the course requirements due to an early departure, no letter of evaluation and/or certificate of completion will be sent.
