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Residential or Commuter
What's the difference between being a Residential and Commuter student?
Residential students live on-campus during the program. Commuter students live off-campus and commute to class.
We strive to offer Commuters as many of the regular Summer Session experiences as possible, but we know there is no equivalent to experiencing Stanford as a Residential student. Many Academic Programs and program-wide events will require additional commute time to attend. Most excursions are designed to introduce the local area and are only open to Residential students who pay a higher program fee. For Commuter students who are likely familiar with experiences off-campus, we've focused on creating connections to the academic and cultural life of campus.
Compare Your Options
Whether you live on campus as a Residential student or live off campus as a Commuter, there will be opportunities at every turn, inviting you to make the most of your summer experience. Trying to decide which option is right for you? We've created the table below to help.
| Residential | Commuter | |
|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC PROGRAMS | Access to register for all Academic Programs on a first-come, first-served basis | Access to register for all Academic Programs on a first-come, first-served basis |
| HEADLINE EVENTS | Access to register for all Headline Events such as the Scavenger Hunt, Speaker Series, and Sweet Send-Off | Access to register for all Headline Events such as the Scavenger Hunt, Speaker Series, and Sweet Send-Off |
| ACADEMIC SUPPORT | Free tutoring, academic workshops, and advising through SARC | Free tutoring, academic workshops, and advising through SARC |
| MINIMUM UNITS | Undergraduate, Gap Year, and High School students must take a minimum of 8 units | Must take a minimum of 3 units |
| EXCURSIONS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS* | Access to register for all off-campus excursions as well as on-campus cultural and sports events | Access to register for on-campus cultural and sports events |
| DORM ACCESS | Access to dorm lounges, computer clusters, and study spaces | High School Commuter students are not allowed to access dorm rooms, lounges, computer clusters, or study spaces, except at program-wide events |
| STUDENT STAFF SUPPORT | Regular access to Summer Resident Assistants who live in your dorm | Access to dedicated Commuter staff at Commuter events and via a group chat channel for commuters |
| COHORT ACTIVITIES | Weekly dorm-based social gatherings | Commuter socials and meet-ups |
Program Dates
June 22 – August 18, 2024
Applications for Summer 2024 are now open!
Live on Campus
Residential students join a vibrant, diverse community, living on campus with current Stanford students and fellow visitors from around the world. Make new friends, expand your worldview, and continue the conversation beyond the classroom.
Commute to Class
Commuter students live off-campus and commute to class, with access to many of the same events, resources, and on-campus facilities as residential students. Connect with current Stanford students and fellow visitors from around the world.