Where do most students live at Stanford University?

I’m considering applying to Stanford University. Can anyone shed some light on where students typically live? Is on-campus housing the norm, or do people live off-campus? Also, how's the housing situation in general?

Stanford University is unique when it comes to housing arrangements, as a large majority of students live on campus. More than 92% of undergraduates and about 60% of graduate students reside on campus. That's one of the highest rates of on-campus living for any university nationwide!

Students at Stanford have a wealth of housing options thanks to Stanford's diverse residential system. You can find a mix of residence styles, from traditional dormitory-style arrangements to theme houses, co-op houses where students collaborate on house chores, and even Greek housing for those who join fraternities or sororities.

One important point to note is that Stanford guarantees on-campus housing to entering undergraduates for all four years, and to entering graduate students for at least their first year of study, so the pressure to find off-campus housing is significantly less. This guarantee is part of Stanford’s ongoing commitment to integrating living and learning.

As for the quality of the housing, it's generally pretty comfortable. Many students feel that living on campus is a major part of the Stanford experience -- it not only provides a supportive residential environment but also fosters community involvement and engagement. Plus, students lucky enough to get placed in the newer dorms will likely enjoy more modern amenities.

That said, living off-campus is still an option (especially for graduate students). However, the cost of living in the Palo Alto area is quite high compared to national averages. So bear these factors in mind when deciding what would be the best living arrangement for you.