Course Planning
Academic Planning
Once Navigate Classes, Stanford's official class schedule, opens for the academic year in mid-August, begin looking for classes that will allow you to explore academic interests and potential majors. Explore what interests you, even if you are unfamiliar with the discipline. Many of Stanford’s fields will be entirely new to you. Use resources such as your Undergraduate Advising Director, the Academic Advising website, and program and departmental websites to identify the fields of study and the courses in which you may be interested. Identify more courses than you intend to take, rather than trying to finalize your schedule before you arrive on campus.
While enrollment will open for continuing students in early September, new first-year students will have a 'New Student Advisement' Enrollment Hold that will be released during NSO. At that time, you will be able to begin enrolling in your Autumn Quarter courses if you have completed your Approaching Stanford Requirements.
Academic Planning Worksheet
Complete this worksheet in preparation for your first advising meeting.
Advising for Incoming Students
The Summer Academic Advising Video Series: "Exploring Your Stanford Courses" will begin in the summer and will give you an important overview to academics and choosing your first set of courses at Stanford. Be sure to watch the series and use the resources listed on this page in preparation for your first advising meeting. You are welcome to watch the 2025 series at this time.
Approaching Stanford Handbook
Read the Academic Life chapter for a broad overview of academics at Stanford.
General Education Requirements
Review University policies and requirements in the Stanford Bulletin.
Navigate Classes
Browse the 2025-26 schedule now and make note of what courses interest you. The 2026-27 class schedule will be published in August.
COLLEGE Courses
Civic, Liberal, and Global Education (COLLEGE) is a first-year General Education Requirement.
Introductory Seminars
IntroSems are small, hands-on courses taught by esteemed faculty.
Getting Started In...
Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Sustainability