Each September, the beginning of New Student Orientation (NSO) marks the dawn of a new school year at Stanford, and with it a new stage in the lives of first-year students. Though NSO is a unique opportunity for incoming students to explore what Stanford has to offer and make social connections without the pressure of coursework, the pace and structure of the week can prove exhausting for some. Students must juggle necessary tasks such as moving in, taking placement tests and purchasing bicycles with the myriad activities that NSO has to offer. With this in mind, we offer the Class of 2015 some humble advice for navigating the weeks ahead.
As a whole, NSO is a great representation of Stanford. It may seem a bit overwhelming and sometimes even over-the-top (much like Stanford), but the organizers take great pride in listening to feedback so each year’s NSO is different and better than those that preceded it.
Some things, of course, stay the same each year. You are at a university that can ask renowned authors to discuss their work for students who have not even begun taking classes; you are also at a university that values more intimate in-house discussions of those same books. Whether you liked the three books or not — whether or not you even read them — attend the three books event and discussion and realize what they represent about the amazing education you will receive here. Another favorite, FACES, highlights student stories and performances that will broaden your understanding of the Stanford community. As you listen to them, realize that what you are witnessing is at best a tiny percentage of the diversity that Stanford represents. This is a place for everyone, regardless of background.
The rest of the schedule may seem impossibly full of activities, but NSO is ultimately what you make of it. Take the time to reach out to fellow classmates. They are all excited but nervous and probably a little self-conscious, just like you. Meet them. Talk to them. Bond with them over NSO activities, over getting lost, over meeting a classmate you last saw in fourth grade, over your eerily similar high school backgrounds or your vastly different ones.
New Student Orientation is, of course, only the beginning of what will hopefully be a fruitful undergraduate experience. Throughout the chants, speeches, trips and seminars, students should remember that NSO exists for their benefit — there is no point in being stressed before classes even begin. Similarly, students should also be wary of overburdening themselves with coursework during their first quarter, which can make it difficult to identify activities outside the classroom that are often as rewarding as those within. There will be plenty of time in the months and years ahead for hard work and long hours. For now, the focus is on enjoying yourself and exploring as you work towards becoming a happy, flourishing member of the Stanford community. On behalf of The Stanford Daily Editorial Board, welcome.