Stanford University

About 97% of undergraduates decide to live on campus and all freshman are guaranteed housing for their entire four years. All told, Stanford can hold up to 14415. There is also a meal plan available and the university does have a hospital on campus.

The housing system has 81 facilities, which also include sixteen fraternities and fourteen sororities. 25% of students decide to join one of these and, in fact, some even offer housing.

With 600 organized groups on campus, students will never want for extracurricular activities. They include the Stanford Daily, the student government, 35 religious organizations, 80 art clubs, intramural sports clubs, six cultural centers, and more.

Freshman are not allowed to bring cars to Stanford, but it is highly recommended that they bring a bike. It is extremely popular choice (13,000 bikes every year!) and the campus is extremely bike-friendly. The school also offers the free Marguerite bus service and 65 Zipcars.

The Stanford University Library is actually a cluster of libraries instead of containing all collections under one roof. With 20 across campus, they host a world-class collection. Librarians are available for one-on-one consultation, workshops, and classes.

Stanford also has an excellent athletic program with 803 athletes, 36 varsity sports, 26 club sports, 300 athletic scholarships, and over 100 coaches and assistants. Part of the Pacific-12 Conference, it is a member of the NCAA. Root for the Cardinal by attending the Stanford Stadium, 18-hole golf course, Maples Pavilion, Sunken Diamond, Taube Family Tennis Stadium, or the Avery Aquatic Complex. For the past 40 years, the university has won at least one national championship every year.