Living in Housing
Stanford students enjoying shared spaces in campus housing.
Explore how to live responsibly, sustainably, and comfortably in Stanford housing. This guide supports your experience through practical tips and key housing policies.
Housing Service Centers
Your local Housing Service Center is your go-to for keys, mail, maintenance help, and general housing questions.
Respectful Living in Shared Spaces
Using Common Areas
- Do not move furniture away from its designated area.
- Restore original layout of furniture.
- Clean up shared kitchenettes and appliances after use.
- Take personal trash to outdoor dumpsters.
- Recycle properly.
- Return dishes and trays to the dining hall.
Custodial Services
- Maintain common-area floors and furniture
- Clean shared kitchenettes during breaks
- Empty shared wastebaskets
Custodians do not clean after events. Restore spaces after gatherings.
Outdoor Areas and Storage
Refer to the guidelines below for using outdoor residential areas:
Balconies and Patios
- Keep areas tidy. No storage or drying of items. BBQs allowed only on ground level away from structures.
Decorations and Storage
- Do not hang items on fences, windows, or buildings. Use Housing-approved decorative items. Storage units must meet safety guidelines and be approved.
Prohibited Items
- Pools, DIY awnings/tarps, and items attached to trees or building exteriors are not allowed.
Keeping Your Space Clean
Residents are responsible for cleaning their spaces regularly. Refer to the Stanford Student Housing Cleaning Guide for:
- Recommended supplies
- Cleaning methods
- Quick-clean checklists
Trash and Recycling
- Bag trash securely and use outdoor dumpsters.
- Do not flush trash or block garbage chutes.
- Recycle clean paper, cans, bottles, and cardboard.
- See Zero Waste Best Practices
Kitchen and Bath Tips
- Protect Surfaces
- Use a cutting board and hot pad to prevent damage.
Garbage Disposal
- Use warm water and feed scraps slowly. Avoid grease and bones. Reset if jammed. If unresolved, submit a Fix-It request.
Stove and Oven Safety
- Never leave food unattended. Report all fires, even if extinguished. Use safe fire handling methods.
- How to Clean your Self-cleaning Oven
Bathroom Drains
- Avoid chemicals. Use a plunger or submit a Fix-It request if clogs persist.
Preventing and Reporting Pests
- Report issues via Fix-It, your Housing Manager, or call (650) 725-1602 for urgent concerns.
- Before pest control visits, clean and declutter affected areas.
- Prevent pests by storing food properly, draining water, and vacuuming regularly.
- Dealing with Pests
Seasonal and Holiday Safety
Help keep our community safe and festive by following these guidelines.
Decorations
- Hanging Lights? Refer to Electrical Safety.
- Turn lights off when you leave your room or apartment.
- Do not block exits or life-safety devices (exit lights, alarm pull stations, fire hose cabinets, fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, and smoke detectors).
- Do not cover doors with wrapping paper or other coverings.
- Never wrap lights around exposed sprinkler pipes.
- Candles are prohibited.
Holiday trees
- Keep natural and artificial trees out of corridors and away from doorways and heat sources.
- Use only flame-treated natural trees and leave the fire-retardant tag attached.
- Keep cut trees in water at all times.
Cleanup and disposal
- Take decorations, trees, and wrappings to campus recycling/dumpster areas promptly after the holidays.
Questions or safety concerns?
Contact your Housing Service Center.
Housing Changes and Sublicensing
Need to adjust your living situation or sublicense your apartment? Refer to the Residence Agreement, review the Sublicensing in Graduate Housing page, or contact your Housing Service Center or Housing Assignments to learn about your options.
Our Shared Commitment
Stanford’s Living Commitment
This guide reflects Stanford’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and respectful communities. Together, we create vibrant living spaces where everyone can thrive.