Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions we frequently receive from incoming first-year students interested in Frosh 101. If your question isn't answered below, feel free to contact us at frosh101program@stanford.edu.
What is Frosh 101?
Frosh 101 is a 1-unit, discussion-based, and student-led course designed to support you as you transition to Stanford's dynamic campus. Through weekly activities and conversations, this class creates space for you to establish friendships, gain advice, develop stress-management skills, thrive in a new environment, set goals, and reflect in your growing community.
What quarter is Frosh 101 offered? How often does the course meet?
Frosh 101 is offered only during the Fall quarter. The course meets once a week for 80 minutes, with a total of eight sessions throughout the quarter.
What is the workload for Frosh 101? What if adding the course pushes me over the 12-15 units Academic Advisors recommend for the first quarter?
Frosh 101 does not have any required coursework outside of class; however, because the course is discussion based, it requires regular attendance and engagement at a weekly 80-minute section. The course’s impact on students’ weekly workload is minimal, and many students comment each year that Frosh 101 was their favorite class during their first quarter.
Who facilitates the course?
Since Frosh 101 is student led, sections are facilitated by upperclass students who participated in Frosh 101 or Transfer 101 the previous year.
Does Frosh 101 have an application?
There is no application—any interested students are encouraged to enroll during New Student Orientation in September.
Why are there so many different listings of Frosh 101 in Navigate Classes?
Frosh 101 is a residentially-based course offered in every house with frosh, and each listing corresponds to the set of sections within the hosting dorm. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a section within their assigned residence. Most houses will offer multiple sections at various times, and students can select which section works best with their schedule.
Can I audit the course?
Auditing (i.e., attending without enrolling) is not allowed for Frosh 101; students must be enrolled to participate. Discussions within the course often involve vulnerable conversations built on trust, and regular attendance and engagement—which are not required when auditing—are necessary to facilitate this community building.