And having spent the summer with Ireland Under-20s at the Junior World Championship in Italy, Stockdale was grateful for the chance to spend some time with his Ulster teammates.
"Having senior guys there that you can go to with questions, particularly Ian Humphreys, is a massive advantage," Stockdale told the club website.
"The biggest part I have found is trying to learn the detail of each role.
"Ian knows everything about every play. He can tell where everyone should be and I have found him so helpful.
"If you have a question about what breakdown you should be at or what line you should be running, you can go to him and he will have the answer.
"The 24/7 nature of a camp is important for training, and in terms of getting to know guys.
"A few players have come in and a number of young guys like myself have made the step up from the Academy, so it was good to spend time with the other members of the squad.
The early part of the season presents something of an opportunity for Stockdale, with players away at the World Cup, so the utility back has his eye set on improving on his appearances for Ulster A last year.
And after a productive warm-weather camp, the Newtownstewart man is keen to stake a claim for a first team spot with plenty of miles in his legs.
"It was tough but enjoyable," added Stockdale. "You lose your breath quicker, it takes you longer to get your breath back, so you have to adapt to that.
"At the same time it gives you more chance to work on skills. It's easier to pass and kick. We are getting a lot of conditioning done but we are also able to run through plays a lot easier.
"Last year playing for Ulster A and Ireland U20s helped a lot in terms of understanding what it takes to play at senior level.
"Last year I stuck in there but this season I want to push on and make an impact on the games.
"My aim is to play well enough [while guys are away with RWC] to be able to stay on with the senior team and play whenever I can during the year."
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