Pre-Arrival Programs
F&M’s pre-arrival programs offer an incredible opportunity to explore your passions. Arrive on campus a few days early and connect with other first-year students who share your interest in the outdoors, sustainability, mindfulness, civic engagement, musical arts and more! Explore our programs to find the right fit for you.
Programs may have varying sign-up deadlines, fees, and program dates. Please note that international students and fall athletes are unable to register for pre-arrival programs due to conflicting pre-orientation schedules.
CURB: Explore Lancaster
CURB Pre-Arrival Program
August 20 — August 22
Cost: $250
Ready to discover all the wonderful things Lancaster has to offer? The campus-urban-rural-broader (CURB) pre-arrival program is an exploration of your home for the next four years. With F&M student mentors by your side, you’ll enjoy getting to know some of the indoor and outdoor gems Lancaster City, Lancaster countryside, and our own F&M campus have to offer.
FOOT: Backpack the Appalachian Trail
FOOT Pre-Arrival Program
August 19 — August 22
Cost: $250
If you’re interested in becoming a leader in sustainability, pursuing environmental education, or you just love the outdoors, then the First-Year Outdoor Orientation Trip (also known as "FOOT") is for you. FOOT is a four-day, three-night backpacking trip on a section of the Appalachian Trail through Pennsylvania’s beautiful rolling hills.
MIND: A Mindfulness Experience
MIND Pre-Arrival Program
August 20 — August 22
Cost: $250
Mindfulness is simply defined as being aware of the present moment without judgment. It’s well understood to not only contribute to mental and physical wellness, but to academic wellness, too! In the Mindfulness in Next Diplomats (MIND) pre-arrival program, you’ll make new friends as you learn ways to bring mindfulness into your everyday life as an F&M student, Lancastrian, and young adult.
Music: Engage With the Arts
Music Pre-Arrival Program
August 20 — August 22
Cost: $115
Engage with F&M’s music community and get to know the Lancaster arts scene before the semester begins. Even if you don’t intend to be a music major, you can participate in this pre-arrival program, which is sponsored by F&M’s music department and music honor society. Activities include an ice cream social, game nights, open mics, movies, a tour of downtown Lancaster, practice time, coaching, ensemble auditions, and more.
PIT: Serve the Community
PIT Pre-Arrival Program
August 20 — August 22
Cost: $250
Putting It Together in the Community (PIT), a three-day pre-arrival program, aims to immerse you in the culture, history, and service opportunities of the Lancaster community. Through a combination of service projects, educational tours, and recreational activities, you will build connections and develop a deeper understanding of community engagement. You will learn to appreciate Lancaster and what it takes to be a good neighbor during your time at F&M.
