Resources for Your Sophomore
Sophomore Sojourn
The cost is FREE, but applications are required and the retreat will be limited to
the first 100 sophomores who complete their application. The application will be released
once the semester begins, so tell your student to stay tuned!
Living on Campus
Housing
Our four-year residency requirement means students are required to live in F&M-owned or -approved housing for all four years.
Housing applications for returning students are available in February each year. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors have an array of housing options, including suites, apartments, single and double rooms and more. They can also choose to apply for a House Adivser (HA) position.
Students who don't receive housing in one of these options participate in the annual room selection proccess, the Housing Lottery. Housing Lottery information sessions are held in March and April. All students participating in the lottery are encouraged to attend a session in any College House.
Students who did not select housing through the Housing Lottery will receive a housing assignment from the Housing Office in the weeks prior to the start of the fall semester.
Contact Housing
If you or your student have questions about F&M housing, you can explore our FAQ to learn more or reach out to our housing team at housing@fandm.edu or 717-358-4010 for additional help. Your student also has a consistent reference point through their House Director if
they have a question or concern.
Meal Plans
Sophomores are required to purchase a meal plan unless they are commuting (though students commuting students can also purchase a meal plan). Meal plan pricing is automatically folded into your student’s tuition details.
Academics and More
Academic Advising
Many second-year students focus on exploring several academic and life decisions. Your student’s faculty adviser will support them in making these long-term decisions about major(s)/minor(s) declarations, off-campus study and their desired levels of integration, leadership and involvement in the larger F&M community, and much more.
Here are some topics your sophomore should discuss with their adviser:
- What subject they might want to major in and where they think studying it will lead
- Whether they are considering more than one subject for a major and how those subjects might work together as a course of study
- What courses they have liked the most and what skills they most enjoyed practicing
- Whether they want to study abroad
- Fields of study they might want to do research in
- Programs, clubs, and leadership opportunities on campus
- What they are looking forward to during the rest of their time as students
Center for Career and Professional Development
A milestone in your student’s sophomore year is their major declaration. The Career Center will guide them through every step of this important decision. Our signature programs for your sophomore include:
- An academic fair where students can learn more about programs and meet faculty from academic departments on campus
- “Not a Major Decision” individual and group sessions to support students in the period leading up to and following major declaration
- “Living Beyond F&M Series” consisting of sessions on financial literacy, public speaking, the etiquette of the business meal, and more
September 9, 2025 F&M opened the door to a career in education for Samuel Ossa Rodriguez ’24. Now, he helps the next generation of students unlock their potential as a college adviser at nearby J.P. McCaskey High School. September 4, 2025 Franklin & Marshall College is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Trustees: Scott A. Sommer ’85, Christopher W. Rile ’91, and Yusong “Sebastian” Deng ’22. The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in guiding the College’s mission and ensuring that F&M continues to thrive for generations to come. Its newest members are all alumni whose deep connection to the College and impressive professional accomplishments will strengthen the Board’s leadership and service to the F&M community. September 4, 2025 Class of 1992 alumna Sunita Gupta Kramer has returned to F&M as provost and dean of the faculty. Since beginning her new role in July, Kramer has reconnected with familiar places and traditions while considering how F&M has changed—and how it will continue to evolve.F&M Graduate Success Stories
Samuel Ossa Rodriguez ’24 Guides Next Generation of Students
F&M Welcomes New Board Members
F&M Provost On What it Means to be a Diplomat
Have They Considered...
Campus Employment?
Internships?
The Career Center will help your student discover and land these positions, guiding
them through the internship search, application and interview processes, and facilitating
connections with F&M alumni, parents and friends of the College for potential opportunities.
Research?
Off-Campus Study?
Do you have any questions? We're happy to help. Feel free to reach out to us at families@fandm.edu or visit our contact page.Get in Touch With F&M