PRE offers incoming first year students the opportunity to get to know Sewanee in a unique and exciting atmosphere. While exploring the 13,000-acre Domain, students meet other first-years and upperclassmen in an environment that creates trust and establishes new friendships.


SWIMMING   -   CAVING   -   HIKING   -   CLIMBING   -   ROPES COURSE   -   OUTREACH   -   CANOEING   -   CAMPING   -   BONFIRES   -   EXPLORING YOUR NEW HOME!    

Whether rock climbing for the first time, crawling through winding passages in Walker Springs Cave, or building a house with Sewanee Outreach, PRE-Orientation provides memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

During PRE, 210 students will have the opportunity to experience outdoor trips that are available on and near campus. In addition to two campouts, students will participate in three of the following six activities: rock climbing, caving, hiking, ropes course, canoeing, and outreach. PRE concludes with Contra Night, which includes a live band, wacky dress, and a fun hootenanny with new friends. Registration for the PRE program will open in April.

PRE bonfire

When is PRE?

August 21-23, 2024 |  Please see below for more detailed arrival information.

Who participates?

PRE-Orientation aims to welcome 210 incoming first-year and transfer students.

How much does PRE cost?

$290. | Students will pay or request financial aid when they register online in April. 

Financial Aid

Students will be able to apply for financial aid when PRE registration opens in April. Be sure to upload a letter on the registration page stating both the reason you're requesting aid and the amount of assistance necessary for you to attend PRE.

Conflicts

If you are involved in varsity sports, please check with your coach to be sure your pre-season training schedule allows you to attend PRE. Football, field hockey, soccer, and volleyball currently conflict with PRE. FYP and PRE occur at the same time, so students may only choose to do one.

How do I register?

Registration will open in April through the Applicant Status Page after a student pays his or her enrollment deposit. Shortly after registration, students will be prompted to complete the PRE Arrival Form. There are 210 spots available in this program. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis once the registration form opens in April!

Packing for PRE

Participating in PRE allows you to move directly into your permanent residence hall on August 21. You will be able to return to your room each day to change and shower. If you decide to bring all of your belongings on Wednesday, you can move them into your permanent residence hall room and set up your room at the end of PRE. Alternatively, parcel post is available to the Sewanee Post Office (SPO). To simplify your initial travel to Sewanee, your parents may choose to bring some of your belongings to campus on Saturday, Aug. 24. Because free time is limited, we encourage you to pack a separate duffel bag for use during PRE (see gear list).

Parents & Families

Parents and family members who are dropping off participants will not be able to see them until PRE is over. Those who wish to attend a parent/ family orientation can meet their student on the morning of Saturday, August 24.

Arrival

Students need to arrive in Sewanee on Wednesday, August 21 between 12 p.m. noon and 3:00 p.m. Students that are flying in should arrive at the Nashville Airport (BNA) between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Groome Transportation provides shuttle service from the Nashville Airport. Please select Monteagle as your drop-off location. The University will shuttle you from Monteagle to campus.

FAQ

  • What's the best option for transportation to PRE?
    Several options exist for getting to Sewanee on arrival Wednesday. Many students choose to drive, bringing all of the belongings they'll need for the semester. Other students fly into the Nashville airport with just their clothing and items needed for PRE (see above gear list) in a duffel bag and catch a Groome Transportation shuttle to Monteagle, where PRE staff will pick them up using a University Van and transport them the rest of the way to Sewanee.
  • How will I get my belongings to Sewanee if I'm flying to PRE?
    Students may ship their belongings to the Sewanee Post Office, or parents may transport belongings to their students on Saturday, August 24.
  • Can I see my parents while I'm taking part in PRE?
    Students will not be able to see their parents during PRE. Parents are welcome to help their students move in on arrival Wednesday, but parents will not be able to take part in programming until parent/ family orientation on Saturday, August 24.

See you in August!