PRE

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. Registration for the PRE program will open in April.

When is PRE?

August 20-22, 2026 | (Please with the Office of Residential Life so that you have completed your move-in prior to your check-in for PRE at Elliott Hall.)

Please see below for more detailed arrival information.

Who participates?

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

How much does PRE cost?

No fee is required to attend PRE. However, a confirmed registration is required and there are only 210 spots available.

Financial Aid

Not Applicable. There is no fee 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.

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 Thursday, August 20. 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 Thursday, you can move them into your permanent residence hall room. Alternatively, parcel post is available to the Sewanee Post Office (SPO). Because free time is limited, we encourage you to pack a separate duffel bag for use during PRE (see gear list).

Arrival

Students need to arrive in Sewanee on the morning of Thursday, August 20 for move-in. Students that are flying in should arrive at the Nashville Airport (BNA). 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 Thursday. 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 Sewanee 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.

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