Registration is now open for ALL Summer and Fall 2025 Pre-Orientation Programs. Register for the Outdoor Asheville Sampler, Wilderness, and Blue Ridge Experience HERE.
What are Pre-Orientations?
UNC Asheville offers a variety of pre-orientation programs for incoming first-year students in July and August of each year. These programs serve to help students get excited about their upcoming college experience, build strong friendships, and participate in engaging activities.
Incoming first-year and first-semester transfer students are invited to get a head start on their UNC Asheville education by participating in week-long special-interest programs that showcase our campus, the city of Asheville, and Western North Carolina.
Pre-Orientation programs will be offered June 22-27, July 13-18, and August 9-13. The cost of each program ($250 for all programs except Blue Ridge Experience; $325 for Blue Ridge Experience) covers housing, meals, transportation during the program, and activity fees. These programs keep students active and very engaged throughout the week. Please be prepared for moderate physical activity and participating in group activities. See more information about registration, scholarships, and FAQs below, and at the Student Transitions & Family Programs Pre-Orientations page.
Outdoor Pre-Orientation
Outdoor Pre-Orientation programs are peer-led, adventure-based experiences that prepare students for life at UNC Asheville, hosted by Campus Recreation Outdoor Programs. These trips offer participants diverse opportunities to meet other first-year students, learn about themselves, and be a part of exciting adventure experiences in the area!
Three different models of Outdoor Pre-Orientation are available for incoming first-year students to choose from. Click here to access registration.
Outdoor Asheville Sampler
July 13-18, 2025
Stretch your legs and explore the breathtaking landscape of Asheville with Campus Recreation. Participants will get the opportunity to explore the bustling urban areas of Asheville along with the beautiful nature through hikes, rafting trips, and much more! During this July Pre-Orientation program, students live in the residence halls and meet fellow students and staff who share their interests.
A not about the the following August programs:
Students in the Blue Ridge and Wilderness Experience groups will be able to move into their assigned residence halls early on Saturday, August 9th prior to the start of their trip that afternoon. The Experience will then be off-campus for the duration of the program, and participants will end back on campus on the final day to join in with campus-wide orientation activities. It’s a great way to kick off your experience at UNCA and start the semester with a core group of new friends!
Blue Ridge Experience
August 9-13, 2025
This “adventure sampler” style trip allows students to participate in a variety of outdoor activities like canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. BRE trips will lodge in camp-style rustic cabins and spend time cooking, eating, and living as a community over the course of the 5-day trip, with the guidance of highly-trained peer leaders. Students will spend time each day discussing topics relevant to preparing themselves for their UNC Asheville experience and forming strong friendships with other group members. All instruction, equipment, food, and transportation is provided throughout the trip, and no experience is necessary to participate- beginners and outdoor novices welcome and encouraged to register!
Wilderness Experience
August 9-13, 2025
This “wilderness living” style trip allows students to experience the peacefulness and exciting challenges of outdoor living on a 3-day backpack, and try their hand at rock climbing in a beautiful location. WE trips will camp outdoors and spend time cooking, eating, and living as a community over the course of the 5-day trip, with the guidance of highly-trained peer leaders. Students will spend time each day discussing topics relevant to preparing themselves for their UNC Asheville experience and forming strong friendships with other group members. All instruction, equipment, food, and transportation is provided throughout the trip, and no experience is necessary to participate- beginners and outdoor novices welcome and encouraged to register!
Registration is open for Outdoor Pre-Orientation on the Student Transitions & Family Programs Pre-Orientations page.
For questions, contact outdoorprograms.rec@unca.edu