Fall 2024 Information

In it's fourth year, join us at the Flathead Lake Biological Station for this special overnight experience! Similar to the Freshman Wilderness Experience, this trip will bring a small group of 20 incoming first-year students together for a multiday adventure at UM’s world-class freshwater research and education facility on Flathead Lake.  This trip is in addition to the on-campus New Student Orientation program and is specifically designed to set you up for a successful transition to UM.

The cost is $250 per student and covers transportation, food, and lodging. 

Students will need to move into their residence halls early on Thursday, August 15, 2024, to be prepared for departure the following morning.  Students will spend three nights at FLBS and return to campus on Monday the 19th to participate in the Big Sky Experience the rest of the week.

Fall 2024 Information - More Info on the FWE Website

The Freshman Wilderness Experience will introduce students to the incredibly stunning natural surroundings in western Montana. Students do not need any prior outdoor experience to participate. Most importantly, it is a chance for students to meet each other, explore Montana and form lasting friendships before classes begin on campus.  Students have the option to participate in a wilderness backpacking ($360) or canoeing trip ($440), but space is limited!

Those students participating in FWE will need to move into their residence hall rooms the day prior or morning-of check-in for FWE, which occurs August 15, 2024 at 1 p.m.  Groups will be in the field from Aug. 16-19, 2024 and will return to campus to participate in the Big Sky Experience beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.

New students who are joining the Grizzly Marching Band should follow the instructions of the band director regarding move-in, arrival, and the Big Sky experience.  We work closely together to ensure all new students get to participate in important aspects of the Big Sky Experience with their peers.  All Grizzly Marching Band students will be automatically placed into a Big Sky Experience group together.

Depending on your sport, there are a wide variety of obligations prior to and during the Big Sky Experience.  We work closely with the athletic advising team and coaches to ensure student-athletes get to participate in as much of the Big Sky Experience program with their peers as possible.  Please follow the direction of your academic advisor and coaches.