About the program
The University of Rochester First-Year Orientation Outing Treks (UR FOOT) program, established in 2005, offers incoming first-year students the opportunity to arrive on campus early, connect with their classmates, and explore some of western New York's most beautiful natural wonders.
UR FOOT begins a few days before Fall Welcome Week starts, allowing participants to move into their on-campus housing assignments early. Once the program is finished, UR FOOT participants will join their classmates for Welcome Week traditions, social events, and informational programs.
2025 program treks
Chimney Bluffs State Park
Experience dramatic landscapes and incredible views as you spend a morning hiking along the shores of Lake Ontario.
Photo by Lokesh Paduchuri
Letchworth State Park
Spend the entire day exploring the "Grand Canyon of the East" with its impressive gorges and waterfalls.
Photo by Samantha Kennedy
2025 program activities
Indoor rock climbing
Climb to new heights alongside your Trek Leaders and new friends as you take on one of Rochester's best indoor rock climbing gyms.
Photo by Rahadiansyah Adzi
Kayaking on the Genesee River
Spend time paddling along the Rochester's most important waterway and taking in city sights.
Photo by Adam Fenster
2025 program dates
The 2025 UR FOOT program will run from Saturday, August 16 through the end of Monday, August 18, 2025. Please note: All treks and activities will finish prior to Tuesday, August 19, allowing program participants to fully participate in Fall Welcome Week. The second day of the program (Monday, August 18) does overlap with the first Fall Arrival Day. However, there is no required events on this day, so UR FOOT participants will not miss any mandatory programs.
Saturday, August 16
Participant move-in and Welcome Dinner
Sunday, August 17
Day treks begin in the morning
Monday, August 18
Day treks finish by the end of the day
Tuesday, August 19
Fall Welcome Week events continue for all students and families
Learn more about Welcome WeekWednesday, August 20
Fall Welcome Week events for families end in the late afternoon
Saturday, August 23
Fall Welcome Week events end for students
2025 program details
Expand the items below to view the details of this year's UR FOOT program.
Capacity and eligibility
The 2025 UR FOOT program is limited to 100 participants. You must be an incoming first-year student at the University of Rochester (beginning your studies in August 2025) in order to apply to participate.
Cost
The program cost is $200 USD per student. Limited scholarships are available based upon need. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please indicate your interest on the application form.
Arrival and move-in
You must be able to move into your assigned on-campus housing on Saturday, August 16 (no alternate move-in dates will be allowed).
On arrival day, you can head to your residential area office anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (EST) to pick up your room key and campus ID card and move into your assigned on-campus housing. Please make sure to finish up your move-in process before 4 p.m., so you can attend the Welcome Dinner and Training.
Supplies and gear
As a participant, you are expected to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the 2025 treks. A list of gear will be provided upon your acceptance to the program. If you need additional information about appropriate gear or have concerns about item availability, please contact us.
Apply
2025 program application
The application for the 2025 program opens on Monday, June 9 at 9 a.m. (EDT). Participants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program reaches capacity (100 students) or by Sunday, July 6.
Connect
Join us on Instagram!
Follow the University of Rochester First-Year Orientation Outing Treks (UR FOOT) program on Instagram to learn more about the current students who will be guiding you through the program, as well as information about this year's trek locations.