First Year Retreat

What is First Year Retreat?

You’ve just arrived at LMU, bags in hand and ready for your long-awaited college experience. As you begin unpacking and getting ready for the next four years, some questions you may begin to ask yourself are: 

• Where will I find meaningful relationships?
• How will I succeed academically?
• What extracurriculars can I get involved in?
• What does LA have to offer?
• What will it be like to live away from home for the first time?
• How does my identity impact my transition to LMU?
• What do I believe in and how might I nurture that while here? 

FYR gives you the chance to entertain these questions surrounded by upperclassmen ready and willing to accompany you along the journey, offering their own stories of challenge and triumph during their first years at LMU.  

Why go?   

• Reflect on your transition to college
• Determine new ways to maximize your time at LMU
• Connect with new friends and mentors
• Relax and have a fun weekend away from campus
• Ask big questions about yourself, your beliefs, and what you want for your time at LMU 

What do we do on retreat?   

• Upperclassmen students will share their stories (primarily focused on their first year at LMU)  through talks and reflections
• Small group discussions facilitated by upperclassmen mentors
• Large group activities, nature exploration, and relaxation
• And so much more! 

Do I have to be Catholic to attend the FYR? 

• No! FYR is designed for new students who come from all walks of life, all faith traditions, and anyone searching for meaning and connection in their lives.  All first year and transfer undergraduate students are welcome to attend.

Where is FYR? 

• FYR is held at a campground-style retreat center in the nearby California mountains. FYR 2025 will be held at Pali Retreat Center, which is equipped with cabins, beautiful views, hiking, outdoor adventure type activities, and more.  

 When does registration open? 

• Registration will open in June prior to the start of students fall semester. You can find the registration link at the top of this page if registration is open! 

How much does it cost? Are there scholarships? How can I pay? Are there refunds? 

• The cost to attend FYR is $100 (scholarships are available). This fee includes lodging, meals, transportation, and activities.  You can pay via credit card at this link, or you can deliver cash/check to our office (Malone 210). Campus Ministry wants to ensure that cost does not prohibit students from attending FYR. If a financial need exists, please feel free to email Diana Hadjiyane, Campus Minister for Retreats, at diana.hadjiyane@lmu.edu and we will work to provide you with financial assistance.
• Refunds: In the case of emergencies or extenuating circumstances, you may cancel up to a week in advance.  If approved, you may receive full credit applicable toward a future retreat.  

I’m a grad student, can I attend FYR?   

No. This retreat is for undergraduate students only. If you are looking for a retreat, contact Sr. Maria Lai, C.S.J. at maria.lai@lmu.edu, Campus Minister for Graduate Students.   

What time do we leave and go back on campus? 

The bus will be leaving LMU on Friday after 4pm and will return on Sunday around 4pm.  If you have a class conflict or concern, please contact the FYR team at firstyearretreat@lmu.edu. 

Payment 

• Make sure you’ve submitted payment! You can do so at this link: Click Here!
• If you need financial assistance, please email diana.hadjiyane@lmu.edu and we can work together to find options that fit your needs.  

Waivers 

• Upon signing up, you should have received a waiver form to complete via email. If you have not yet completed this waiver, please follow the following link to the waiver form:
  • Waiver (under 18 by September 12th, 2025)
  • Waiver (18+ by September 12th, 2025) 

What should I pack? 

• Clothes for 3 days and 2 nights, the cozier the better! You might also want to bring along clothes appropriate for the weather since the majority of the retreat will take place outdoors. Layers are always a good idea. It will be warm. but nights will be chilly so please bring a sweatshirt/sweatpants.
• Bedding and/or a sleeping bag + a pillow. Our cabins are equipped with beds and mattresses, so a sheet set + blanket and perhaps a pillow will suffice.
• Active Footwear
• Toiletries
• A water bottle
• Two towels: a towel for showering and one if you plan to use the pool!
• Hat/sunscreen/sunglasses
• A guitar or musical instrument if you play one
• An allergen friendly snack for the bus ride. We will provide pizza for dinner, but depending on traffic, it may be a while before you're able to have a snack after dinner on Friday night) 

What should I leave behind? 

• Electronic devices, including laptop, or tablet. You don’t need it and won’t miss it. 
• Homework
  • If you do absolutely need to do some homework during FYR, there will be free time built into the schedule for you to do so.

What if my emergency contact information or dietary needs have changed recently? 

• Please let us know so that we can accommodate you as comfortably as possible. 

For general questions, please email firstyearretreat@lmu.edu.

For financial aid questions, please email Diana Hadjiyane, Campus Minister for Retreats, at diana.hadjiyane@lmu.edu and we will work to provide you with financial assistance.