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West Virginia University Adventure WV

Why Should You Consider a First-Year Trip?

Your college experience can start here - an adventure designed to inspire, empower, and create new memories.

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The participant experience

Adventure WV First-Year Trips offer an opportunity for self-discovery through a variety of outdoor experiences and are a proven model for student success and retention.

For participants, these trips spark connection and confidence before they step onto the WVU campus. Students form lasting friendships, learn how to navigate the college experience from peer mentors, and begin building a sense of belonging within the WVU community. The impact is powerful - students who take part in a First-Year Trip are 33% more likely to return for their sophomore year.

Leigha Floyd

Leigha Floyd

Explore Participant Management Information Systems Class of 2027
“My First-Year Trip allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I gained confidence, tried new things, and started my college experience believing in myself and what I’m capable of.”
About Explore
Chase DeWitt

Chase Dewitt

Odyssey Participant Chemical Engineering Class of 2028
"My First-Year Trip made the transition into college feel exciting instead of overwhelming. I arrived on campus already knowing people, feeling supported, and confident about starting this next chapter."
About Odyssey

Hear it firsthand

Hear directly from one of our leaders and participants on how First-Year Trips have impacted them.

AdventureWV Vlog

The Leader experience

Many of our participants go on to become First-Year Trip leaders, where they develop professional and interpersonal skills that prepare them for life after college.

As mentors and facilitators, these leaders learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in real-world settings. These skills can help set them apart long after graduation.

Aidan Kelly

Aidan Kelly

Student Leader Multidisciplinary Studies Class of 2027
“Being a student leader helped me find my community at WVU. Through leading trips and supporting new students, I built meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging that made the university feel like home.”
About Quest
Madison Rhodes

Maddie Rhodes

Student Leader Environment and Energy Resources Class of 2026
“Serving as a student leader helped me build leadership skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making that you can’t learn in a classroom. It gave me confidence and experience I know I’ll carry with me into whatever comes next.”
About Quest