As the spring semester begins, Fordham University is gearing up for its annual FreshVision retreat, a weekend designed to help first-year and transfer students take a step back from the fast pace of college life and focus on personal growth. This event will take place on the weekend of Feb. 7 – 9 at Fordham’s Retreat House in Goshen, New York. The retreat offers students the opportunity to reflect, build connections and find a sense of belonging within the Fordham community.
Stephanie Roddy, Associate Director of Campus Ministry, has been instrumental in planning the retreat and ensuring it meets the needs of new students.
“FreshVision is designed specifically for first-year and transfer students to help them reflect on their transition to college, build meaningful connections, and gain a sense of belonging in their new environment,” she said. “The retreat includes a mix of leader reflections, small group discussions, personal reflection time, and fun activities, all aimed at helping students navigate the challenges and opportunities of starting fresh at Fordham.”
For many students, the transition to college can feel overwhelming. FreshVision offers a chance to pause, take stock of their experiences and connect with others in a welcoming environment.
“The first-year and transfer experience can be a whirlwind,” Roddy explained. “We want students to know they’re not alone in this transition. There’s power in stepping away from the day-to-day grind and really taking the time to reflect on what this new chapter means to them.”
The Fordham Retreat House in Goshen is about 60 miles north of New York City. The house is a contrast to busy campus life and offers students a chance to experience the retreat in a more serene environment. Naomi Andrews, FCRH ’28, attended FreshVision in the fall and found the experience deeply meaningful. “The house in Goshen is so welcoming for students to get away from the stress of campus life,” she said. “My favorite part of the weekend was the reflection and space we had to be surrounded by both community and faith.”
FreshVision isn’t just about reflection — it’s also about forming friendships that extend far beyond the retreat weekend. Past participants often describe the retreat as a turning point in their college experience, where they not only gained personal insight but also built strong connections with their peers.
One student shared, “It’s a great way to get to know other freshmen on a real and deep level. It gave me a chance to pause and reflect on my Fordham experience in a way I hadn’t before.” Another participant added, “The opportunity to self-reflect alongside a supportive community is life-changing. I really got to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of college life and think about who I want to be and what values I want to live by.”
Roddy hopes that every student who attends leaves feeling more confident in their college journey. “Whether it’s deepening their self-awareness, forming lasting friendships, or gaining new perspectives on their transition, we want students to walk away from this retreat feeling encouraged and grounded,” she said. “It’s a space to take a breath, to feel supported, and to remind themselves why they came to Fordham in the first place.”
Spots for FreshVision are limited, and students are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. For more information, visit Fordham’s Retreat Ministry page, reach out to Campus Ministry or follow @fordhamretreats and @fordhamcm on Instagram for updates.
