Creating the Extraordinary Student Experience : Office of Student Life

Participant Information

First, take a look at the Buck-I-SERV experience in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T73yqhVXoE

How and when do I pay for the trip?

  • Domestic Trip Payments: If selected as a participant, the following payments will be due by the deadlines listed below (unless otherwise noted in offer email; International trip deposits are different that the amounts/dates listed below, consult your offer letter for more information):
  • 1st payment: At least $100, non-refundable - Due within 48 hours of receiving your trip notice.
  • Final payment: any remaining, non-refundable balance- Check your trip notice for specific final payment date for your winter, spring or summer trip.
  • International Trip Payments: Generally, the dates are the same as domestic trips, but the payment amount may be $500-700 for the 1st payments.  Consult your individual trip notification information for your specific payment deadlines.
  • Other Payment Information: You can choose to pay the total amount of your trip at any time prior to the final deadline. All payments are non-refundable. 
  • Participants can make credit card and Buck-ID payments via the My Trips section on the Buck-I-SERV website.  To locate the My Trips page, click on Applications>Leader and Participant Applications>My Trips.  A link to a secure payment site is also provided for each participant to send to family and friends who can then make credit card payments directly to a participant's account.  (Note for returners: We no longer take check or BuckID payments in the Resource Room).

What do I pack for the trip?

  • While each trip is different, and the items you need will vary for each location and service project, the following is a guideline for important things you should not forget. 

    • Personal Items

      • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
      • Toiletries
      • Towel
      • Shower Items (shampoo, soap, towel, shower shoes, etc.)
      • Prescription Medications
      • Contacts and/or glasses
      • Water Bottle

    • Clothing

      • Enough clothes for the week
      • Long pants and close-toed shoes (for construction and warehouse work) 
      • One business casual outfit if your group is going out to dinner or an alumni visit
      • Pajamas

    • Sleeping- All trips stay together as a group either on site or close to the site in affordable housing/lodging locations. Depending where your group is staying, you may need any of the following. Make sure to check with your trip leaders for more information. 

      • Pillow
      • Sleeping bag
      • Sheets/Blankets
      • Sleeping Pad/ Small Air Mattress

    • Other Items

      • Games for the ride and free time (cards, catchphrase, etc.) 
      • Camera
      • Spending money for food and other items if you wish *Unless otherwise noted, food is not included in the cost of the trip and will require extra spending money.
      • Phone, tablet, charger cords *Please note that your trip leaders and/or your service site staff may ask that you not use phones and/or take pictures during certain portions of your trip. Please respect these rules of your trip and be polite about technology use.
      • Journal notebook and pen to record your thoughts during the trip.