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Each resident student has a unique experience at Pendle Hill. At the same time, there is a pattern to life over the course of a term.

Here is a "framework" that a resident student can expect:

• Orientation Week is the first week of each term. Students attend all the termlong courses which are offered before making their final course selections. There is an introduction to many parts of life at Pendle Hill, including daily jobs, work morning, worship and consultation. Students get to know each other and begin to form a community as they share meals and attend classes together.
• Fall, winter and spring term each last 10-11 weeks. Summer term is six weeks long.
• Termlong courses usually meet once a week for 2 ½ hours. There are many opportunities outside of class for more exploration. For example, the art studio is open 24/7 outside of class time and small discussion groups often continue class conversations.
• Meeting for worship takes place in the Barn for half an hour each morning, including on weekends. Spiritual seekers and people of many different faiths participate.
• Every student spends about eight or nine hours per week helping with the work of the household, including on weekends. This includes meal setup or cleanup, care for public living spaces and participation in group projects on work morning. Some students may work additional hours as part of a financial aid arrangement.
• Each student has a consultant and meets with that person for an hour each week. The consultant can help the student focus on goals for the term and how best to realize them.
• Chorus or choir meets once a week and gives a concert at the end of each term. Everyone is welcome to join.
• Community Meeting takes place several times during the term to consider matters which relate to student and community life.
• There are many other activities, including lectures and videos. Students and staff often organize activities such as games, trips to nearby events and places, interest groups, and more.
• Festival Week is the last week of each term. Every student has the opportunity to give a presentation concerning the work of the term. The Craft Show takes place throughout Festival Week, with an opening tea on Monday. The chorus or choir gives an evening concert. Meeting for Leaving is a worshipful opportunity to bring closure to the term. The last night of the term is Log Night, which includes both serious presentations and hilarious spoofs on life at Pendle Hill.