Photo by Jeff Miller / University of Wisconsin–Madison
The following Freshman Tips are tips that I believe are necessary for any Freshman wanting wisdom from someone that has already been through it. The next few tips aren’t cohesive to one another; however, I am highlighting them because they each played an important role in helping me navigate my freshman year successfully.
Find a Good Study Spot:
You’re going to be studying a lot, and with such a big campus, focus is everything. Finding places where you can block out distractions will help in the long run. I learned which spots were quieter at certain times and made a habit of going there when I really needed to lock in.
Utilize Student Resources:
UW–Madison has an amazing staff ready to help with advising, financial aid, health services, and more. I was recently accepted back for Fall 2025. Since I was behind on my academic plan, I wanted to take summer courses. Financial Aid and Advising played a huge role in making that happen — their quick support helped me return a whole semester sooner. That said, you also have to put in the work. I had to take the initiative, show up to appointments, ask questions, and stay on top of deadlines. This list is a great place to start: https://acsss.wisc.edu/new-student-resources/
Take Time for Yourself – Enjoy Campus:
It’s important to actually experience campus. It’s easy to get caught up in the workload and miss out. I made that mistake — I was so focused that when I got back home, I thought, “Why couldn’t I just appreciate the moment more?” Don’t let that be a regret. It’s okay to slow down and take time for yourself.
Final Thoughts:
Freshman year goes by quicker than you think. It’s easy to get wrapped up in school, stress, and trying to have it all figured out. But honestly, the moments I remember most are the simple ones — walking to class, hanging out on campus, figuring things out as I went. Things won’t always go perfectly, and that’s part of it. Just do your best, ask for help when you need it, and try to be present while you’re in it.