Starting at a big university like UW-Madison can be an exciting adventure, especially when it comes to making friends and finding your place in a new environment. As a freshman, you have the opportunity to meet so many new people and experience everything the campus has to offer. Here are three tips from my own experience to help you connect with others and truly feel a part of the UW-Madison community.
- Participate in Dorm Activities
Living in the dorms is a unique opportunity to build friendships right where you live. The Resident Life department plans many fun programs such as Wisconsin Late Night and Wisconsin Weekdays. These events are perfect for making friends, connections, having fun, and getting involved. In addition to these larger events, many resident halls organize activities specifically tailored to get to know your floor-mates. Participating in dorm activities can lead to close friendships and make your everyday environment more enjoyable.
2. Join a Study Group
Classes at UW-Madison can be difficult, and joining a study group is a great way to find friends who share your academic interests. In my first semester, I joined a study group for my calculus class. We often extended our study sessions to include coffee breaks and social activities, which helped us bond and become more than just classmates. Someone in my study group is still my friend to this day!
3. Social Media
Even before getting to Madison you can join groups on Snapchat, Instagram, etc. to get to know as many incoming freshman as possible so when you get to school you will see many more familiar faces. This is also a great way to meet your roommate. I met my freshman year roommate and my sophomore-junior year roommates on Instagram!
Although entering college can be scary, but soon Madison will feel like home. Get ready to create lifelong friendships and lasting memories! Welcome to the Badger Family!