When I first arrived at UW–Madison, I had this image in my head of instantly finding my group—laughing in the dining hall, walking to class together, and staying up late talking about life. What actually happened was a lot of wandering around campus solo, trying to figure out where I fit in. But eventually, I did—and here’s how.
One of the best things I did was say yes to any invites, even if I felt it was going to be uncomfortable or weird. Someone from my floor invited me to the dining hall, and although I was nervous, I went. That one night led to a weekly tradition that helped me feel at home in a new place.
Another key moment was attending the Student Org Fair. It was chaotic and overwhelming, yes, but worth it. I signed up for The Vault (business behind fashion) club on a whim. I didn’t know anyone in it, but I loved the creative energy, and it gave me a space where I didn’t have to pretend to be anyone else.
Below: A photo from one of our fashion shows—featuring a dress I designed!
Lastly, I started actually talking to people in class. I asked classmates for notes, joined study groups, and slowly, those academic connections turned into real friendships. This is so important, not just for getting help with coursework, but also for building relationships across different groups on campus. Don’t feel like you have to stick with the first person you meet on move-in day. Branching out can lead you to people who truly match your interests and energy.
Finding your niche doesn’t always happen in the first week, or even the first semester. But it does happen when you keep showing up and stay open to unexpected connections.
Check out this list of over 1,000 student organizations and start exploring where you might belong!
