Congratulations! You’ve decided to attend UW Madison this fall. Freshman year can be stressful — not least because you’re leaving home and childhood friends behind. However, these four strategies will have you connecting with other students and making new friends even before leaving home.
- Social Media: Connect with fellow Badgers and the University on social media. Follow university social media accounts, especially those related to your department or intended area of study. This is a great way to begin interacting with other students, administrators, and faculty even before arriving on campus.
- Roommates: Once you know who your roommates will be and have their contact information, reach out. Getting to know roommates before arriving on campus will ease your transition to dorm life.
- First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs): Consider enrolling in a FIG, an intimate 20-person seminar connected with two other courses. You and your fellow students will go through these three classes together, giving you space and time to get to know each other in the context of a shared learning experience.
- Participate!: Whether it’s a party on your floor or a club, get involved. Everyone is new, and most students are feeling just like you. Attending events and participating in activities is a great way to make new friends.
If you apply each of these strategies, you’ll develop friendships that will see you through your freshman year and beyond. Madison will quickly become a home away from home and you will form friendships that will last a lifetime.