Starting college is like stepping into a whole new world of excitement with endless freedom and opportunities. Sure, it might feel a little scary at first, but these are going to be some of the most memorable years of your life. Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating graduation beside your best friends wishing you could do it all again. Here are 3 tips on how to make these meaningful connections and make the most out of your time at UW-Madison:
- 1. Join an Intramural Sports Team/Club
- Many students enjoyed playing sports in high school but often stop when they get to college. Picking up a sport you once loved is a great way to meet like-minded people and create close bonds with other freshmen as well as upperclassmen. UW-Madison offers a wide variety of intramural/club sports teams, including soccer, tennis, and volleyball! Participating in these teams can help you stay active, relieve stress, and of course make new friends.
- 2. Volunteer
- Madison offers an abundance of opportunities for volunteering both on and off campus. The University League is a great resource for finding volunteer opportunities where you can connect with other students and Madison locals who are passionate about community service. This Fall there will be a Student Organization Fair on September 10th and 11th 5-8 at the Kohl Center, it’s a great chance to meet other students in involved in various volunteer organizations. If you’re interested in health-related volunteering, there is the Bucky Pre-Health Volunteer Club, among many other options.
- 3. Get a Job on Campus
- Now, I know this one doesn’t seem as fun but hear me out! There are so many opportunities available on campus for student jobs like working at a Badger Market with other students to office jobs focusing on finance or marketing. I got my first job at UW-Madison during my sophomore year, and honestly, it was one of the best experiences ever. I met many new people who are still friends today, and I enjoyed perks like catered food on Tuesdays and Thursdays, woohoo! This is a fantastic way to meet new people and build your resume, which may not seem important now, but trust me, it will be invaluable in the future! The UW Student Jobs page is where I found my first job (shoutout Wisconsin School of Engineering). Remember they know you are students so you can work as little or as much as you want.
Most of all, don’t be afraid to take risks and be ok with feeling uncomfortable, that’s what college is all about. Take these next 4 years to truly find yourself and your passions. On, Wisconsin!