Branching out and exploring early on in your college career can be scary, but it is beneficial for your long-term success. My single tip for every incoming freshman Badger is to try everything (within reason).
Freshman year is the year to try things and get a taste for what it is you are interested in. Go to a freshman event with your roommates that you’re curious about. Check out what’s happening at either of the unions. Meet up with your friend from calculus for coffee. Go to the first meeting of the semester for clubs you are interested in. Go to a football game with your neighbors. Remember that change can be positive, so embrace it! You might not stay in some of those clubs, you might change majors, you might change friends. However, you will better understand yourself, what you value, and what you don’t like.
The beginning of my freshman year was off to a bad start because I was heavily homesick and refused to leave my room. However, in my second week, I decided to give it a try and meet people living on the same floor as my residence hall and get to know my roommates. Together, we studied throughout the semester, had lunch together, and introduced each other to new friends we met on campus. It made college feel much more exciting and gave me the courage to continue through my first few semesters.
Freshman year can be very overwhelming, so give yourself some grace. It’s okay to say no, and take a rest when you need. You’ve got this! Go Badgers!
