When I moved into Chadbourne Hall my freshman year, I thought I had to find my “forever friends” in the first week or risk being alone forever. Spoiler: I didn’t meet all my closest friends right away, and that’s completely normal! Feeling like part of the campus community takes time, but there are a few things that genuinely helped me get there.
1. Say yes to the awkward stuff
UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Late Night offers lots of welcome events that sound mildly uncomfortable: DIY crafts, silent discos, Bob Ross painting nights, and Speed Friending. Go to them. Some of my first real conversations on campus started over our floor’s hallway decorations and their connection to Theodore Roosevelt. Everyone is just as nervous as you are, and these random moments often lead to the most surprising connections.
2. Create a routine you actually enjoy
Instead of hunting for the perfect friend group, I focused on building a rhythm: morning walks on the Lakeshore path, studying at College Library, & working out at the Nick. Once you become a “regular” in a few places, you start seeing familiar faces, and those turn into real friendships. Belonging often grows out of consistency.
3. Start small, speak up
Whether it’s in lecture, a discussion section, or a student org, don’t be afraid to say, “Hey, I’m new. Mind if I join you?” Some of my favorite campus memories started with one brave sentence. People are friendlier than you think; they’re just waiting for someone else to make the first move.
You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Just start showing up and let your corner of UW–Madison find you.