Mom can’t come live in the dorms with you, so you’re inevitably going to have to learn to do your own laundry at some point. That is, unless you plan on leaving all the fun in Madison and going home every weekend to continue having mom do it for you (please don’t do this!). Now Read More…
Don’t be afraid to wander
UW-Madison has a big campus, and there is so much to explore. Don’t get into the habit of only going to class and back. Visit as many buildings on campus as you can, even if you don’t have classes in them. Here are some interesting places/activities I’ve found. D.C. Smith Greenhouse One frigid December day, Read More…
Tortured Without Tissues
Many people heading off to college overlook the simple necessities in life. At UW-Madison, the dorms focus on environmental sustainability and only provide hand dryers in the bathrooms. As people adjust to their new lives in the dorm, their bodies are adjusting to the new environment. Along with a new place to live, comes the Read More…
First item any incoming freshman should pack for coming to college in Madison, Wisconsin.
When coming to Madison, Wisconsin for 9 months, you are undoubtedly going to be here in the winter months and that means you need a coat and not just any coat but a coat that is especially designed for extreme temperatures. And most importantly, a coat with a hood that has a built in face Read More…
Plan Ahead with a Planner
Transitioning into college was a hard one for me, especially when it came to studying or staying on schedule with assignments. In high school, I didn’t have to study a lot to pass tests nor did I need a set schedule. I basically wung a lot of my high school experience. Coming to college was Read More…
The Surprising Benefits of a Storage Cube: A Freshman Necessity
While it may seem stupid, my storage cube was one of my best college purchases. A storage cube is a square, hollow box that both acts as a storage container and a small ottoman. Both uses are especially important and will help you have the best college dorm room. Seating The most important use of Read More…
3 Things that will make you the Best Roommate Ever
Getting along with your roommate is very important for a successful freshman year. When I met my roommate during move-in, we quickly learned the do’s and do not’s of living with another person. After my freshman year, I compiled a list of what makes a good roommate, and the top three pieces of advice will Read More…
Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Who’s the Most Prepared Freshman of Them All?
College move in check lists are crazy. You really do have to bring your entire life and pack it into a small room for 9 months. While yes my hamper and power strip were undeniably useful, my full length mirror was another item that I can honestly say I used every day. At home, someone Read More…
4 Ways to be Social… in an “Antisocial” Dorm
Every dorm on campus has a stereotype. Whether it’s quiet and boring or loud and obnoxious, no one really knows what the dorm is like unless they live in it. The dorms are truly what you make of it. Here are 4 ways to be social in an “antisocial” dorm. 1. Get out there Everyone Read More…
May the light be with you!
The library may be one of the better study space options, but on those winter nights or late night study sessions, sometimes you may just want to stay in your home away from home. On nights like these, my clip-on lamp was the perfect dorm accessory! Having time to wind down after a long day Read More…