Yes, I’m not going to lie, starting freshman year can be scary.
On my first day, I thought I could walk all the way to the Bakke from Witte with two heavy bags. I did not make it. Finding your community takes real effort and will not happen overnight. You must try new things, here are three tips that helped me survive my first semester.
First, I highly recommend joining an academic club based on your major.
This is super important for making connections and meeting peers you will share classes with for years. Second, join a group based on a hobby, whether that is a book club, sports team, or gaming group. When you find people who share your exact interests, it is incredibly easy to connect and feel welcomed. https://www.wisc.edu/student-life/
(Break Dancing Club)
Don’t spend all your time alone in your dorm.
Try new things and meet new people whenever you get the chance. Go to the football game with your floor neighbors if they invite you, or accept that invitation to grab dinner at the dining hall. You won’t make connections if you say no all the time.
Understand that every single freshman is in the exact same spot.
Everyone is scared, and everyone wants to make friends. Use that to your advantage. No one is going to judge you for starting a random conversation in the Witte elevator. If you see someone sitting alone at Gordons, ask to join them.