Congratulations Badger, you are now a college student! This is a big change for anyone, and it’s completely normal to feel nervous or overwhelmed. The good news: your first semester is the best time to be a tourist—be curious, familiarize yourself with your new home!
GET INVOLVED!
UW-Madison has tons of student organizations and clubs, go to the student org fair and find things that interest you. Also check out the Wisconsin Unions’ events and guest speakers list. This past spring, Boris Johnson came to speak at Memorial Union!
GO TO FRESHMAN EVENTS!
These are mixers and activities made just for freshmen and they often give out tons of free stuff. Freshman events are all over campus, and a great way to get acquainted with the buildings and geography before classes start.
EXPLORE STATE STREET!
The city of Madison has so much to offer—the Farmer’s Market is every Saturday around the Capitol Building until mid-November; the Madison Night Market occurs monthly until October; and there are tons of good restaurants (many of them quite reasonably priced) and several vintage and clothing stores along State Street. Challenge yourself to try a new café or find a new study spot closer to the Capitol—you’d be surprised how much less crowded these places are, even during exam season.
Prioritize activities that you know bring you the most fulfillment and happiness, but push yourself to get out, explore, and embrace unfamiliarity. Remember, everyone adapts, makes friends, and finds their rhythm on their own timeline. You’ve got this!
(Module 2B, Summer 2026)