When I first settled into my dorm and took my first steps on campus, I honestly felt overwhelmed. As an out of state student from the west coast, my new environment of 50,000 strangers seemed scary and intimidating. But as the weeks went on, I slowly but surely managed to find my community of people and proudly adapt into badger
Whether you are a student from out of the state, or even out of the country, or just an instate student looking to expand your circle, I will be sharing 3 tips to help you not just survive, but thrive in your freshman year.
TIP 1: Find people with similar interests
Meeting people who have similar interests and hobbies is a surefire way to make friends and find a community you are comfortable in. During my first month of school, playing soccer and joining numerous clubs related to my career goals and interests helped me find numerous people I can connect with on a deeper level. Sharing a hobby or interest helps bridge the gap between a stranger and a potential friend.
TIP 2: Work hard and play hard, not one or the other
Whether you are a party animal or a dedicated intellectual, it’s easy to be stuck on one side of the coin. Personally, I regret studying too hard during my first semester. On the contrary, my roommate regretted not taking his academics too seriously. Like all things in life, finding a balance is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. I started socializing more instead of spending the entire day studying, and my roommate started taking his academics more seriously. By the end of second semester, we were both happier and more balanced individuals.
Heres an article with some strategies to help:
https://www.providenceready.org/resources/blog/2025/june/balancing-school-work-and-life-strategies-for-st/
TIP 3:
As an introverted individual, I understand the temptation to stay in your comfort zone. It may feel nice to doomscroll on your phone in bed, or to stay in your room. But this was definitely one of my biggest mistakes. Whether it’s a late night run to raising canes, playing a sport you aren’t good at with strangers, or even to a meeting to a club you never heard about, always say yes. Even though you may not love it, you most certainly won’t regret it. Each time you say yes, you open the door for deeper connections.
Finding your community at UW-Madison can take some time. It’s completely normal to feel a bit lost and overwhelmed among the sea of red on game days or intimidated by the sheer size of our campus. Just remember that every single Badger you pass on the street was once a freshman trying to find their community aswell.