For many incoming freshmen, finding your niche at UW–Madison does not only mean joining a club or meeting a big group of friends. Sometimes, it starts with finding a small place near campus that makes you feel less far from home.
As an international student from Korea, I know that food can matter a lot when campus life feels new or unfamiliar. One place I would recommend, especially for Korean international students, is SGD Dubu So Gong Dong Tofu & Korean BBQ at 559 State St, Madison, WI 53703. Their main dish is soondubu, a hot Korean soft tofu stew, and they also serve other Korean foods such as bulgogi and tteokbokki. The restaurant is close to campus, casual, and comfortable for a simple meal after class.
This advice is not only for Korean students. If you are from China, Mexico, India, Vietnam, or anywhere else, try finding a restaurant near campus that reminds you of home. It may not be exactly the same as what you ate before college, but it can still give you comfort when you feel tired, lonely, or overwhelmed.
Finding your niche does not always happen through one big event. It can happen through small routines: a favorite restaurant, a familiar meal, or a place where you can invite a new friend. For international students, food can be one of the first ways to make Madison feel more like home.
Hyperlink: https://www.sgdrestaurant.com/
Photo caption: Soondubu and side dishes at SGD Dubu So Gong Dong Tofu & Korean BBQ.
Photo by Beomjoon Lee.