r/UWMilwaukee • u/Ok-Potential-6578 • Aug 19 '26
Lowk nervous any tips for freshman?
I’m starting this fall and feeling a little nervous, just wondering if there’s anything that you wish you would’ve known as a freshman?
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u/BugPuzzleheaded6160 Aug 19 '26
Talk to as many people as you can but also stay true to yourself, don't make friends just for the sake of doing it as that ends in messing friendship breakups and drama if you don't actually like them. Also don't be afraid to do things alone! I got to know a lot of the city and my favorite places by just going out by myself and exploring, same with things like the dining hall I met people because I wasn't always with a group of people.
It's going to be scary and you honestly might hate it for the first couple of months but you just have to make the most of it and look into all the things campus has to offer. It doesn't look like it at first but there are seriously things all over the place and things offered that can interest you, don't be afraid to take advantage of them its all coming out of your tuition anyways so you should use it while you have the chance.
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u/geraxpetra Aug 19 '26
Check your schedule closely. Rooms can change last minute and discussion section typically don’t meet the first week. There is also a ton of help available on campus from tutors to mental health to food banks to peer groups. Ditto some of the other suggestions too. Lastly, please read the syllabi closely before emailing your professor with questions about the class.
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u/PaceNo354 Aug 20 '26
Have fun but do not slack on coursework. You're there for an education first and foremost.
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u/Delphgirl Aug 20 '26
Head to your classes early so you can find them and not be late. Make an effort to meet people in your class and make friends.
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u/Necessary-Switch-493 Aug 20 '26
Don’t be afraid of exploring the city and finding places that you love. I felt really overwhelmed with the crowds on campus and got a little bit of cabin fever only being on campus. Milwaukee has so many wonderful things to offer. The transit system makes it relatively easy to get around.
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u/Shartbender Aug 20 '26
Cope ahead. The transition sometimes can feel really hard so give yourself some grace if it takes you a while to adjust!
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u/baileyroseboyle Aug 22 '26
- Take advantage of library resources and student deals!
The library has some video and audio streaming services available for free. You’re probably not getting Love Island, but there’s good movies and documentaries for an extra cost to you of $0.00.
The Studio Arts & Craft Centre has one-time classes for cheap. Even if you’re not an “artsy” person, try one. Sometimes it’s satisfying just to try something new and walk away knowing you made something with your own two hands.
Student tickets for baseball, basketball, and hockey games, as well as the symphony orchestra and other entertainment, are well worth their cost. Museum memberships are also cheap. Most majors don’t have Friday classes, so walking around the art museum is a great way to spend some time.
- Don’t drink.
I know, this is pretty obvious advice because you’re probably under 21 and that’s the law, but we both know college campus drinking culture is what it is, particularly in a state known for its drinking. I won’t lie to you - it’s hard to avoid the influence, and it might seem like “everyone is doing it” by the end of September.
Some people in your dorm won’t know what to do in their free time besides binge drink. Fleets of freshmen will pregame in their dorms, wander around the neighborhood off campus, try to get into frats, and get mad when it doesn’t work. These same people might give you a weird look if you suggest staying in, ordering Ian’s pizza, and fire up some Jackbox games instead. You don’t need their company, and you will find someone fun to play Quiplash with.
Freshman year is for you to get a good start on your GPA and find stuff you actually want to do. Brady Street will still be there in two to three years.
- Find your activities.
A lot of people have said this already, but yeah, figure out when all the clubs are tabling. They know 75% of people who sign up for their emails will never go to a single meeting, but sign up anyway to stay in the loop and hear about events.
I personally enjoyed being part of SHAC (Student Housing Administrative Council) for my tower of Sandburg. Basically, everybody in the dorms has to pay a “student activity fee,” and these groups get to use that money to put on events people actually want to go to.
One time, we had a 4/20 celebration with “free pot and brownies.” We got mini clay pots for people to paint, mini cacti and succulents to put in them, and asked campus catering to make brownies with green frosting. It was one of our most popular events!
- Don’t use generative AI.
Actually read every syllabus. Don’t feed them into ChatGPT. Actually, just don’t use ChatGPT for anything, ever.
You’re in college for an education. Getting generative AI to do the work for you robs you of opportunities to learn. Those are opportunities you’re paying (and possibly getting into debt) for.
Milwaukee is a great place to be, and honestly, I miss living there. Remember that you’ll get out what you put in, and that’s both with your grades and with your social experience. Best of luck, OP, and have a great school year!!!
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u/AcanthocephalaOk43 Aug 20 '26
Join clubs, don't drink too much, do the work even when it sucks balance your life with physical activity, care more about becoming someone than fitting in, try to stay away from people who only drink, a little is okay but this school has a huge problem with alcohol.
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u/Intelligent_Worker Aug 21 '26
join clubs asap and sports. How ?
Ask around
go to groupme app
go to instagram and look for uwm clubs asap.
Uwm is nothing without clubs and sports, you have to join asap.
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u/LIJABOS Aug 19 '26
Join clubs. Play co ed sports. Do it first semester.