I first arrived at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2022 to help my sister move into her dorm room on the fifth floor of Witte Hall. It wasn’t until a couple years later that I finally got to experience UW–Madison as a student myself.
Even after what felt like hundreds of orientations, somehow, almost everyone I knew remained, completely and utterly — disoriented. But I was luckier than the rest, because I had my sister around to show me the ropes. Without her I’d likely still be lost on the fourth floor of the humanities building.
As a now-senior at UW–Madison, I think I’d be remiss not to do the same for you. Because, over my scholarship I’ve had my fair share of regrets and subsequent realizations while riding the C bus to my 9 a.m. class. So, here it is, everything I wish I knew — and think you should know — as a new UW–Madison student…