The first week of classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison moves really fast. New faces, new routines and, for many freshmen, a new city. While navigating lecture halls, reading through class syllabi and figuring out office hours may be top priorities for many students, the first week of classes is also about setting the tone for the rest of the school year.
Amid the many homework assignments, exam study sessions and jobs or internships, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the frenzy. Before you know it, the school year is already over.
Luckily, there’s a few things students can do to balance their workload and make the most of the academic year: use helpful on-campus resources for career success, get involved socially and find ways to relieve stress.
Career Resources
There are countless opportunities to get involved on campus during the first week of classes, as well as on-campus resources to help you build a sturdy foundation as you navigate through the academic year.
For many students at UW-Madison, securing a job post-grad can be intimidating, and many students are looking for ways to gain more experience and build their resumes. Student organizations are a great way for students to not just make friends, but explore prospective career paths and gain experience.
The Student Organization Fair will take place at the Kohl Center on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., where students can discover student orgs, meet with them and find ways to make an impact on campus.
SuccessWorks is also a valuable resource to students on campus that offers career exploration, resume workshops, interview feedback and job and internship help. SuccessWorks helps students optimize their time by teaching them how to leverage their degrees and experience and giving them the knowledge they need to be successful post-grad.
Stress Relief
For students looking to get active, the Bakke and Nicholas Recreation Center frequently hold fitness and wellness classes for students. Whether it be a 5k running workshop, mindfulness meditation or a group cycling class, these recreational centers offer ways for students to get active and find balance amid a busy schedule.
Outdoor yoga and meditation classes are also hosted at the Memorial Union Terrace, giving students the chance to be present and mindful beside Lake Mendota.
Building Social Connections
The Wisconsin Union also hosts events for students throughout the year. From pottery workshops, to film screenings and live music, the Wisconsin Union has a variety of events available for students to connect and try something new alongside student orgs.
For new and returning Badgers, this week is about more than just starting new classes. It’s about setting the tone for the rest of a great academic school year, one with balance, community and success. From on-campus resources, finding ways to stay mindful and engaging with UW-Madison’s social community, there are many ways to achieve a well-rounded school year.
