Spring into Success: A Guide to UW Madison’s Winter Welcome Resources

By Mia McCauley, Student Reporter, Student Affairs

After a long break, it’s natural to need some time to adjust to being back on campus. Know that your Badger community is here to support you every step of the way!

 For those of you who are new to campus, we are thrilled to have you join us. To help everyone ease into the spring semester, here are some helpful tips and Winter Welcome reminders. 

Embrace the Winter Welcome
At the start of the new semester, our campus comes back to life—just like in the fall, as it welcomes back both new and returning students. From January 17- February 9, Winter Welcome 2025 features a week of activities designed to help you connect with fellow Badgers and explore all that Madison has to offer during its winter season. From the signature Winter Carnival held on Lake Mendota, to the MLK Symposium with Donzaleigh Abernathy, the opportunities for new interactions are endless. Learn more and download the Wisconsin Welcome app.

Build New Connections
Whether it’s your first or final year on campus, a new semester is always a great time to build new connections. Engage with classmates, chat with your residence neighbors, join a different club or sports team—but ultimately, keep an open mind to new experiences. After all, there’s no bad time to form meaningful relationships. Unsure where to begin? Check out the Spring 2025 Student Organization Fair, January 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Kohl Center.

Tap into your Community
Transfer Students play a crucial role in our campus community. However, adjusting to a new campus and lifestyle mid-year can be difficult. The UW Madison Transfer Transition Program (TTP) is here to help connect students with their new environment, providing guiding resources for a more seamless transition. Visit the Transfer Engagement Center (TEC), a designated space for students to ask questions, meet fellow transfers, or even take a moment to relax amidst the chaos. The TEC also provides drop-in tutoring, free printing services and refreshments. 

Set the Stage for Success
The start of a new year is a great time to focus on your resolutions. To set yourself up for success, start with small, achievable goals and create an intentional focus. Campus is filled with resources to help you along the way! Maybe your goal is to join a new fitness group—check out the state-of-the-art campus gym facilities and sign up. Visit the Writing Center for skills to help develop and workshop your next essay. Finally, and maybe most importantly, be sure to explore campus mental health resources. UHS offers mental health services as well as some virtual services like UWill and TogetherAll to help support you through challenges such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or other personal obstacles. It’s okay to ask for help. 

Ready to Take on This Semester?
Let’s embrace this new year and semester! Now is the perfect time to meet our goals, try new things, prioritize our well-being, and become the best versions of ourselves possible. We can do this.