Starting Your Semester Right

So, you've had a month off and you're not sure how to get back into the swing of things. Or maybe first semester didn't go as well as you had wanted. Perhaps you need new study tips. Here are some ways to start your classes off on the right foot - from one student to another.

Read your syllabus. Obviously you should try to avoid missing class, but the worst time to realize you're allotted 2 absences is after your third. I personally write down my allowed absences for each class in the beginning of my planner, and I can then also mark down if I miss one of my classes. If you're sick or there's a family emergency, reach out to your professor and let them know. They're not going to have any sympathy if you just don't show up. You should also write down deadlines for assignments and quizzes, so you're not stuck writing a seven page essay you didn't know existed the night before it's due.

Similarly, be familiar with your resources. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. A professor is going to be a lot more sympathetic to a student who asks for help than one who doesn't. Office hours exist for a reason, don't be afraid to go in. There are other options as well - there's tutoring in the residence halls, as well as a variety of options in the library. Everyone here wants you to succeed. If you need extra help, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Accessibility Resource Center. For a list of other academic resources, click here. For Mental Health Resources at UWM, click here.

Participate. It'll help your grade, and it'll most likely make you care more.

Sit in the front. I know you don't want to. But in all honesty, this is one of the best ways to make sure you're paying attention and learning - you're paying to go here after all. Also, the professor will know who you are - trust me, that helps.

Find an organization method that works for you. This goes back to the syllabus and writing things down. I personally use a planner and a huge calendar on my wall. But there are endless options - your Outlook calendar, a journal, a notepad, even post-its! Make it fun - buy colored pens and highlighters. I even knew someone who used stickers, just because it helped them stay organized! Pinterest can be your friend with this tip. If you'd prefer to use your phone, experiment with different apps until you find one you like, and the reminders could help you as well!

Find the best place for you to study. Whether it be the library, your room, outdoors, Colectivo, or one of the hidden corners of campus, find the place that makes you happiest and helps you to concentrate. Not everyone thrives in the same study environment, and that's okay. Personally, I need a quiet space that isn't where I live to be able to work well. Find what works for you and do it.

Start a study group. It may be tempting to hide in the back corner of your class and ignore everyone, but don't. If you find a friend in each of your classes, you're bound to be happier about attending. If you're someone who does well when studying with others, start a study group and help each other out!

Find a way to stay motivated. Reward yourself for getting work done. Maybe you let yourself watch a Netflix episode after working for an hour. Maybe you start a daily accomplishment journal - you write down the little things you do to realize how much you are actually accomplishing. Maybe after working for 45 minutes, you get to go outside for a 5 minute walk. Or, you put a gummy bear on each new paragraph. Again, find something that works best for you. It'll help!

Try a new club. If it doesn't work out, you don't have to commit, but try to find something new and interesting to do - it can even be a job! There's a ton of clubs here at UWM! Handshake is a great resource if you're looking for a job.

Declutter - and maybe redecorate! If you're feeling bored of your room, try reorganizing or redecorating to get a fresh new start! I completely reorganized my room at the beginning of second semester, and it was a small but nice change and definitely a breath of fresh air.

Take breaks. If you're getting angry or frustrated, you're not making any progress and there's no point being stuck on something for an hour. Take a ten minute break, grab a snack. Once your head is clear, go back to your task and try again. If you're still stuck, try approaching the problem in a new way, attempting a different assignment, or asking for help.

Move. Now, I know exercise isn't everyone's thing, but it really does help with stress! Find an unorthodox way to get active - go for a walk, throw a frisbee, go rock-climbing, dance, bike, laser tag - even playing an instrument counts!

Nutrition and sleep. It's not always the easiest thing, but everyone preaches it for a reason. Even if you can't get your full eight hours every night, make sure you do before big tests and presentations. It helps with stress more than you realize. Make sure to take care of yourself - it's so important. No one will judge you for bringing an apple or granola bar to class if you forgot breakfast or need an extra snack. Water helps more than you think - and there are a ton of places you can get a free water bottle on campus, such as the LGBT Resource Center located in the Union.

Not everything works for everyone, so if you have any of your own tips, please let us know! Good luck with second semester!

2019 Bucket List

Living in a city, there are always new things to try! We've compiled a list of activities for a UWM student that will help you to experience Milwaukee - a 2019 Bucket List - one that you can actually complete.

1. Go out on the water - we're lucky to live right next to such a great lake, as well as the Milwaukee River! Take advantage of it and go kayaking, on a boat tour, or even scuba dive to see shipwrecks. There are far more things to do than just going to Bradford - but that's fine too!

2. Walk or bike the Oak Leaf Trail or the Milwaukee Riverwalk - if you don't have your own bike, you can rent a Bublr bike, otherwise take a walk along the Oak Leaf Trail - you can take it to Shorewood, the Lakefront Colectivo, Downtown - it's the perfect segue into other activities in your day! And the Milwaukee Riverwalk is an amazing way to explore downtown!

3. The Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse - while you're downtown, head here for some fantastic photo opportunities!


4. Go rock climbing at Adventure Rock - rock climbing is a ton of fun, and it's good for you, so grab some friends or go alone and maybe you'll find your new favorite hobby! Adventure Rock is great for newcomers, as well as those who have been rock climbing for a long time. It's right across from Riverview Residence Hall, so you can even take the shuttle there.

5. Visit the Milwaukee Public Market - there's a variety of different vendors here, and it has a super cool atmosphere! This is also located in the Historic Third Ward, so it's perfect if you're exploring and need a break.


6. Try Kopp's Frozen Custard - rumored to be the best, and with crazy flavors, it's definitely worth a visit!

7. Go to a museum - this is perfect for a rainy or snowy day. Whether it be the Public Museum, the Art Museum, Discovery World, the Harley Davidson Museum, the Domes, or some other museum entirely, there are a ton of options for when you want to go out - but also stay in.

8. Check out the Milwaukee Film Festival - this is one of my favorite times of the year. Pro tip: for each shift you volunteer, you get a free pass into the Film Festival. There's always plenty of diverse and amazing works playing, you're sure to find one you like! Bonus points for this one because you also get to experience the beautiful Oriental Theatre.

9. If you need a break from Milwaukee...Escape MKE - if you've ever wanted to be a spy, this is perfect for you. Take a group of friends (or family), choose from a variety of missions, and see if you can escape the room. 

10. Try new restaurants - this one seems pretty simple, but Milwaukee has a lot of unique and diverse cuisine and restaurants that you should definitely try out - Mader's, AJ Bombers, and the Waterfront Deli are all great choices! Mader's has had a lot of celebrity guests, from Katy Perry to John F Kennedy, and if you sit on the second floor of the Waterfront Deli, they send your food up in a basket on a dumbwaiter! 

11. Go Hang Gliding - everyone seems to talk about skydiving, but I've always wanted to try hang gliding! There are a few different places around Milwaukee that offer you the opportunity to fly (or at least feel like you are), so research which one is best for you and go!

Let us know when you complete any of the activities and what you think! If you have any other ideas, be sure to tell us! Enjoy your next year in Milwaukee!

*Some activities may be dangerous. This list is provided from a UWM student perspective and not specifically endorsed by the university. If you participate, do so at your own risk.

UWM Winter Break + Things to Do in Milwaukee!

Winter break is fast approaching! Read ahead and we'll tell you about the procedures to follow if you're going home for break, and if you're staying in the city, we'll give you ideas on things to do!

First off, all University Housing buildings will be open for the duration of Winter Break.


If you're going home...

• We ask that you turn off all lights and unplug all electronics - save electricity!
• Make sure you lock your doors and windows! Have your blinds drawn.
• If you want your bathroom cleaned over break, make sure to remove all personal belongings! If not, you can be charged a $25 fee - and no one wants that!
• If you have control of your heat/thermostat, keep it turned on!
• Cambridge, Purin, and East - Clean out your refrigerator! 
• Sandburg North, South, West, and Riverview - Unplug, clean, and defrost your refrigerator. 

For instructions on defrosting a mini-fridge, click here.

If you're staying...

• Hours for buildings and shuttles during Winter Break are different. Be sure to check and plan ahead! Here's our current list of hours for UWM Campus Partners during Winter Break. 

• Your service/security desk will be staffed, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask them!

If you're looking for something to do, we've compiled a list of fun events in Milwaukee over the winter!

• The first Thursday of every month, the Milwaukee Art Museum is free! This is perfect for a snowy day.                                                                                                                                                                                                
• Milwaukee's Red Arrow Park is an outdoor skating rink located downtown! The rink is right next to Starbucks if you need a warm drink after.                                    
• If you'd rather watch someone else skate, check out a Milwaukee Admirals game. 

• If winter isn't your thing, check out the domes at Mitchell Park Conservatory with desert, tropical, and floral climates. Pro tip - you can get in for $5 with your student I.D.!                                                         
• If you're looking for a different indoor alternative, head to a movie at the Oriental Theatre or the Downer Theatre. Both of these are stunning buildings, and the Downer has a weekday student discount - also, their popcorn is said to be the best in town. For holiday specific performing arts events, check out this link to see some amazing options!

• If you're feeling festive, you can go downtown to the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.

• Don't forget your classics, such as sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing!

Before you go, your RA will hold a meeting, so if you have any questions make sure to let them, or us, know!

UWM 2018 Fall Welcome!

You've probably noticed the large posters covering your residence hall, and you may be wondering what exactly that's all about. Every year at UWM we kick off the year with Fall Welcome! There are so many amazing - and free - events for you to partake in, that you'll have an amazing time and make a ton of new friends. If you can't decide from all of the super fun options, I'll highlight some of the events below!

Here is a link to the full schedule!

On August 30th, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., there is an IKEA Trip! Buses will begin loading at the Union at 10:30 a.m.

On September 1st, you can participate in Escape Room in the Third Ward! This event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Also on September 1st is the Campus Campout! This runs from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on the Sandburg Lawn! With free s'mores, hammocks, and yard games, there's no way to go wrong! If you have a guitar, feel free to bring it with.

From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 2nd there's free boat tours! It's a perfect time to go out on the water with friends before it gets too cold to. These fill up fast, so make sure to get your spot! Registration starts a half hour before each tour.

To coincide with the IKEA Trip is a Target Trip! This is my personal favorite at Fall Welcome! Buses begin loading at 9:30 p.m. outside of Sandburg on September 2nd. Be sure to go and get discounts and free snacks! This is perfect if you forgot to bring something to college, thought of something else you need, or just want to look around.

On September 3rd, be sure to check out the Brewers game! Transportation is provided and it's free, so be sure to show up in your Brewers or MKE gear!

If sports aren't your thing, also on September 3rd is the trip to the Milwaukee Art Museum! This is one of my personal favorite spots in Milwaukee, and again, it's free! The buses depart from the Union at 1:00 p.m., so make sure to get there at 12:30 or earlier.

On September 7th is the Panther Street Festival! This is as fun as it sounds, with free food (are you noticing a trend?), activities, and more, and is followed by Pantherfest featuring Khalid!

Head to the Milwaukee Zoo on September 8th! Space is limited, so make sure to show up early!

This is only a small list of all the great things we have to offer during Fall Welcome! Make sure to check out the full list, and let us know your favorites!

UWM Move In Process

Your move-in date is quickly approaching, and you may be having a whirlwind of questions - but don't worry, read ahead and we will clear up as much as possible!

Most likely, your move-in date and time is on August 28th, 29th, or 30th. You can view your assigned move-in date and time by going into your myHousing portal, and viewing your housing assignment. To make the process run as smoothly as possible, we ask that you don't show up more than 15 minutes early, and no more than 45 minutes late.

Here at UWM, we take safety very seriously - I would like to point out that we do have a GuestPass system. The exception to this system will be when you move in. Your helpers/guests won't need a Guest Pass unless if they are entering the building past 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in pre-registering for a Guest Pass, here is the link!

I know the thought of move in can be very stressful for incoming students and their families, but I promise the process is extremely efficient! There are volunteers there to help you all along the way, directing you on where to go and there for you to ask any questions to.

If you are living in Cambridge Commons, here is a link to more detailed information to that move-in process. If you are living in Sandburg, you can access that information here. Both of these links will provide directions and more!

Below are some insider tips and tricks to help you out with move-in!

1. If possible, pack in things that can stack. We have yellow carts that are available for you to use, then a volunteer will use giant cling wrap to hold it together, thus minimizing the amount of trips you need to take!
2. If you have not yet ordered a loft but decide you want one once you have moved in, there is a table in the lobby of the building you can visit to request this loft. Otherwise, throughout the year you can request to have a loft given to you or taken away by filling out a work order. 
3. Due to our parking garages, trailers and extended pick-up trucks most likely will not fit. Each family is allotted two vehicle spaces in the parking garage - you are not charged for parking during move-in!
4. If you're worried about forgetting something - don't be! Someone can always bring and/or send any items you may have forgotten. We even have an awesome Target Trip and an IKEA Trip during Fall Welcome, which is another great option if you think of something else you need or want! You may even get a discount. 😉
5. Have fun! Be excited! You're moving onto college and into your new home!

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you might have!