First-Year Parents' Weekend
Parents of new UW students are invited to campus for First-Year Parents’ Weekend, November 14–16, 2008. Develop your connection to UW–Madison and actively participate in your student’s experience by exploring campus, interacting with staff and faculty, supporting the Badgers during a Big Ten football game, and more!
Invitations to First-Year Parents’ Weekend will be mailed from the Wisconsin Alumni Association in August with instructions for online registration. Please visit the WAA Web site for full details on package options, pricing, hotel accommodations, parking, and FAQs for this event. Questions or concerns may be directed to the Wisconsin Alumni Association toll free (888) WIS-ALUM (947-2586) or e-mailed to fpw@uwalumni.com.
Additional information on where to stay during First-Year Parents’ Weekend is available through the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau by phone, (800) 373-6376 ext. 3957, or by e-mail, senz@visitmadison.com.
What to Bring to Campus: Hear from the Students!
As move-in day approaches, parents may wonder what might have been overlooked. Will their student have everything he or she needs for the year? To help, we conducted an informal survey of some current undergraduate students and asked for suggestions on what to bring to campus and what to leave at home. Here is a sampling:
“I wish that I would not have brought a car. I had a car my second year in the residence halls and it was a nightmare. I had to move it every other day and got plenty of parking tickets. Use the bus!” —Andrea L.
“I couldn’t have lived without those 3M sticky hooks for my holiday lights. Also, I couldn’t have lived without my reusable battery pack with the charger for my wireless keyboard, mouse, and digital camera.” —Sarah H.
“I was the only one on my floor who thought to bring a hand-held can opener.” —Mary M.
“I could not have survived without pictures of my friends and family from home plastered on my walls and bulletin board. It reminded me of the good times from high school and home when I felt homesick. Bring LOTS of underwear so you can do laundry less frequently. Bring slippers: I walked everywhere in my hall with them.” —Christie R.
“I’m glad I had earplugs because my roommate snored.” —Kyle L.
“I didn’t need to bring all of my clothes and shoes from home, since the “closet rotation” could be done at Thanksgiving break and it would have given me more room. I would have loved to have good-quality winter and rain boots.” —Marissa L.
“I wish we had brought a box fan to put in the window. It can get hot without air conditioning!” —Matt E.
“I absolutely could not live without my water-filter pitcher. It was so nice to have fresh, cold water right in my room!” —Julie B.
For more information about what to bring to campus, visit the Parent Program Web site or contact Parent Program staff.
Wisconsin Welcome
Photo: University Communications
As your student prepares to move in this fall, you may be looking for ways to encourage getting involved when he or she arrives on campus.
The Center for the First-Year Experience encourages your student to participate in the many Wisconsin Welcome events offered the first month of the semester. During Wisconsin Welcome, your student will attend student socials, academic orientations and welcomes, and a tailgate and 5th Quarter. These activities (plus many more) are a great way for your student to meet people, learn about campus and adjust to life at UW–Madison.
Beginning in mid-August, students can visit the Wisconsin Welcome Web site to learn about various campus events and create a personalized calendar.