Wisconsin Welcome is a campus-wide celebration of new and continuing students beginning a new academic year with thousands of events to choose from August & September. On this page, you can find transfer student specific events hosted by the Transfer Transition Program (TTP). Guests are always welcome regardless of transfer or student status.
Find All UW-Madison Welcome Events
P.S. don’t worry, the TTP hosts events all year long.
TEC Open House
Tuesday, August 26th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Transfer Engagement Center (map)
Pre-event registration is appreciated.
Come join us at the Transfer Engagement Center and get a head start on visiting your new favorite spot on campus! We’ll have free lunch and fun activities so you can meet other new transfer students.
ConnectFAST
Campus Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, August 27th, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Transfer Engagement Center | Middleton Building (map)
Pre-event registration is encouraged.
The Transfer Transition Program wants to help you Connect For A Successful Transition. ConnectFAST is a photo scavenger hunt where you will complete challenges across campus with other new transfer students in similar majors as you, and compete with other teams for prizes. This is a great way to learn about campus and meet new people! While we tally team scores, we’ll provide FREE lunch. Pre-event registration is encouraged.
New Transfer Student Symposium
Friday, August 29th, 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Varsity Hall | Union South
Pre-event registration is encouraged.
Because transfer students either attend a 1-day in-person or virtual orientation, the Transfer Transition Program in partnership with the Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) Program, highly recommend that you attend the New Transfer Student Symposium.
This supplemental, in-person orientation program will include sessions tailored to the first-semester transfer student experience. We understand that you are coming to campus as a very successful college student who wants to connect to campus quickly and in a meaningfully way. Start this next chapter with other newly enrolled transfers and leave with all the information and resources you will need to have an amazing Wisconsin Experience.
Lunch is provided.
Event Details…
Topics:
UW Crash Course
“SparkNotes” version of what previous transfers wish they understood or knew sooner. Sharing some of the most slept on campus resources like the Librarian Instant Messenger, where free meals around campus, breaking down campus lingo (i.e., “I’m going to GUTS at College not the SAC.” …huh?), and some of our own favorite local spots.
Getting Involved on Campus
“Involvement” simply means having meaningful experiences outside of the classroom. Involvement isn’t only student orgs, it’s also working on campus, taking part in research, volunteering, working a campus job, studying abroad, etc.
Career & Academic Landscape
A presentation version of the 5-minute pitch from staff from Career Services, the Writing Center, Learning Support Services, etc.
Breakout Sessions
each session below is 20 min. you can attend all 3 sessions or swing by the resource fair anytime in-between.
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities
- Study Abroad
- Internships & Career Services
Campus Partner Preview:
Student Jobs, Multicultural Student Center, Gender & Sexuality Campus Center, Student Success Services, University Health Services, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and so many more.
Bonfire at Picnic Point
Saturday, August 30th, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Picnic Point Peninsula, Fire Circle #2
Pre-event registration is appreciated.
Nothing says fall is here like a good Saturday night bonfire. Make s’mores, play lawn games, and enjoy the beautiful view of the sun setting on Lake Mendota. Campfire food will be provided. The 80 bus drops off outside of Picnic Point gates (map) or there is a parking lot across the street.
Back-2-School Breakfast & Headshot
Wednesday, September 3rd | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Middleton Building | Transfer Engagement Center (map)
No pre-registration.
Nothing better than free breakfast on your first day of classes. Swing by the Transfer Engagement Center (TEC) for some pancakes and coffee and opportunity to meet fellow transfer students. We’ll also have a photographer, so don’t forget to document your first day and celebrate this milestone!
International Transfer Student Social
Thursday, September 4th, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lower Sett, Union South (map)
No pre-registration.
Bowling, billiards, board games, oh my! Come meet other new international transfer students while partaking in favorite U.S. pastimes. AND did we mention free food? Vegetarian options provided.
Returning Adult & Non-Traditional Student Brunch
Sunday, September 8th | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Pyle Center | First Floor (map)
Pre-event registration is required.
As returning adults or ‘non-traditional’ students, we know you’re each brining a unique experience to campus. The Transfer Transition Program thinks that makes you pretty exceptional. Let’s celebrate this new chapter together! This event is open to all returning adult or non-trad students on campus, 1st semester or 7th semester, come be in community. This is a family- & kid-friendly event. Bring your partner, sister, mother, chosen family, or whoever is your support system. Kids of any age are welcome. At check-in there will be optional kids’ goodie bags (‘goodies’ best suited for ages 5-10).
Event details…
11:00 AM: Check-in opens & Mingling
11:30 AM: Brunch is served
12:00 PM: Guest Speaker
12:30 PM: Returning Adult Student Panelists
1:15 PM: Closing
1:30 PM: Optional Mingle Time until 2:00 PM
**Who “qualifies” as a returning adult student? Non-traditional or returning adult often means that a student either began or returned to college after the age of 23 or after having a 2+ year break in education, but all experiences and personal definitions are valid.
Devil’s Lake Outing
Saturday, September 13th
Devil’s Lake State Park (map)
Pre-event registration is required.
The Transfer Transition Program is organizing a day trip to Devil’s Lake. Join us for an eventful day in the sun as we go on an optional hike with a naturalist. Take a dive in the clear waters or rent a kayak or paddleboard and create your own adventure on the lake. Chill out on the shore and play some lawn games as we cook up some food on the grill. Alternatively, check out the nature center and learn about the geographical and indigenous history of the land. The concession stands of Devil’s Lake sell hot food and even provide vegetarian and vegan options.
Pick up/Drop off: Chazen Art Museum (map)
Departure: 7:45 AM | Return: 5:00 PM
Back-2-School Broke Bingo
Thursday, September 18th, 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
Great Hall | Memorial Union
Pre-event registration is encouraged.
Back 2 School Broke Bingo
Get your apartment ready for guests and midterms at Back-2-School Bingo! Part of the TTP Broke Bingo series, this event is where you can win items you need but don’t necessarily want to buy. Think toilet paper, dish soap, notecards, coffee maker, those nice highlighters that make every study guide beautiful, and so much more!
Join us for a night full of the same excitement that 4th-grade you felt when it was finally time for back to school shopping. Except, instead of that JanSport backpack your legal guardian never even entertained the idea of you getting (that totally left you tragically looking like a 2nd grader), you can win anything from pens and notebooks to a Hoover vacuum or Ninja coffee machine! You’ll never be able to redeem your 1st-day-of-middle school self who showed up not knowing about Silly Bandz or unable to quote anything from Vine — unless you join us for a night that will make up for all the gel pen disappointments and hand-me-down pencil cases.
Paddling Event with UW Outdoor
Saturday, September 27th, 12:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Hoofers, Memorial Union (map)
Pre-event registration is required.
Paddle from the Memorial Union Terrace to beautiful Picnic Point, enjoy fun on-land games and activities, and relax with friends during a lakeside social. No experience needed! Just bring your sense of adventure! Kayaking runs from 12:45 – 4:00 PM followed by a 4:00 – 5:00 PM social.
- Dress according to the weather and clothes you are comfortable getting wet
- Day lockers are available for $1 to store any items you do not wish to bring on the water
- Bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated is key to a great time on the water.
More Events Coming this Fall
Broke Bingos
Where you win things you need, but don't want to buy. Think toilet paper, dish soap, and even a grand-prize vacuum.
Schuster's Haunted Forest
Ever wanted to go to 5 haunted houses that are spread throughout a dark forest? Well here's your chance!
Karaoke!
When it starts to get dark outside at 4 PM, that's our cue for party lights and mics!
Other Ways to Connect with Transfer Students
Monthly Lunches
TTP hosts a monthly lunch for specific student groups that largely make up the transfer student population on campus such as returning adults, international transfer students, and BIPOC transfer students. While these lunches are intended for students with similar lived experiences to connect and build community, all students are welcome.
Transfer Engagement Center
Many events that we host throughout the semester will be held at the Transfer Engagement Center aka TEC (pronounced ‘tech’). Come hang out, grab a snack/coffee/tea, use a printing station, or come study!
Transfer Student Coordinators
Meet your Transfer Student Coordinators! TSC's are experienced transfer students who are here to help you through your transition by facilitating involvement opportunities, promoting a sense of belonging within the university and the greater Madison community, and by providing resources for personal and academic success. Transfer Student Coordinators are also available for…
Get Involved outside of TTP
Wisconsin Union
The Union is based on the principle that the University of Wisconsin-Madison experience should involve learning outside of the classroom. The Union is a home-away-from home for all students. Check out our welcome week events at Memorial Union and Union South + consider yourself invited to the Union's many events & activities each year. You can also take part in leading our programs by joining the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD "wood").
Student Jobs
Student Jobs provides students access to thousands of part-time employment opportunities both through UW-Madison as well as businesses & families within the local community. Here, students can find meaningful opportunities that can support their educational pursuits and lifestyle while also gaining critical professional and personal skills. Positions are posted throughout the year and updated daily, for jobs in both the academic year and summer terms.
Office for Student Organizations, Leadership & Involvement
The Office for Student Organizations, Leadership & Involvement (SOLI) assists students in intentionally connecting with the far ranging opportunities that exist throughout campus, such as student organizations, Greek Life, the Adventure Learning Program (ALPS), and the Leadership Certificate. Whether you want to join a student organization, partake in an internship, or play a sport, SOLI will give you the resources for success. Check out some of these excellent on-campus involvement resources!