<p>I've been here a week in U. Wisconsin in Parkside, not Madison or anywhere that might be fun. Sorry if the following is incoherent, it was written at different times while rushed.</p>
<p>The first two days were nice, I easily made more friends than I expected, and not just with my roomates (In my school there are two dorms buildings, one is the standard hallway full of two-person bedrooms, and the other is like apartments that 7 people share, I'm in an apartment). For those two days it felt really open and like every freshman wanted to know everyone else but after that, when classes started, this feels like a community college. Few people care much, they either want to stick to their own lives or just hang out with the mini posse they already have, not many more outgoing people anymore. This is also quite a local school, so many people just came with a bunch of their high school buddies. I'm from chicago so I started from scratch. But anyway a few of the friends I made the first two days are now regular buddies with me, the rest I lost because we never got to room numbers or phone numbers, and don't have any common classes. And even with the friends and acquaintances I've already made, there is absolutely nothing to do out here in the middle of the forest so the only way to get to know people I meet better is to just hang out and watch tv or eat. And now that there's this kind of laid back, introvert attitude its just awkward to come over or invite people to hang out. And hanging out gets very lame very fast, even with tv or videogames the fun always slows down sometime. Even the parties are lame, only a handful of people playing beer pong really. We're in the middle of a forest, so its not really worth the gas money or effort to go out to "downtown" Kenosha or anywhere else just for food or entertainment.</p>
<p>The classes feel a lot like high school, and everyone I've talked to agrees. It's only been two weeks so far, and already I am considering transferring for next year (again, many people I talk to agree). Geh and there's more I'm forgetting to mention. Maybe it will get better after a month or two, and no I haven't joined any clubs yet (plan to, we'll see how that goes). But for now I just feel like ranting, if someone had some advice on how to reach out to a "socially closed community" or creative ideas to have fun(games, pranks, bets?) with few people and next to nothing that would be great...</p>
<p>Kinda the same but man if your not enjoying it get the hell out. Ask yourself why you are there, where you could have gone, and will it really be better if you leave?</p>
<p>Dive into your studies. If you're thinking about transferring, work hard this semester and ace your classes. Take advantage of office hours and get to know one or two professors (you'll need their recommendation for transfer applications). Send out a couple of transfer applications just in case things don't get better at your current college. This will give you options for next year.</p>
<p>In the meantime, try not to tell your friends at your current school that you're thinking of transferring. They may back off and not want to put in the time to get to know you better if they think you'll be leaving soon. Try your best not to focus on the things you dislike there. Go to the gym to workout--keep your mind and body strong. Make the best of your current situation with the knowledge that you have a "backup plan" in the works if you decide later that this campus isn't for you. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions. I do plan to work hard this year especially since I have to start over without my high school credentials. Literally all of my friends but one hate this school as much if not more than I do, and plan to transfer out after their first or second years...haha. And no that's not because I'm unfriendly to anyone that likes this school, I really couldn't find more than one if I tried. Our gym is called "the sack". Worst place on campus. Argh but thanks I guess I'll make do with time, I just need to think of fun things to do until next year :/</p>
<p>This isn't really your point, but have you gone to Racine at all? All you have to do is take Hwy 31 North (which Parkside has entrances from) and you're there. Although honestly, it's really just good for shopping, but anything there is better than Kenosha. Also; Action Territory. How is that place not fun? Not in the winter, but it's still fun enough to go to (not exactly "mature" fun, though).</p>
<p>And you're right. The people that go there are all from the local high schools. Heck, I could probably name half the student body, and I don't even go there. It's not a highly looked upon school, but you can get a great education there if you try. Like said, if you do great this first year or two, you'll definitely be able to transfer out to a lot of places.</p>
<p>It might seem weird, but have you been adding people to facebook? It's just remembering names, and so far, with me at least, that seems to be the way people are going, even if you only meet them once. It can lead to frequent talking, then making plans and so on. </p>
<p>Wow I guess everyone in WI knows that name XD</p>
<p>I'll ask my friends what they think about going down to Racine or Action Territory... me I've never been anywhere in Wisc but here but they know place around here. </p>
<p>Gah that must be it. facebook. I thought it was just a fun way to talk to people you already know wherever you are but you might be right... I don't have a facebook and that's probably a big factor here... I've been putting off creating one, guess I should get on that...</p>
<p>Actually, I think it's the opposite! lol I just live about twenty minutes away from there, and I went there for a youth options class. =P Plus like, all of my teachers graduated from there or Whitewater, and a good portion of my (former) classmates are going there. </p>
<p>Personally, I enjoy Racine and Action Territory (I just like the Go-Karts =B), and so do my friends, but I don't know everyone else's opinions; I agree though, there isn't much to do in Kenosha. There's the movie theater and the drive-in, some local doodads, and not much else. If all else fails you can go to a corn field. There's enough of those to make the world go 'round.</p>
<p>And hey, I just thought of something else. Since you're close enough, you can suggest a get together with some friends and possibly their friends to go to Six Flags, maybe for Fright Fest. It's in Gurnee, IL, and is only about a twenty minute drive, not even. I have no doubt that would go over well, although some people *might *not have the money. Obviosuly you can't go there everyday, but it could be a good weekend thing. Unless you don't like rollercoasters. =P</p>
<p>Yeah, the facebook thing was odd to me. In high school, I only added people I actually liked and talked to (crazy concept, I know). Now, everyone and their mother adds you, and it's a good way to start to get to know people, maybe make plans for lunch, exchange a phone number, etc. Just make sure you join the Parkside network, so people don't think some random creep is adding them (although they might approve you anyway). I would definitely get one if you feel it would help you make friends.</p>
<p>Also, you are right. That college does suck. It is like a bigger high school. It is basically just a bunch of people from Racine/Kenosha. If you are not planning on being a teacher in Wisconsin, there isn't too much good that can come from Parkside. You can obviously get your degree, and work your way up, but Parkside will not give you any opportunities at all. You will be working your way up from the bottom in any field out of there.</p>
<p>As far as on Parkside, obviously the disc golf course. Seriously, go check out the disc golf course, it's a good one. They have a bowling alley there. They should have a movie theater there too (not like a cinema, but one that plays some films). They used to play pornos in that theater back when my dad went there in the 70's.</p>
<p>Not sure that there is too much to do in Racine though. They do have good restraunts though. Check out Geos, it's a pizzeria, with a *****ing all you can eat buffet. And then Chubbies, they make the biggest burgers you will ever see. </p>
<p>You can always hit up Brewers/Bucks games (about 30 minutes away), and Bulls/Cubs/Sox/Bears games (about 60 minutes away).</p>
<p>Ugh! I'm a UW-Parkside grad and I was a commuter non-trad student (over 35 when I started) and would not want to attend there as a traditional student. Really, there's nothing to do...wait until winter - no disc golf then.</p>
<p>I was shocked that there were actually dorms - so many of the young students that I met went home that it felt more like a community college. </p>
<p>However, I did feel that the education was fine and the price was unbeatable. Also, it seemed like the athletes enjoyed their time at UWP.</p>
<p>I guess you will have to make the best of it (good grades are key) and then if you decide to transfer, you will be set to do so.</p>
<p>A good college experience should include an active campus community where you can find things to do on campus and in the immediate area surrounding the campus (within walking distance or a short cab ride). If you're not getting that, seriously consider transferring. Yes, Facebook is fun but you shouldn't have to look to the computer for fun. Find a more active campus and one that fits better with your personality. Just my opinion but from experience, I can tell you that it's not worth wasting more then a year in hopes that the campus life will get better. If it's not getting better by Thanksgiving break, you might want to consider getting some transfer applications out for next year. Don't fear transferring--it's easy to blend right into a new campus community.</p>
<p>Ain't no party like a Ranger Hall party, because a Ranger Hall party don't stop.</p>
<p>Hit up that disc golf course. It's a really good course. Did they finish whatever changes they were making to the course?"</p>
<p>I don't live in the Hall; I know people that do and from what I hear nothing ever goes on down there (yet, at least). One of my friends really wants to try that disc course, I guess we'll try it once we get some discs. I have never heard of any changes to the course, I suppose they finished that over the summer.</p>
<p>"As far as on Parkside, obviously the disc golf course. Seriously, go check out the disc golf course, it's a good one. They have a bowling alley there. They should have a movie theater there too (not like a cinema, but one that plays some films). They used to play pornos in that theater back when my dad went there in the 70's."</p>
<p>No bowling alley anymore :/ I've heard of the cinema, but no posted movies for it yet. Thanks for the restaurants, we'll definitely hit that pizzaria come winter.</p>
<p>"So how did someone from Chicago end up at this particular U Wisconsin (which I had never heard of before) ???"
Stupidity, I was desperate, and went for the cheaper price. </p>
<p>And that's another thing... TooRealistic, this feels like one huge mix of high school and a community college, full of fail. Almost half the students commute, and no offense, but a large number of students are older than 22... I hear the average time graduating students spend hear is 5 years, and my Art History class has at least 4 students over 30, out of 25-30 total students. Reminds me of the local community college where I come from where the average student age is like 27.</p>
<p>"A good college experience should include an active campus community where you can find things to do on campus and in the immediate area surrounding the campus (within walking distance or a short cab ride). If you're not getting that, seriously consider transferring. Yes, Facebook is fun but you shouldn't have to look to the computer for fun. Find a more active campus and one that fits better with your personality. Just my opinion but from experience, I can tell you that it's not worth wasting more then a year in hopes that the campus life will get better. If it's not getting better by Thanksgiving break, you might want to consider getting some transfer applications out for next year. Don't fear transferring--it's easy to blend right into a new campus community."
Yes I really want to transfer, the only thing to be decided is if I should spend another year here to get rid of gen ed's with the cheaper price or just ditch it altogether... my tuition is 99% payed by loans. Yeah I just need to confirm to myself that the extra tuition is worth it for a sophomore year just full of a bunch of gen ed's. I probably will transfer though, and I'll call my high school college counselor.</p>
<p>Actually I really look forward to transferring, I'm hoping it'll be like another "freshman honeymoon year" only ten times better, where everyone has an open mind and there are real things to do :)</p>
<p>Most people in college make their closest friends by joining clubs and participating in activities that interest them. These may include participating in activities they'd never before tried out.</p>
<p>I notice that your campus has more than 50 clubs. Have you joined any? Fall of freshman year is usually the best time to join activities because activities are looking for new members, and one doesn't stand out by not knowing much about the activities.</p>
<p>If you also take opportunities to help out the club by working on their projects, you'll also make friends. For instance, S is really good at designing flyers and taking pictures, and became a valuable member of several organizations due to those skills helping with their publicity.</p>
<p>I have joined the school radio club and might join the art club, for some reason the clubs start late at this school but we'll see how that goes.</p>
<p>Coincidence here, I'm a graphic design major so flyers are fun to make. I know the art club probably doesn't need any help in that and in the radio club there's already a guy to talk to who makes flyers, maybe I'll approach him next time and get a split on the work :)</p>