College can be an intimidating milestone for many first-year students — and even returning students — but it is also an extraordinary period for growth.
Moving into a new room and living with a stranger is a nerve-wracking and overwhelming experience. The challenges of campus navigation and making new friends can seem extremely daunting in the beginning.
Students must remember to keep an open mind when entering this phase of life. Instead of setting expectations of what should happen, embrace the opportunities of what could. The possibilities are truly endless when the unknown is welcomed rather than avoided.
College is a time and place to try new things and meet new people. The tearful family goodbyes and empty childhood bedrooms tug at the heartstrings, but the adventures to come are unbelievably special.
A university like Marquette encourages students to step out of their comfort zones. With its campus mere minutes from the heart of downtown Milwaukee, there are many amazing places to explore and activities to enjoy.
Leaving my own comfort zone led me to discover some of my personal favorite places.
Marquette favorites
Union Sports Annex
Marquette Wire stock photo
Located at 804 N. 16th Street, this on-campus spot is great for watching sports games, grabbing a bite to eat and enjoying a round of bowling. Students can even use two meal swipes per week here — I suggest using one to try their veggie burger.
My favorite events are the weekly trivia and bingo nights where students can win themed prizes. Once, my friend won a bean bag chair which we lugged all the way back to Straz Tower.
Haggerty Museum of Art
Free to students and the public, the Haggerty displays inquisitive, thought-provoking works of art. Located behind David A. Straz, Jr. Hall — the nursing building — it is an extremely walkable on-campus activity. Some classes take trips to the museum for course-related content, but I also found myself wandering inside at my own leisure.
Some current exhibitions that are open through this fall semester are No one Knows All It Takes and Life Lines.
Men’s basketball games at Fiserv Forum
(Photo by Marquette Athletics)
I believe every Marquette student should experience at least one men’s basketball game. It almost seems like a rite of passage. There is something magical about the home of the Milwaukee Bucks becoming a sea of gold and blue, but it might also be the Chick-fil-A in the building.
School spirit radiates from the stands, and the cheers are deafening. I remember the student sections bursting with pride and joy when Marquette beat Purdue 76-58 back in November 2024. Every game is a time to show up and show out.
Milwaukee favorites
Historic Third Ward
Just south of downtown Milwaukee, the Historic Third Ward is a lively neighborhood full of restaurants, shops and creativity. It is a simple bus ride east of campus, or a 30-minute walk.
I found thrifting at Retique Store or even just window shopping at Anthropologie a fun scavenge. Go down and explore local vendors, shop indie boutiques or simply take a stroll through the neighborhood.
Lakefront
Marquette Wire stock photo.
Perfect for sunrises or sunsets, Milwaukee’s lakefront offers a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Students can dine at one of the many lakefront restaurants, like The Bridgewater Modern Grill, or take a walk in the Lakeshore State Park. For a sandier experience, they can venture a couple miles north to McKinley Beach or Bradford Beach.
Do not catch an early case of cabin fever, and take a chance to explore these places, along with finding new ones.
College is about growing, and it starts with taking a step out of that comfort zone.
This story was written by Rachel Lopera. She can be reached at [email protected].
