Freshman’s Guide
to Marquette
By: Phil Batzner, Comm. ‘16
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Here at Marquette University, we have a long, outstanding tradition. In fact, it can even be a bit overwhelming at times. 134 years, 90+ acres & 11,000+ strong make up a nation. Our nation has its own flag, its own fight song and is comprised of rich experiences.
First thing’s first — WELCOME! You are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime filled with the most inspiring people and unforgettable memories.
One thing’s for certain though— we wouldn’t make you go through this transition and new journey alone. This piece will serve as your guide and document to ensure you’re prepared for this next chapter. It’s comprised of helpful tips, entertaining activities, mesmerizing sights and more. The guide is just a start, this isn’t everything you need to do at Marquette. Rather, it’s a starting point to encourage you to go out there and explore.
Before you get started at Marquette, there’s a few things you should know…
Go bowling at the Annex
Who knows? You might even run into Dwyane Wade there. Yeah, that Dwyane Wade. Make sure to check out deals on certain nights, too.
Visit your professors’ office hours…
On top of gaining help on papers or touching up on some topics via academia, one of the best pieces of advice I could share is that professors, too, are humans with regular, normal lives. We often forget that —so go in there to keep them company, learn about their families or personal interests. Heck, even grab coffee with them! You never know how far this relationship can span. I’ve been invited over to a professor’s house for dinner with her family, asked for letters of recommendations for interviews, received endorsements and reviews on LinkedIn and earned a volunteering position at the 2015 PGA Championship. Ultimately, these professors become lifelong friends, mentors and inspirations.
Get to know your Resident Assistant (RA)
Chances are…your RA is pretty cool and awesome. They’ve received hours upon hours of training and are here to help YOU! They’re usually the first person you go to when you need help with anything — living related, roommate drama, classes, or even just hanging out. They become your parent (mom or dad, respectively) and obtain endless nuggets of wisdom to share with you. Whether it’s about $5 Tuesday’s at Papa John’s, the poster sale in the AMU, or when the best time to arrive at #mubb games are, they’ve got your back.
Interested in what life is like from the RA perspective? Read Rose Littlefair’s The RA Chronicles.
Utilize the $50 of dining dollars
As an underclassmen on the dining plan, you receive $50 of dining dollars for use in on-campus dining locations. It’s essentially a free $50…well, not exactly, you still pay for it, but it’s $50 to use each semester. Maybe you’ll try the new drink at The Brew, grab lunch at Tory Hill Cafe in the Law Library, or grab something extra in Marquette Place in the AMU. As Tom Haverford once said on Parks & Recreation, sometimes you need to “treat yo self.” For more information, visit http://www.marquette.edu/orl/din/
Create a LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional social networking site (like Facebook) where you can showcase your experiences, keep in touch with professors and network. If you plan to have any career and job in your future/post-graduation, you’ll need a LinkedIn. It’s better to start now, believe me.
The Career Services Center
None of us are experts at interviewing for jobs or you might be uncertain with your futures. If it’s a tour guide job in the Office of Admissions, an on-campus position or a reputable internship, the Career Services Center in Holthusen Hall is Marquette’s token specifically here to ensure your success professionally. It’s free as a student so utilize it and learn what you can while you can. You can have your resume critiqued, purchase business cards or receive guidance on your career path, plus much more.
Thank-you notes
Hand-written notes are sort of a lost art because everything we do now is digital. So are our thank you’s. Nothing is more authentic and genuine than a little pen and paper to say thank you. Think about it.
Sell books back
College students have it down to a science on how to ball on a budget. And trust me, paying full price for a required book becomes that much easier with a little help from different resources. Otherwise, you won’t be balling when you can’t afford those books. Check out Bookmarq, Sweeney’s, Amazon, Chegg, etc.
Marquette Facebook Groups
These groups will be your lifebloods. From your residence hall or major Facebook group to the Marquette Ticket Exchange, we’d be nothing without them. Come apartment life, or even before then, the Free and For Sale page has lots of good bargains conveniently located…like on campus!
Center for Peacemaking
The Marquette University Center for Peacemaking empowers the university and the wider community to explore together the necessary skills to become informed, spiritually-centered, nonviolent peacemakers. Rooted in the Ignatian charism, the center fosters an awakening to the holistic relationship of scholarship, spirituality, nonviolent living, and the active struggle for peace and justice.
The Center for Peacemaking hosts events throughout the year that promote awareness of and activism in peacemaking efforts in Milwaukee and globally.
Soup with a Substance
This is one of the Center for Peacemaking’s most well-known events fixed in Marquette’s history for the last 40 years. The Center for Peacemaking, Campus Ministry and Intercultural Engagement partner together for a noon-time presentation on an issue related to peacemaking and social justice over a simple meal of soup and bread. The program invites members of the Marquette and Milwaukee community to listen to and discuss a topic with a local or national figure known for his/her academic or community work in nonviolence. This program occurs on Wednesdays.
Join clubs or organizations
Find something you’re interested in and join a club. Forewarning: Organization Fest, commonly known as O-Fest, is overwhelming. Through clubs and organizations I’ve met some of my best friends, learned more about interests I care about and had an opportunity to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t have. Marquette is home to almost 300 student organizations vying for your time, so you definitely won’t be bored. And if there’s something Marquette doesn’t offer, start a club up! Get involved, too. Take on leadership positions, stay after a meeting to help clean-up, provide new suggestions, etc.
Zen Den
Probably one of Marquette’s newest nuggets of change. In an effort to alleviate high stress, Marquette’s Counseling Center created the “Zen Den,” a quiet resource space for students. Maybe even better than the den of your basement it can be reserved for meditation, yoga, Wii Fit, light box therapy and biofeedback technology.
Late Night Events
Looking for weekend events on or around campus? Late Night Marquette has you covered. Bowling leagues, movies, karaoke and special events round out the schedule. Late Night Marquette actively promotes a vibrant campus culture by collaborating with members of the university and Milwaukee communities to provide fun, innovative, and inexpensive programming to students.
Relay for Life
Remember loved ones affected by cancer at Relay for Life. Stay up all night and help us work towards a world where we send cancer packing.
Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
Watch the sunrise at the Lakefront
Burgers, Burgers, Burgers
Milwaukee’s home to some of the best burgers around. Try out Marquette favorite Sobelman’s, but also AJ Bombers, Oscar’s (on Pierce St.), Stack’d and more!
Kopp’s
Speaking of food, Kopp’s is the holy grail of Wisconsin. Yes, lines are this long at Kopp’s because it’s THAT good.
Kopp’s is the mecca of everything Wisconsin. A local ma and pa shop now is one of the most craved and visited restaurants on this side of the Mississippi. Kopp’s monthly “Flavor Forecast” flyer has grown to become a regular sight for many on their fridge, office or home screen of their smart phone (thanks to their handy-dandy app). When Wisconsinsites think of Kopp’s, we think of heaven.
“The sultan of swat! The king of crash! The colossus of clout! The colossus of clout! THE GREAT BAMBINO!” — The Sandlot
Kopp’s is the Great Bambino. It can do no wrong. Let me repeat that again, KOPP’S CAN DO NO WRONG.
Swim in the pool atop of the Catholic Financial Building
Marquette Un-Abbreviated
Thanks to Marquette alum. and current employee Mykl Novak he tackles Marquette University abbreviations, acronyms and short phrases in this awesome blog post. Definitely make sure to lock down Jesuit Phrases (ie- AMDG). While you’re at it, check out his blog for some stellar Marquette photography.
http://postmarq.tumblr.com/guide
JobConnection
JobConnection is a free service for admitted and currently enrolled Marquette students seeking part-time job opportunities and for employers who are searching for Marquette students.
Greek Life
Before I get started, I understand that greek life isn’t for everyone and there are some misconceived stereotypes out there. Give it a shot if you’re interested and rush a fraternity or sorority. For an inside scoop on greek life, read “Tales From a Greek.”
Service
As part of Marquette’s Jesuit identity, service is a core value lived out throughout campus. Jesuits believe that Christian faith demands a commitment to justice. Through my time at Marquette, service has evolved into a way of life and a new lifelong passion. That in itself has been a pretty cool transformation to notice in myself. On campus there’s countless service organizations, so do some research and see what interests you!
Service — it’s what Marquette does.
Bradford Beach
When it’s a sunny day and you’re looking to kick it on the beach, Milwaukee knows to head to Bradford. Bring a volleyball or a frisbee and have some fun. Ride the bus there with your U-Pass — the U-PASS allows cardholders to ride any Milwaukee County Transit System bus for free, 24-hours a day/7-days a week, during the fall and spring semesters. Just don’t forget sunscreen!
McCormick Beach
Not feeling the trek down to the lake? Look no farther than Marquette’s own McCormick Beach. Situated outside the AMU and McCormick Hall in the grassy area, this instantly becomes a hot-spot filled with frisbees, footballs, tightrope walkers and plenty of shades.
Study Abroad
“We travel because we need to, because distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our mind has been changed, and that changes everything.” — Jonah Lehrer
Tuesday Night Mass
All are welcome at Tuesday Night Mass at 10 pm at St. Joan of Arc Chapel. You’ll be sitting on the floor, elbow-to-elbow, while experiencing a tradition integral to Marquette’s DNA. The atmosphere, break from a hectic week and re-framing of your mind is rewarding. It’s changed my life, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it did the same for you. Keep an eye out for campus celebrity Pres. Lovell — he’s often in attendance.
Learn more about The Magic of Tuesday Night Mass.
Dogg Haus + Real Chili = Heaven
Until you’ve experienced it, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. Like a combination of Fergie + Jesus…but in food form.
Fun fact: Late Rick Majerus, former #mubb coach, loved Real Chili.
Season Tickets to #mubb
With no football team, Marquette basketball, commonly referred to as #mubb, is a way of life. In a sense, it’s almost like a religion. I’ll see you there.
Alum. Andrei Greska shares his “Eight Simple Rules for Being a Marquette Fan” in 2011.
Campus Renew
A Christian community or small group experience open to all students. It’s about living the magis together. That’s Ignatian language meaning “the more.” St. Ignatius of Loyola would ask “what more can I do to follow Christ?” That doesn’t mean doing more and more things, as much as it means to be more, to live more justly, and to do this with others.
Bro-yo (Broken Yolk) > Life
No questions asked. Make sure to come with an empty stomach. One man even attempted to eat everything on the menu at Broken Yolk.
http://breakingdownbrokenyolk.tumblr.com/
Did anybody else’s mouth start salivating or is that just me?
Hot Cookie Night
Correction: Your mouth will start salivating…about now. Hot cookie night is a coveted evening on campus where bowls of piping hot and gooey cookies are served. Top it off with ice cream and prepare for quite the food coma. Roughly 1,000 cookies are served every Monday and Thursday at Cobeen and Monday’s at McCormick. Rumor has it the record for the most hot cookies eaten in one sitting was 7. Talk about a stomach ache.
Mac and Nug Night
Now that we’re on the food roll, we might as well spotlight Mac and Nug Night. On Saturday evenings at Cobeen you’ll see the line out the door. The staff prepares a whopping 200 pounds of chicken nuggets and 150 pounds of mac n’ cheese to feed the hungry hordes of students. This meal will definitely bring back your childhood and there’s no judgments for seconds…or fifths.
Student Discounts
I know the real question you’ve been wondering is…
“What sort of free stuff do I get?”
On top of t-shirts, food, and other miscellaneous items, there’s some specific deals to Milwaukee.
- The Rave/Eagles Club — $5 discounts
- Amtrak — Student Advantage card holders receive 15% off
- Champs Sports
- Marcus Theatres — $5 movie Thursdays
- STA Travel
- Milwaukee Public Museum — free admission on the first Thursday of the month via Thank You Thursday
- Clothing stores
Check out the Marquette Wire’s Where your student ID will get you a discount
Check out Late Night Marquette’s Featured Discounts
See what the hype’s about at E-Hall
Engineering Hall is one of the most unique buildings at Marquette. Part of a multi-year renovation project totaling $50 million, the interior is pretty sleek and reflects Marquette’s forward-moving, innovative nature. You also can’t beat the views down Wisconsin Ave. into downtown.
Grab a cup of Milwaukee Joe
As much as Milwaukee’s DNA is built on beer, it also is derived from coffee. Beer isn’t the only thing brewed in Milwaukee! Local coffee shops include:
- Colectivo Coffee
- Stone Creek Coffee
- Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
- Valentine Coffee Roasters
- + more!
#Selfie with The Fonz
“The Fonz” is a fictional character in the American sitcom Happy Days (1974–1984). Located on the Milwaukee Riverwalk in downtown Milwaukee the Bronze Fonz stands in his typical outfit — leather jacket and jeans with a two-handed thumbs up. Ayyyyyyyyy.
#Selfie with the Golden Eagle
Keep an eye out for the Marquette Turkey
You think we’re kidding, but it’s real. A real, live turkey (in an urban setting) can be seen on campus throughout the year — rain, snow or shine. Follow it at @MU_Turkey.
Visit friends on break(s)
This really ties together and solidifies friendships. It’s pretty neat to see more into your friend’s day-to-day lives and meet their friends you’ve heard so much about. These are memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Seek out mentors
This can be as formal or informal as you make it out to be. Some of my peers and classmates are my mentors, informally. Then at internships you may have assigned mentors. Outside of work and school, I also have life mentors that inspire me. Overall, it comes together as a nice mix. Pictured above is me with one of my mentors.
“Everyone is my teacher. Some I seek. Some I subconsciously attract. Often I learn simply by observing others. Some may be completely unaware that I’m learning from them, yet I bow deeply in gratitude.” -Eric Allen
Poster Sale in the AMU
During specific weeks of each semester, the first floor of the AMU is filled with tables upon tables of all sorts of your favorite posters — musicians, TV shows, movies, artists, etc. They’re massive. The catch — all at a great, affordable college price.
Free T-Shirts
Your wardrobe isn’t prepared for the amount of free shirts you’re going to receive. Did I say they’re free? Not sure if I did, so I’ll say it again. They’re free!
Night out in Milwaukee
Spend the evening exploring the city we call home with some friends. Whether it’s a fun dinner or a few hours at the Swing Park, you’ll never be bored in Milwaukee. Go out and explore our backyard of Milwaukee.
Ian’s Pizza
Sure, this is a Madison tradition, but the Mac and Cheese pizza is enough to put our differences aside. One of the Top 13 Pizzas in Milwaukee according to Thrillist.
Free Yoga at LuLu Lemon
Saturday morning’s are free yoga at LuLu Lemon in the Third Ward. Namaste. http://www.lululemon.com/stores/us/milwaukee/thirdward
$5 Pizza Tuesday’s at Papa John’s
A staple to all students. Prepare for a sizable line that stretches out the door, but it’s worth it. This is ballin’ on a budget to the max.
Make friends with people in classes
Making friends in classes makes it that much easier to form study groups and get notes if you miss. Quick story for you. My freshman year I was in Spanish 2002 (intermediate Spanish) and on the first day my professor made us exchange numbers with someone sitting next to us for that exact reason. I exchanged numbers with a kid named Jon who I thought was a junior or upperclassmen. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it. Fast forward a year, Jon ends up rushing my fraternity and I find out he’s the same age as me. Present: Jon and I are friends and if it weren’t for that class I probably wouldn’t have met Jon. Life has a funny way of working things out.
Google Docs
Google Docs singlehandedly saves group projects and papers. Can you imagine college before Google Docs were created? Yeah, me neither.
Attend one Marquette/Wisconsin game at the Bradley Center
This will make you love Marquette that much more — you’ll be filled with the utmost school spirit. No other game truly compares to it…#WeAreMarquette
Tailgate a Brewers game
Nothing says Wisconsin more than brats, tailgating and the Brew Crew. Throw on your blue and gold and cheer on the home team!
Pull an all-nighter/sleep in the library
Not for the fun in it, but just so you can say you’ve done it. Make sure all-nighters don’t become a regular occurrence, sleep is important to your health.
P.S.- see those bags under my eyes?
Milwaukee Home
Milwaukee is truly a city that comes alive in the summer. It’s something you’ll have to experience for yourself. Make Milwaukee your home.
Some life lessons & other pieces of advice…
- Friends, families and relationships > school. A degree only goes so far and at the end of the day you’ll remember them over one grade or the countless hours of studying.
- Quit worrying…
~ Tom Petty
- Live…
“No one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep.”
- Being cool isn’t “in” anymore in college, so be yourself. Better yet, Be The Difference.
- Lose the high school spirit wear and lanyards.
- Always do what scares you — life begins at the end of your comfort zone. It’s cliche, but true.
- Ask and it shall be given to you…
Growing up my mom always preached, “The worst thing you can hear is no.” So ask away. Ask that question in class, see if there’s any extra credit you can do, or even ask that cute gal/guy on a date. You never know where life will lead you if you never ask!
- “Nothing good happens after 2 am” — How I Met Your Mother. You know what I mean here.
- Become organized and your life will become 10x easier.
- You’ll lose some friends. But then again, you know what? You’ll gain some friends, too! “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”
- Take plenty of pictures — they’ll make for a great story one day. Word to the wise: that also doesn’t mean you need to post every one on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Don’t Snapchat your life away. Live in the moment and be here now.
- Leave the red Solo cups out of pictures. We get it, you’re in college. Sweet. However, your future job employers won’t like seeing these pictures.
- Go technology-free one hour a day. Shut everything off, spend some time with yourself or friends and recharge. You’ll be surprised how many wonders this will work.
- Come Christmas and birthdays, the spirit shop never lets you down.
- Don’t be that person in class who sits on social media or online shops. Not only is it unhelpful, it’s actually pretty distracting to the rest of us over here trying to pay attention. You have all the other hours of the day to do that, come to class to learn. #SorryNotSorry
- Make sure your phone’s on vibrate before entering class. The last thing you want to happen is your phone going off in the middle of a 200+ person lecture hall. Everyone will stare directly at you. Can’t say I’m speaking from experience here (I am), but I am that guy with the Kim Possible ringtone.
- Tell your parents how much you love them — they too are getting older.
- The truth is…no one has it figured it out, even the ones who act like they do. Be at peace with that and understand you’re in an ocean with plenty of other fish who can relate.
- The nights you stay in often succeed some of your best nights out. Not only will your body thank you, but bumming around in your sweats is just as fun as other weekend activities. One of my fondest memories of college was freshman year — we squeezed 20 people in an Abbottsford room to watch scary movies — popcorn and all.
- Mattress pads give meaning to life
- What’s worth having won’t come easy
- Girls — the guys that’ll last will pay for dates and still give you butterflies after numerous encounters.
- Being scared/nervous is OKAY!
- Introduce your friends to your parents when they visit. Ask to even take them out to eat with you + your family! This really brings things full circle and allows your parents to put a name to a face after you’ve raved about them. Or if your parents are on Instagram and already know what they look like, that’s cool too.
- Getting ready for class pegs you as an underclassmen. When you’ve been around the block a few times you’ll notice sweats and t-shirts are perfectly acceptable. After long nights of homework and studying the last thing you’ll want to do is wake up earlier than needed. Sleep is a precious thing. Just make sure to keep up with your hygiene. Actually, definitely keep up with your hygiene, that would be good.
- Make sure to see what your professor’s policies are when it comes to food in the classroom. When you’re able to eat your Poptarts (breakfast) in class, you know you’ve struck gold.
- Getting ready for an internship, field placement or job is a must. This could be a future employer — take some extra time, always dress to impress and make sure you’re clean-shaven and put-together.
Photo from my last day as a marketing intern at a Top-25 hotel management company
- Take fun, interesting electives. Heck, you’re paying for it — you might as well enroll in something you find intriguing. Did you know Marquette offers a class on J.R.R. Tolkien? The NY Daily News covered the class. Anywho, explore your options and see what catches your eye!
- You’re a student first…
- Find your passions and pursue them. For me, this is loving one another and paying it forward. A prime example of this is what classmate Cate Beauchamp did throughout Milwaukee and Marquette this summer.
- Don’t feel obligated to be in a relationship when everyone else gets in one. Wait for the right person and you’ll be happier.
- Make it an adventure…
- Be open to new opportunities
- This chapter in your life is a discovery phase
- Wear a few extra layers in winter, and invest in some warm clothes. You’ll need it.
- Last, but definitely not least… HAVE FUN! Welcome to the best years of your life.
We Are Marquette
“We will study together, we will laugh together. We will have fun together, and we will cry together. This is college. Have fun. Work hard. But above all remember that you are part of something now.”
Credit: Marquette University New Student Orientation
“Who Will You Be at Marquette?”
Make sure to read “An open letter to the incoming freshman class.”
Learn what insights the Class of 2015 had. “10 lasting lessons from grads to the Class of 2019.”
