When Kayla Sherrod, a psychology major from Fox Point, Wisconsin, was trying to choose which college was right for her, she was torn between a university in Chicago and UW-Milwaukee. “I wanted to be close to home,” she says.

It was attending a college fair and talking to a psychology professor at UWM that helped make up her mind. “She described the department and program and just kind of sealed the deal,” she says. “Now she’s my psychology advisor.”

Sherrod is also in the Honors College, which is UWM’s program for high-achieving students that offers discussion-based seminars that students take alongside their regular UWM classes. “It’s definitely different, but it’s been fun so far. They’re really big on community events,” Sherrod says. “I’m taking a class about portraits and at least right now, it doesn’t have any connection to my major. The Honors College adds a lot to my UWM experience.”

Research, study abroad and independent projects further customize the Honors College experience, and other benefits include access to a writing specialist and scholarship opportunities.

Sherrod’s advice for new students is to try to get involved wherever they can. “That’s the easiest way to build community,” she says. “Living in the dorms, the cultural centers, big events around campus… Whenever something is going on, just go!”