New First-Year Student Survey is LIVE and can be completed until July 18. This survey will also include your EPIC Experience ranking. Be sure to read through all the experience descriptions and rank based on your preferences.
Take the time to rank based on your interests and/or something NEW you want to try. The group you're placed into will be the one you spend Welcome Week with and continue your EPIC Peer Mentoring throughout the year.
EPIC Experience Descriptions – Fall 2025
There will be no additional cost for any experience and all materials will be provided.
Higher Dimensions in Math and Physics: In all realms of science, the idea of dimension is incredibly important. But you probably never learned it in school! Do you know an example of an 18-dimensional space? What’s it like to move through 5-dimensional space? In this experience, we will learn about higher dimensions in math and science, while wandering around the 3-dimensional spaces on campus and nearby off-campus. Exploring, we will look for nice places to study, walk, or relax. By the end, you will feel familiar with the 3-dimensional space nearby campus, and also with higher-dimensional spaces occurring in nature. (All students are welcome. No previous math or physics experience needed.)
Building your rejuvenation station: Are you curious why your body feels different after your favorite self-care activity? Join us to learn how different self-care and wellness practices change your body on the molecular level. We will explore possible calming spaces around campus and then test the effect of a self-care practice in one of the wellness spaces on your physiology. As a group, our results will help us see which practices and spaces have the greatest impact on our bodies and our minds so you can use them throughout your time at Lawrence and beyond! (All students are welcome)
Let's Get Creative! Ready feed your inner creative spirit? Join us for some artsy experiences at local venues in the Fox Cities that will allow you to create, design and paint different pieces on different mediums - canvas, clay & ceramics. (No previous artistic experience required.)
Clay Creations: Get your hands dirty and unleash your creativity. A hands-on workshop where you'll learn to sculpt and shape clay into functional everyday items while connecting with your new peers. No experience required.
You’re a “Rock”star! Join us for an afternoon of indoor rock climbing at Odyssey Climbing and Fitness. Connect with each other and the Fox Cities climbing community. No experience or lots of experience? Everyone will have a great time! A 15-minute orientation will be required prior to climbing, and gear will be provided. Wear your comfy clothes and come ready to “rock your socks”!
Indoor/Outdoor Recess: Learn the ins and outs of a few fun recess games - Pickleball, 4 square, disc golf or Kuub just to name a few. During this experience you’ll learn the rules, strategy, practice,and play against your new peers. (All students are welcome. No previous experience or knowledge required. Will required physical movements and being outdoors.)
Connect & Serve in the Fox Cities: Volunteering is an important part of student life at Lawrence. Not only does it allow you to give back to the community that surrounds us, but it also helps you build meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging. Whether you're tutoring local students, participating in community clean-up events, or helping out at a local food bank, volunteering will enrich your college experience and contribute to the vibrant community we have here in Appleton. So, get involved, make a difference, and have some fun while doing it!
Let's Feast! An Introduction to Russian Cooking: Join us for a delightful culinary adventure into the heart of Russia! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, there's something for everyone to learn and enjoy in this immersive culinary experience. During this event you will learn about traditional Russian cuisine, cook a few staples together, and then enjoy the meal you helped prepare! We will finish the event with traditional Russian treats and tea-drinking. This event is more than just a cooking class—it's an opportunity to connect with others, explore a new culture, and savor the joy of shared meals. Come join us and let's make memories and friendships as we delve into the flavors of Russia together! In the follow-up meetings, we will explore other cuisines from the region. Vegetarians and meat-eaters are welcome! Gluten free options will be available although the kitchen we prepare food in is not gluten-free.
Make Lawrence Your Space- Starting with the Makerspace!: Make fun stuff and gain useful skills in the Makerspace! In this experience, you'll learn how to use the laser cutter, embroidery machine, 3D printers, sewing machine, and vinyl cutter as well as learn how to solder! Several fun projects have been planned to teach you how to use this awesome campus resource. (All students are welcome. No previous experience or knowledge required.)
The Art of Appleton Thrift: Sustainability-CHECK. Money Savings-CHECK. Hitting the hot spots around town – CHECK. When you learn the massive benefits of thrifting, and the best places to go on and around campus, you not only get yourself set up for success, but also connect to the Lawrence and Appleton community in a unique way. (All students are welcome.)
Deck Out Your Dorm: Ready to level up your dorm game? Unleash your creativity and add your personality to your new dorm digs! Choose your option: crafting a whimsical paper chandelier, jazzing things up with a personalized disco ball, weaving boho vibes with macrame wall art, or framing memories with a custom picture frame. Let's turn your dorm into the ultimate expression of YOU!
Botanical Adventures: Come connect with fellow garden groupies and explore the outdoor places around the Fox Valley. Visit local gardens, and botanical places on and off campus. In the winter, this group will explore through watercolors by utilizing your favorite pix from the Fall adventure. In the Spring, come veg-out by learning how to plant your own garden from seed. Think about growth and all it means to you.
Knot a Frayed Adventure Course: Imagine being blindfolded and silenced, yet still expected to express yourself. Now imagine that you must do this with a stranger that you barely know. While this may seem terrifying, working with a team to navigate through a ropes-course provides significant opportunities for growth. Consisting of high and low elements, you and your team will work through on-ground and above-ground challenges that may seem insurmountable but elevate you to apply experiential leadership to the classroom and beyond! (This experience will involve some outdoor activities with physical and height components.)
Title Town Thrills: Ready to explore Green Bay's iconic sports and entertainment scene? Dive into the heart of Titletown with an unforgettable tour highlighting Lambeau Field's rich history and legendary moments. Take on new friends in friendly competition and team building in the Title Town district. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just looking for some active fun, Titletown has something to satisfy your adventurous spirit. All students are invited to join in the excitement and make memories in this sports-loving community.
Vinyl is Vital: Let's dive into the vinyl experience. Spend some time with a group interested in vinyl records - both for the enjoyment and collection of them. What is it about listening to vinyl that offers a different experience than other media? Gather with others that love vinyl and hang out with our favorite campus dogs, Carl and Finn. We'll wrap up the experience with a trip to our downtown record store.
Spokes and Stokes Biking Adventure: Join us for an outdoor adventure that is sure to be a great time! This will include a bike tour and exploration of Appleton through its different parks and trails. Stops at various locations through out the tour will also include team building activities and other surprises. (You must be able to ride a bike to fully participate in this experience.)
Make Museums Your Thing: There’s so much to look at in museums, they can seem overwhelming. But you can make a trip to a museum fun and meaningful for you! We'll visit the History Museum near campus to look at historical objects, try out interesting ways to engage with exhibitions, and meet with staff to hear what it’s like to work in a museum. We'll culminate our experience at the Building for Kids to see the exhibit the Lawrence students were part of creating! Continued opportunities throughout the year will include visits to the Trout Museum, Wriston Art Gallery, and other on campus events. (All students are welcome. No previous museum experience required. This will be a walking tour, accommodations are available if requested.)
Mural, Mural on the Wall: Take a stroll through downtown Appleton and discover the stories told through its vibrant murals that highlights the creativity, culture, and character of the community around you. Then, bring that inspiration back to campus to help create a collective growing mural—a visual piece that blends individual expression with shared Lawrence values, visions, and experiences. Whether you contribute a bold design or a small detail, your voice will become part of a living, growing work that represents us. We will be adding different layers and textures each term as your Lawrence story evolves. No art experience necessary—just bring your ideas, energy, and willingness to be part of something meaningful and collaborative.
LU Crafternoon: Love crafting—or want to give it a try? Join us for a relaxed and creative afternoon where you’ll make two awesome projects! First, design your own LU & Wisconsin-themed string art board to add some school spirit to your room. Then, start a journaling-inspired craft you can keep working on throughout the year and bring back to our once-a-term Craft Meetups.It’s a fun way to get creative and meet others who are into making things too. Whether you're a seasoned DIY-er or just starting out, you'll feel right at home in this welcoming space.
Axe-citing Escape: Strike and Solve: Unleash your inner adventurer through this experience. Channel your precision and wit while connecting with your new peers. In this experience, you will get the excitement of axe throwing and the challenge of solving an escape room. Are you ready to throw like a pro and escape in time? Team up, throw down, and build new friendships. All skill levels welcome!
Find Your (Hip Hop) Flow: Discover the art of lyrical expression in this creative introduction to writing hip hop music. Learn how to craft verses, structure songs, and express your voice through rhythm and rhyme. No experience necessary—just bring your ideas and energy. Original beats and music will be provided to inspire your writing and performance.
The Bean Scene Explorers: Attention coffee lovers! Join us for a caffeine-fueled adventure as we explore some of the best local coffee shops just steps away from campus. Go behind the scenes to discover how your favorite brews are crafted—and yes, there’ll be plenty of time to sip, relax, and chat along the way.
EPIC and Wild!: You’re new to the Fox Valley – let’s slow down and connect with nature! In collaboration with Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter, a local conservation group, students will get the opportunity to participate in a variety of community programs based on our native flora and spending time outside. We will be doing team building and traveling to the Thousand Island Nature Center to experience Wild Edible Foraging and Snacks. Based on group interest, future activities throughout the year will give us a chance to learn about our native plants and connect with nature and may include a Leaf Mandala Workshop, Greenhouse in a Bottle Workshop, nature hikes, or visits to community gardens.
Game Day: Learn Games, Make Friends: Games, snacks, and new friends — what more could you ask for? Join us for a welcoming game day event where you’ll get to learn and play awesome board games with other new students. A local game shop is bringing the games, you bring the good vibes. No experience needed, just a willingness to have fun and connect.
Lawrence & Appleton: A Story in Every Step: Come walk with us as we learn about the intertwined history of Appleton and Lawrence—famous people, intriguing places, fascinating happenings—right in our own backyard. We’ll stop at interesting spots in the city, on campus, and along the Fox River as we conduct a scavenger hunt for clues to our heritage and sample local treats. Participants should be comfortable walking up to three miles.
Prairie Ecosystems: Students will explore outdoor prairies on campus and the surrounding areas and will learn to identify native plants. Students will learn about the meaningful Prairie restoration project near Hiett Hall led by a LU senior. Students will have the opportunity to harvest seeds, propagate seedlings in the green house, and transplant native species to locations on campus.
Pull Together: Join us on the beautiful Fox River and experience the thrill of rowing! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, rowing is a fun and unique team sport that’s all about rhythm, teamwork, and being out on the water. You’ll learn how to move the boat—or shell—on and off the water with your crew, build strength and endurance, and even explore the leadership role of the coxswain, the teammate who steers and motivates the rowers. No experience necessary—just come with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and workout clothes that aren’t too baggy. Indoor and outdoor training included. NOTE: All participants must be able to swim.
Chop, Sizzle & Season: Ever wanted to level up your kitchen game or impress your friends with your cooking skills? This hands-on culinary experience is your ticket to becoming a true foodie. No experience needed—just come hungry to learn! You’ll work alongside local chefs to explore the basics of cooking, including how to safely cut and prep ingredients, use essential kitchen tools, select oils and seasonings, and experiment with creating your own recipes. Whether you're a microwave master or a total beginner, you’ll leave with practical skills, a deeper appreciation for flavor, and maybe even your signature dish. Aprons provided. Curiosity required.