Your time at the University of Wisconsin is about more than classroom learning. Our campus is packed with great opportunities, and the surrounding city of Madison is an excellent place to live and explore. We’re confident you will find your own “student life,” but here are a few ideas to get you started.
Looking to get involved? Every CALS department sponsors at least one student organization, and the college itself sponsors several more. Getting involved in student clubs is a great way to make friends and learn more about the major from older students, faculty and professionals. Club meetings and events are a mixture of social, academic and public service activities. Across the university, UW sponsors more than 700 student organizations and you can expect at least a couple to catch your fancy. From sailing and other outdoor activities to engineering, arts and crafts, advertising, fencing, felines and knitting, if it’s been discussed, it probably exists. If it doesn’t, you can start it yourself. UW also has an active Greek community, with 11 percent of the student body pledged and participating.
Looking for something to do? The solution to your boredom can be found at one of the UW’s renowned student unions. Mini-courses, live music, food and gaming areas which include billiards, arcades and bowling are just some of the many diversions the Wisconsin Union offers. Union South (227 N. Randall Ave) is ideal for a midday study break, while the Memorial Union (800 Langdon St.) and its ever-popular Rathskellar are hopping at all hours. The Wisconsin Union also serves as hub to over 700 student organizations.
Nothing gets the UW community more passionate than Badger athletics. Fall Saturdays in Madison belong to football. Basketball and hockey games are of equal importance during the winter months. Tickets can be hard to come by, so it’s best purchases be made well in advance. For football games, the Regent St. and stadium areas transform their parking lots to open patios to accommodate game day revelers. The National W Club presents a pre-game tailgate at Union South, which includes a performance by the UW Marching Band. The State St. area caters to Badger fans on Kohl Center game days.
One of the most unique pedestrian avenues in the country, State St. is the pipeline of off-campus student life. Craving a certain type of food? Chances are it can be found here. Whether you’re looking for a good burger and beverage or more exotic fare, the restaurants along the street are ideal for a date or a night out with friends. Trendy boutiques and clothing stores also dot the map, and a variety of coffee houses provide ample space and ambience for studying. Including the brand new Overture Performing Arts Center and the timeless Orpheum Theatre both on the 200 block, State St. hosts a variety of live theater and music.
