Madison is the ultimate college city. Its vast campus, two lakes, welcoming environment, and wide choice of activities offer many ways to enjoy student life. One of the most essential steps to getting acclimated as a Wisconsin freshman is to explore everything the city has to offer. Here are three must-sees for getting to know the UW Madison campus as an incoming freshman!
#1: Memorial Union
Deng, Huiqi (2023). Memorial Union Terrace. Retrieved May 31, 2024, from https://www.expedia.com/Memorial-Union-Terrace-Downtown-Madison.d553248621533126261.Vacation-Attraction
Memorial Union serves as a student hangout zone, study spot, community get-together, and club meeting space all in one! Stop here for a Daily Scoop ice cream and pizza from Strada. Hang out on the terrace and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Mendota. You’ll likely see your fellow Badgers doing the same!
Akira, AK (2022). Bascom Hall Sunset Retrieved May 31, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bascom_Hill#/media/File:Bascom_Hall_Sunset.jpg
#2: Bascom Hill
Bascom Hill represents the unofficial center of UW-Madison’s campus. You may see students lounging around the grassy area of Bascom in the spring and summer. At the top of the hill, there are gorgeous views of the Wisconsin Capitol and the surrounding Madison skyline. Don’t forget to get a picture with Lincoln’s iconic statue whilst you are there!
Flynn, Katherine (2023). State Street and the Wisconsin State Capitol. Retrieved May 31, 2024, from https://savingplaces.org/stories/travel-itinerary-madison-wisconsin
#3: State Street
Although it is not part of UW Madison’s campus, State Street is an important part of UW student life. Lined with restaurants, stores, coffee shops, and entertainment, this street is usually filled with fellow badgers. There are also many community events that occur in this area. You may visit the Dane County Farmers Market, Concerts on the Square, Madison’s Night Market, and more. State Street historically connects the University’s campus to the city, so be sure to give this area a visit!
Here is a helpful blog about all things State Street! https://www.joshlavik.com/blog/what-is-on-state-street-in-madison-wisconsin/