University of Wisconsin
- Local Atmosphere

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University of Wisconsin - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Local Atmosphere

Quick Stats

Points of Interest
  • Camp Randall
  • Capital Square
  • Lake Mendota
  • State Street

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

With two large lakes bordering opposite ends of campus and the Capital building sitting at the top of State Street, visually, there aren’t enough positive things UW students can say about the locale of this college. Apart from the gorgeous aesthetics, students find the areas near campus to be very accessible. State St. offers a multitude of restaurants, shops, bars, and cafés. Capital Square also offers dining and shopping, but at a little higher price. Students acknowledge the nearby universities, but at the same time, admit to not interacting with them much. In general, students feel the placement of campus creates a very picturesque and “college-esque” atmosphere.

Madison itself is a comfortably-sized city located in the heart of the Midwest. Most students feel its locality creates a friendly and safe environment. The UW campus sits right next to the city’s trendiest street, complete with shops, restaurants, and bars. However, the campus is also close to a strong business district. The meshing of these two worlds exposes students to college life, and that of the ‘real world’. Overall, students at Madison will be provided with the comforts of a small town, as well as the opportunities of a large city.

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Wisconsin Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at University of Wisconsin

katieum

'15

Biological Sciences

5.0
A+

Atmosphere of Madison, WI

I absolutely love the atmosphere of Madison. There are plenty of different activities, events, and organizations to become involved with. The entire city feels very welcomming. I love this city and university.

Jan 20, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at University of Wisconsin

WiscScholar

'15

Economics

4.6
A

Awesome!!

Madison has so much to do! Campus is right next to State Street- which is full of shops, theaters, museums, and leads up to the capital building! There are always sporting events going on. There are two unions- each with its own activities. Union South plays free movies every week!

Jan 18, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at University of Wisconsin

mbodnar92

'15

Agricultural and Environmental Engineering

4.6
A

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is an awesome town with a crazy night life scene and abundant activities during the day. The city is large enough that it has everything you could need but small enough that its not overpowering. I feel extremely safe on campus and have never felt threatened or uneasy. State Street, the center of Madison, is a pedestrian only avenue that includes many popular restaurants and stores. There is always something interesting happening on State Street.

Jan 17, 2012

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • East Towne Mall
  • University Square Mall
  • West Towne Mall
Major Sports Teams
  • Green Bay Packers: football
  • Milwaukee Brewers: baseball
  • Milwaukee Bucks: basketball
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Chicago: IL: 3 hours
  • Milwaukee: WI: 2 hours
Did You Know?

6 Fun Facts about Madison:
1. According to Forbes Magazine, Madison is ranked 2nd in the nation of top places for overall education.
2. Madison is the 82nd largest city in the U.S.
3. The cornerstone for the capitol building was laid down in 1837.
4. The original population of the city in 1846 was 626 people.
5. Madison is known as the "The City of Four Lakes." Those lakes being Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Kegonsa, and Lake Waubesa.

Famous People from Madison:
Chris Noth – Sex & the City actor known as Mr. Big; originally from Madison.
Phil Hellmuth – Famous championship poker player; born in Madison and attended UW-Madison.
Meinhardt Raabe – Born in Wisconsin, attended UW-Madison, and currently living in Madison, he is the only surviving munchkin of The Wizard of Oz movie.
Butch Vig – Drummer for the band Garbage; grew up in Madison.
Chris Farley – Comedian and actor; born in Madison.

Local Slang:
Bubbler – water fountain (“I need a drink from the bubbler.”)
Cheese-head – Wisconsin native (“Oh, you’re from Madison? You cheese-head!”)
Doozy – unfortunate situation (“She dumped you, now that’s a doozy!”)
Disc-Golf – a hippie sport that incorporates golf and frisbee (“Wanna play a few rounds of disc-golf?”)
Froke – past tense of freak (“I failed my test and froke out right in class.”)
Jack – to assault or attack someone (“I’ll jack you!”)
Salty – a way one feels after being defeated (“After we lost at disc-golf I was feeling pretty salty.”)
Soda – carbonated beverage (“To drink? I’ll just have a soda.”)
Tight – a phrase to show approval (“You have a date tomorrow?! Tight!”)
Tyme Machine – ATM (“I need to get cash, where’s the closest tyme machine?”)

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Eastgate Cinemas - Madison
5202 High Crossing Blvd.
(608) 242-2117

Orpheum Theater
216 State St.
Madison
(608) 255-8755

University Square Theaters
62 University Square Mall
Madison
(608) 251-FILM

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Wisconsin

Name: Marie Puissant

Hometown: Green Bay, Wis.

Major: Marketing and English

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