University of Wisconsin - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

There are a few other... There are a few other universities, but they have no real presence. I would recommend Tenney Park for ice skating in the winter. The geology museum is awesome, too. We have a dinosaur there. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere is very... The atmosphere is very college-esque. There are so many different groups of students that there is a somewhat diverse feeling to the town (if not racially diverse). There is a very distinct feeling that the University dominates Madison, or at least, the west side of the capital, with State Street playing a large part. There are a number of places to visit in and around the University, but they will most likely become some part of your routine in Madison, whether it be the various bars (a large number with varying atmospheres for all tastes) to local shops and restaurants. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

My favorite spot is on a sailboat... My favorite spot is on a sailboat in the middle of Lake Mendota; beautiful skyline view. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Stay away from anyone holding a... Stay away from anyone holding a cup on State Street. Cross the street as many times as necessary to avoid ‘Have any spare change?’ Come on, I’m a college student, 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

As far as actual looks go, Madison... As far as actual looks go, Madison is gorgeous! It sits right on two lakes and one of our student unions has an amazing view. The snow is also pretty in the winter and the cold weather draws people together. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

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?”)

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