Have you ever heard the phrase “how we spend our days is how we spend our lives” and been sent into a panic? When you first arrive at UW as a bright-eyed freshman, it’s easy to assume that you’ll experience everything campus has to offer without even trying. After all, you have four more years! Until.
Suddenly, it’s February of your senior year, and after three years of sleeping in, cramming for exams, eating out at the same three takeout restaurants, staying home watching TV with your roomies or just doomscrolling, you realize you haven’t even experienced half of what you thought you would do “all the time.”
Never fear, seniors. If you feel pressed for time, I’ve compiled a short list of quintessential Madison experiences that you still have time to experience before you graduate and leave this place behind.
Mifflin Street Block Party
The first, and perhaps most obvious item on this list is the Mifflin Block Party. Sure, some say it’s overrated, overcrowded or even dangerous — but that’s no excuse not to attend at least once. When the last Saturday of April comes around, grab your friends, some mimosas (gotta start early) and get ready to avoid the balconies!
Concert at The Sylvee
As a professional concert enjoyer, it surprises people when I tell them that The Sylvee is my favorite concert venue I’ve ever been to (yes, ever). Sure, stadiums and arenas allow for more frills and feathers, but you won’t find anywhere more energetic, intimate and stress-free than The Sylvee.
Memorial Union Terrace festivities
I’m sure most UW students have been to Mem U, but have you achieved its full intended potential? I’m talking an ice-cold cider in one hand, brat in the other and a warm sun setting over Mendota. Before graduating, you must experience a live performance or movie at the terrace, along with jumping off the dock into the lake (hopefully it’s a warm spring).
Giant spring roll from Fresh Cool Drinks
Before graduating, you must experience the joys of the giant spring roll from the Fresh Cool Drinks food truck on Library Mall. My go-to order is the avocado spring roll with shrimp and extra peanut sauce. Best enjoyed at the terrace on a sunny spring day.
Picnic Point
My personal favorite trail is walking along the Lakeshore Path all the way to the tip of Picnic Point. Though the best time of year for this walk is October when the leaves have completely changed color (don’t feel bad, time flies!) it’s not too late for you to visit — I’d recommend late April-early May. The wildflowers will be blooming!
Editor’s Note: The headline of this article has been changed to say “five” instead of “six.”
