The Wisconsin Union kicked off the semester today with Badger Fest 2025. Campus vendors set up booths providing information and free giveaways, including coupons and samples from local Madison businesses. The event introduces students to campus life through local options for food, housing and career development, according to the Wisconsin Union website.
Badger Fest helps increase student awareness of campus services, such as UW Credit Union where students can sign up and learn more about the credit union’s services for students, according to UW Credit Union representative Sam Bullard.
“It helps you get to know different communities and organizations — and looking at some of these booths, there is great information for potential careers,” Bullard said.
Another Badger Fest vendor was the U.S. Marine Corps, distributing information not only about military recruitment but also on Steve Brown Apartments, an on-campus housing provider with sign-up sheets and pamphlets, and Everlight Solar, a company offering affordable, environmentally friendly energy solutions for student housing.
With the start of a new academic year, UW’s new student events kick off as the university prepares to welcome the class of 2029, according to UW.
According to UW freshman Swar Khopkar, events targeted at new students can build community and make Madison feel more approachable.
“It helps you get to know the stuff around campus,” Khopkar said. “I liked all the options.”
Students walked out of Varsity Hall with tote bags full of school supplies and snacks, provided by various Badger Fest vendors.
UW freshman Kingston Love enjoyed the Bubblr and Maruchan ramen stands, where samples of the drink were offered and up to 12 containers of instant ramen noodles.
“As a student at UW I think the event is really helpful to get to know the school and what options are available,” Love said.
Badger Fest is a small but critical introduction to life in Madison as part of UW’s welcome week and one of over 400 connection-building events, as stated in Wisconsin Welcome’s website.
“I think Badger Fest is great to know different communities and organizations, and I think this is a great place for new students to learn about the university and potential careers,” Bullard said.
For more information on UW events students can visit Wisconsin Union’s event calendar or UW’s event calendar.
