Congratulations incoming freshman, you get to go to one of the most exciting universities in the nation. Madison can usually be found somewhere on the majority of “Top College Towns” lists and for good reason. Let’s be honest; you and I both know that you did not come here just so you could study all the time. While I know that Madison’s academic reputation factored into your final decision, many other aspects of this prestigious university caught your eye. While Madison has obvious appeals, many hidden places and events exist that the average person might not tell you about. Even a fifth year senior will not have done everything available to do in Madison.
The Overture Center, a short bus ride away, hosts many entertaining shows and events year round. I went to see the Broadway shows “Sister Act” and “Flashdance” last year. Noteworthy shows coming this year include “Mamma Mia” and “The Book of Mormon.” As a student, you qualify to purchase student rush tickets; tickets at a generous discount that are not in the nosebleed section. My “Flashdance” seats were on the second level in the middle; a great deal for an economically challenged college student.
Bring your bike. It will save your life. It’s faster than walking and provides great exercise. Biking also allows more sleeping time for that dreaded 8 a.m. class. The Lakeshore Path might just be the best way to travel to classes; especially to those classes held in the southeast region of campus, which for me, included nearly all of them. Some free advice: stay off Observatory Drive unless you desire to achieve thighs of steel. Along with the bike, the free bus pass that you can pick up at 333 East Campus Mall your first week of class will come in handy when winter comes. A bus route will go pretty much wherever you need to go including a mall with a decent movie theater.
In addition to attending a football game, you must, and I put emphasis on the must, attend a hockey game. The atmosphere of Camp Randall exhilarates, but a hockey game in the Kohl Center contains not one dull moment. Sit in the student section and familiarize yourself with the cheers and chants that occur as well. Speaking of cheers and chants, in addition to “Jump Around” at the football games, the Fifth Quarter delights the crowd. Learn the motions to the Fifth Quarter songs. If you participate with the motions you will have a blast and, additionally, you will not stick out as a freshman; only freshmen do not know the Fifth Quarter songs complete with motions.
Get outside. An abundance of outdoor activities on and near campus encourages you to not spend a whole day inside. Take a walk, run or bike ride out to Picnic Point for great outdoor recreation. Madison also boosts spectacular botanical gardens and the Henry Vilas Zoo within walking distance or a short bus ride away for those in Southeast. Tired of studying in the dorm room or local library? Take your books to the boat docks, Bascom Hill or the terrace. Stop by the band practice field and watch the marching band practice from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. When it snows, head to the nearest hill with a dining hall tray in hand for some sledding. Remember in high school when you liked that one thing thought to be lame and geeky by everyone else? I guarantee a group for your interest exists at Madison: home to a seemingly infinite amount of clubs and groups.
Everyone will say to go to State Street. Yes, go to State Street. State Street sits right on an isthmus and hosts an abundance of restaurants and stores including the University Bookstore where you can purchase all your Badger apparel. If you walk all the way to the end of State Street, you will find yourself at the base of the Capitol building. If a sports team achieves a great feat, say the Final Four, make your way to State Street to take part in one of the most fun, entertaining, and crowded celebrations.
Hopefully, the things I have mentioned will broaden your checklist as you plan your stay here at the University of Wisconsin. I might have mentioned a fraction of the possible things to do at this university and around town. I will not even mention that Wisconsin cracked the top ten party schools list: as a freshman, and most likely underage, I know you will not consume alcohol. Yours truly provides proof that you can attend many a party at Madison and not imbibe a drop. These next few years will surely be the best of your lives. Welcome to Madison!
Nolan Beilstein ([email protected]) is a sophomore majoring in journalism and math education.
