The University of Wisconsin–Madison has all the amenities an undergraduate student could ask for, and then some. As a student here, you will have abundant choices for sports, recreation, culture, pursuing your co-curricular interests, and getting together with friends.

 

Madison: A Great Place to Live

Madison is consistently rated as one of America’s favorite places to live or go to school. Students appreciate the fact that the city combines big-city amenities with small-town friendliness. As a capital city and home to a major university, Madison is vibrant and filled with activity, yet the atmosphere is relaxed. The downtown is situated between two beautiful lakes, with the State Capital building at its center.

Numerous restaurants and shops are just a quick walk from Grainger Hall, home of the Wisconsin School of Business. Dining options in Madison are plentiful, representing all price ranges and a wide variety of ethnic cuisines. Bike trails go from the lakefront campus to the scenic countryside that surrounds Madison. You will never be lacking for things to do as a student living in Madison.

Visit or attend an event Ask us a question Request information Apply

Find your admissions pathway »

Football players at Homecoming game

#1

Best College Football Town
—Bleacher Report, 2016

Aerial view of the City of Madison

#7

Top 100 Places to Live
—Livability.com, 2018

Pedestrians -- including those wearing red and University of Wisconsin-Madison-branded clothing -- shop for produce and other offerings while walking around the Dane County Farmers' Market that circles the Wisconsin State Capitol in downtown Madison, Wis., on a mild autumn morning

#2

Best Capital City to Live In
—Wallethub, 2018

So Much to Discover on Campus

One of the most beloved campus features is Lake Mendota, where students and visitors can sail, paddleboard, and bike along the lakeshore. The Memorial Union Terrace is a popular lakefront spot to enjoy music or outdoor movies, relax with friends, grab a refreshment, and watch the sunset. At Union South, students can find places to study, dine, bowl, use the climbing wall, play pool, and more.

Big Ten football fills the seats for every home game at the historic Camp Randall Stadium, while Badger basketball (men’s and women’s) and hockey are played at the Kohl Center. The campus houses more than 40 libraries, including the Business Library in Grainger Hall, along with theaters, museums, concert halls, and cafés.

UW–Madison makes it easy for students to enjoy campus life, providing easy access to the recreation center, free bus passes, tickets to sporting events at student prices, and much more.

Noe Vital Jr., BBA

“My first time here in Madison, just being out on the terrace, I felt like this was the perfect college town, the perfect place to be for the next four years of my life.”

—Noe Vital Jr., BBA