Everyone always says your college days are some of the most memorable days of your life. If you are a UW Madison Badger, here are 25 things you must do to make sure you are getting the most out of your college experience:
1. Sled down Bascom Hill
This is one of the most iconic things you will ever do as a Badger. Once the hill is covered in snow, "borrow" a tray from one of the dining halls to use as your sled. Get a bunch of friends and have races or create a train. Get fancy with your sledding.
2. Get a picture with Bucky Badger
As a UW-Madison student, Bucky is your hero. Seeing him is like seeing a celebrity, you are totally starstruck. Get a picture with him and hang it up on your wall.
3. Walk on frozen Lake Mendota
You chose to go to school in Wisconsin, where the water freezes thick enough for you to walk on. Enjoy sliding around on the ice and make sure to bundle up!
4. Go to the Farmer's Market
Walk around the capital square at the Farmer's Market! There's plenty of fresh food and baked goods to try. Buy yourself some flowers or get them for someone else. An absolute must is the spicy cheese bread from Stella's.
5. Pull an all-nighter at College Library
Finals week is hard and more than likely you probably haven't been consistently studying to prepare. Head over to College Library, which is open 24/7 during finals week.
6. Jump Around in Camp Randall
We were the first college to use Jump Around during our games and we are still the best at it. Make sure you join the tradition and jump around in the student section at the end of the third quarter.
7. Go bowling or rock climbing at Union South
Union South is the perfect place to go hang out with friends. They have bowling, a rock climbing wall, live music, pool and much more!
8. Watch the Wisconsin Singers perform
This talented group of singers puts on an amazing performance of dozens of songs complete with costumes and props. Definitely a must see.
9. Try all the flavors of Babcock ice cream
It's only the best ice cream place in the world. No exaggeration. My personal favorite is orange custard chocolate chip. Highly recommend.
10. Attend the Mifflin Street Block Party
Thousands of students crowd the street and fill the houses on Mifflin. There is plenty of alcohol and you are pretty much guaranteed to have a good time at this block party.
11. Watch the sunrise on the Terrace
Stay up all night to watch the sunrise on the Terrace. The view is well worth the exhaustion.
12. Have a bonfire at Picnic Point
The beautiful peninsula is covered with great fire pits, but the best one is at the very point. Make sure to reserve the pit and don't forget the s'mores!
13. Study abroad
There are so many wonderful opportunities at UW Madison, and studying abroad is one of them! Choose from dozens of programs to find the best fit for you!
14. Steal a chair from the Union
This is the ultimate goal of every student on campus. It used to be easy to steal these colorful iconic chairs, but security has been amped up over the last few years. See if you have what it takes to get away with one. It'll always be a great conversation point if you do.
15. Go to the Henry Vilas Zoo
This cute little zoo is within walking distance from campus and it's FREE! Come see your favorite zoo animals, grab a bite to eat and maybe even ride the carousel. If you enjoyed your time there, make sure to donate so they can keep the zoo running.
16. Crash a wedding at one of the Unions
Hundreds of weddings and receptions happen at the Unions. Who would even notice if you slipped in and did some dancing? If anyone asks you can just make up a story and no one would ever know.
17. Watch the UW Marching Band perform 5th Quarter
EVERYONE LOVES THE BAND. Stay to watch them perform your student section favorites during the 5th Quarter under the wonderful director, Mike Leckrone. The 81-year-old director has been leading the band since 1969 and remembers the names of all of his band members and what instrument they played. He's a legend.
18. Rub Abe's foot for good luck
Make sure to rub Abe's foot for good luck before any big exam. You can tell his shoe is pretty worn, but there's always luck to give.
19. Visit the Arboretum
The Arboretum is a stunning place to take a hike during the fall months when the leaves start to change. Spend an afternoon exploring this beautiful nature reserve and keep an eye out for any events they might be hosting.
20. Play frisbee on Bascom Hill
Nothing is better than when the snow starts to melt and the temperature finally gets back up to 50 degrees. That spring fever will hit and playing frisbee on Bascom will be the perfect cure.
21. Get an A in a class
Classes are pretty tough, especially if you are entering the medical or engineering field. A's won't come nearly as easily as they did in high school, so try your best and work hard to get that A.
22. Have a beer on the Terrace
Take a seat on those colorful chairs (that you eventually will steal) and relax a bit. Have a beer and enjoy a concert down on the Terrace.
23. Rent a boat from Hoofers or take a lesson
Rent a paddleboard or canoe from Hoofers down on Lake Mendota and spend the day on the water. Maybe even take a sailing lesson if you are feeling ambitious.
24. Eat at the food carts
The food carts are a fun and cheap meal on campus and there are many types of food to choose from! Find them down at the start of State Street or scattered elsewhere around campus.
25. Sit in Abe's lap
The last thing you have to do as a UW Madison student is sit in Abe's lap. After all of the times you rubbed his foot for good luck on your exams, he never let you down. You made it. You graduated. Now it's time to celebrate by getting your picture with Abe.
