As a Wisconsin Badger, you know the exact reaction to expect when you answer the question “where do you go to school?” Sometimes it’s shock, “It’s so cold in Wisconsin!” with bulging eyes. Sometimes it’s sympathy, with a slight empathetic head-tilt. Sometimes it’s even admiration, “I don’t know how you deal with those winters” a head shake in disbelief.

Either way, we all know, it’s pretty freaking cold here. So, after the long, brutal, frigid winter, when the first blade of grass emerges from the frozen ground, we couldn’t be more ready for spring. Here’s when you know it’s officially here.

1. Shorts on any day that is above 30 degrees

The second our weather app shows us a big 3-0, you can be sure to see students showing some skin. We’ve long awaited this day. After weeks of coverage, our pale, deprived, vitamin-D lacking legs are ready for some sun.

2. Spotting your friend from more than two feet away

In the winter, essentially everyone is a blob of fur and down-feathers. With more layers than Trident, walking down the street becomes a real live game of Clue. You can’t tell your best friend apart from a random guy walking on State Street until you’re faces are practically touching.

3. Mendota meltdown

One of the most exciting signs of spring is when iceberg Mendota finally melts. Although it’s kind of a bummer we can no longer walk on water, cause let’s be real, it’s still cool every time. We missed the lake.

4. Treks to the Capitol

With the start of spring, the walk to the capitol isn’t so bad. We’ve missed the famers’ market, sitting outside people-watching and enjoying our favorite Madison restaurants.

5. I scream, you scream

Famous for cheese, it’s no surprise we have the best ice cream too. As the weather gets nicer and the wind chill no longer makes us feel like we’re being pelted with ice cream, it’s the perfect snack. Daily Scoop, Chocolate Shoppe, you can’t go wrong.

6. We see them rollin'

What’s square, on wheels and serves food? Finally, we can resume our food tour of the food carts on Library Mall. The second we see a glimpse of sun another food cart we forgot existed comes back into our lives.

7. Bye icicles, hello bicycles

Anyone and everyone knows that the ultimate sign of spring are the colorful chairs that have a special place in every Badger’s heart – the terrace chairs. There is no better feeling than sitting overlooking Lake Mendota in a terrace chair. Whether you’re sharing a pitcher with friends, doing homework, or just there for the view you know you’re lucky to be there.

9. Bascom sweats

Yeah, we might need to trade our parkas for a Camelbak and towel to walk up Bascom, but we can’t complain. We all deserve trophies for making it through the winter treks up Bascom. There’s no place like spring in Madison.