Since thousands of new, bright-eyed baby Badgers are currently preparing to descend upon the isthmus for move-in week, now seemed like the perfect time to get to know the campus neighborhood a little better.
As an alumna of UW-Madison, I’d like to think I know the area pretty well. But times have changed in the more-than-a-few years since I’ve graduated. So to get a true insider’s look at the area, I caught up with Drake White-Bergey and Tyler Katzenberger, who are current UW-Madison’s students and the top editors at The Daily Cardinal.
The Hidden Gems
If you want a good place to study, check out the School of Human Ecology! It's a really pretty building with plenty of cozy spots to get work done, plus it has an outdoor patio.
If you don't want to hit the books but instead are looking for an underrated drinks spot, check out The Library Bar. We recommend trivia nights on Tuesdays!
And if you need to just get outside and soak up some sun, hit up Edward Klief Park. It's a little off campus just south of Regent Street, but it's a nice spot to play sand volleyball or throw a blanket down and enjoy a good book.
Where To Eat
Locally-owned places have the best food on State Street. Check out Mediterranean Cafe, Ruyi Hand Pulled Noodle, Ramen Kid, Chen's Dumpling House, and Paul's Pel'meni.
If you're on the west side of campus, waffles from Indie Coffee are perfect for breakfast and QQs is the way to go for dinner.
Where To Drink
For drinks, nothing beats Plaza's atmosphere. It's a Madison icon and the spwan point for every main character on campus, plus it's queer-friendly and the drinks are cheap.
Otherwise, UU has $5 top shelf drinks and free pizza if you're there at the right time on Thursdays, and Leopold's on Regent Street offers fancy drinks at affordable prices with a side of smooth jazz. It's practically a modern speakeasy.
What To Do
See a show! University Theater puts on multiple student productions each season, and Hamel Music Center hosts concerts throughout the year showcasing student musicians. Shannon Hall also hosts plenty of iconic speakers and performers throughout the semester
Also, you can always pick up a copy of The Daily Cardinal to keep up with what's new on campus.
