Joe
The best thing about Wisconsin is the variety and culture. Wisconsin mixes one of the best party scenes in the nation with one of the best sports programs in the nation and one of the best academic programs in the nation. The social, educational, sports mix is what makes Wisconsin the best University in the United States.
Ben
Its a great school, a beautiful campus, a great bar scene and fantastic sports teams. Everyone goes nuts on game day and everyone here knows how to drink. We live by the motto "Work Hard, Play Hard"
Phil
The best thing of Wisconsin is the everyday Madison atmosphere. There are so many different types of people in Madison. Classes are great, the campus is beautiful, and people are just enjoying their time here. It also has a great social scene, bars, clubs, and restaurants. The Union is amazing. Live bands and the great scene at the Union are one of a kind. Being in Downtown Madison and enjoying state street are truly unique to Madison. I would change the weather, it gets a little too cold at times, but that just makes the student body appreciate the spring, summer and fall so much better. When the first day of nice weather of spring hits, you'd better believe that the entire student body is taking advantage of the weather. People tan all down Bascom Hill, students study outside, and sports are played on every corner of the campus. I think the size is perfect. People react in shock when I tell them I goto the UW. Being from the south, many people don't even know where Wisconsin is! I spend most time on campus either on State street, at the Union, playing Frisbee, hanging out at friends apartments, or on state street. Possibly the best college town in the US. Madison and the UW are combined as one and the experience of living downtown Madison is great. Wisconsin's administration is phenomenal, Nothing to complain about. There was a controversy about some accused racist term used by a Law school professor. But it was all cleared up within a few months. School pride here rivals all big schools in the US. Thousands get out their red for the football games. The streets are lined with red on the way to Camp Randall. People wake up extra early to start tailgating, drinking, and eating before the game. It is unusual that there are so many different people that go to the UW, and thats what makes it great. My entire freshman year was a year long ride I will never forget. I honestly had the time of my life all year long. Most frequent complaints? cold weather during the winter.
Ruth
The best thing about Wisconsin is the school environment/structure of the campus, with a small school feel at a big school. I would change the excessive amount of binge drinking or curtail it a bit. I like the size. Other people know UW is kind of a wild, fun place but also where lots of smart, academically-oriented people go. This is definitely a "college town"; the campus is right downtown but very contained so there is a definite campus feel. The biggest recent controversy was probably being named #1 drinking school by Princeton Review in 2005. There is tons of school pride, especially at football and other sporting events. Although they are "plagued with alcohol", I really like events like Halloween and Mifflin St. Block Party. It's great to see lots of people coming together to have a good time.
Lindsay
The campus is very big, which is a good thing. Even though it is big, it still feels like a community. There is a lot of school pride - especially at the football games. Whenever I tell people from home that I go to Madison they are always very impressed.
Kelly
I love Wisconsin. I think students here are proud to be Badgers. The school spirit is insane and undescribable. To be in the student section at a Badger home football game is a great experience.
The school is definitely not too large. I think sometimes it could be bigger. I am always running into people I know everywhere I go.
Madison is definitely a college town. When you walk around in downtown Madison everyone is usually between the ages of 18 and 25. It is a really great place to live with tons of activities and events going on every night. It is really hard to be bored living in Madison. Also, the scenery is wonderful (the Capital and two lakes...what else could you ask for?).
On campus, I spend most of my time at Grainger because I am a business student and that is the building the business school is in. I sometimes think that Grainger is my second home with all of the amenities it offers (library, computer lab, cafeteria, lockers, study rooms). I think the only thing it is missing is my bedroom.