My First Week at the University of Wisconsin, Madison!

By Ava Griffiths, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

It has been a hectic few months settling into my new life at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I am now just finding time to upload the blog post which I wrote after my first week here – it’s now been nearly four months! The time really does fly by.

I am currently writing this at the table of my new apartment just off State Street in the heart of the city of Madison. Today marks one week since I first arrived in America. After an 8 hour flight into Chicago then a 3 hour coach to Wisconsin, it was fair to say I was mostly relieved when I first arrived! Fall semester has yet to start so it has been a week of familiarising myself with my new campus and city.

The Capitol building in Downtown Madison.

So far, me and my flatmate have spent everyday swimming down by the lake, enjoying the dying days of summer. As first impressions go, Madison is pretty cool! Whether it’s campus being right on Lake Mendota or the warmth of Midwestern hospitality, the city has certainly exceeded my expectations.

A beautiful sunset over Lake Mendota, the lake which the UW campus is situated on.

Out of all the places in America, you may read this and ask: why Wisconsin? Well, it definitely isn’t the weather! (the winters are long and VERY cold with temperatures dropping to -17 degrees). However, this is one of the great public universities in the US with a strong school spirit offering the all American college experience. When family and friends from back home ask me how it has been so far, I often respond with: “it’s very American!”. From a 80,000 full capacity stadium for a college football game to seeing UW- Madison merchandise being worn by students everywhere you look. It really is like what you see in the movies.

My first American football game at Camp Randall!

Your living situation is certainly an important aspect of a year abroad so I wanted to share my experience so far and hopefully some useful advice. In terms of my situation, I opted to live off campus in an apartment building. Although I live in a great location (my furthest class is a 15 minute walk), signing a lease for an apartment in the states was by no means easy. Therefore, get organised as soon as possible!

I would recommend using a university’s roommate finder. Most American universities have them and they are a great way to connect with other people looking for flatmates. I posted a profile on the website and my current flatmate who is also from the UK reached out to me. We are now living together! Also through this website, I connected with two other students from the UK who I met up with in Madison. As you can see, utilising the university’s resources really helped me to meet fellow international students. It is great knowing people who are in the same situation as you.

Moving thousands of miles away from home is not easy, so it is great to chat to someone about missing friends and family or feeling confused by a new academic system. Personally, I chose to avoid living in the dorms. Student accommodation here is not like what we have in the UK. Firstly, you have to share a room. In some cases, you’ll be sharing a room with up to 3 other freshmen. I have just turned 22 so I may have felt a little old sharing a room with mostly 18 year olds! However, many international students go into dorms so it really is a personal preference.

I am looking forward to writing more updates on my time here so keep an eye out!

Oh, and before I forget…GO BADGERS!!!