A Day in the Life at UW-Madison

By Orla Feeley, (University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA)

There is no such thing as a dull day in Madison. Between sports games, midterms, and last-minute plans, there is always something to do. Even a “typical” day ends up feeling full.

I woke up and got ready for a long day of classes. Madison’s weather, as I’ve quickly learned, is always unpredictable. It’s mid-April and about 25° out, which definitely wasn’t what I expected when I packed for spring.

After getting ready, there is no better way to start the morning than heading to the dining hall. Living in dorms means I’m required to be on a meal plan, which I’ve learned to love. It’s so convenient, saves me from cooking, and the food options are always so good. Four Lakes dining hall is only a short walk from my dorm and has an immense food selection, including a waffle station, a make-your-own-sandwich and bagel bar, along with loads of yoghurt and fruit choices. Over breakfast, I caught up with my friends back home in Manchester. It’s become a bit of a routine talking to friends and family over breakfast, and it’s a nice way to stay connected despite the time difference.

After that, I walked to my 9:30 18^th-century literature and culture class. All my classes generally consist of about 20 students, and we are seated in a circle for a discussion-based “lecture”, though it feels like more of a seminar. It is very different from how teaching is in Manchester. We have name tags out on our desks, and using laptops is heavily discouraged, which makes the classes way more engaging. Everyone participates, the conversation flows, and the time goes quickly.

After class, my friends invited me to their apartment’s rooftop since it was sunny, and it felt wrong to be stuck in the library. I chatted with them and did some readings for my next two classes while enjoying the sun and the view.  

In the afternoon, I had my two back-to-back classes, in one of which I had a mini quiz. Another thing that surprised me about American academics was that professors here often ask students to handwrite these quizzes and assignments. I had barely picked up a pen since A-Levels, so it took some adjusting. My final class ended at 3:45, so I went to see friends on State Street, which is Madison’s main area.

The men’s ice hockey semi-finals were on, and though none of us would call ourselves ice hockey fans, it’s hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere. Everyone was in head-to-toe Wisconsin merch, cheering. We grabbed seats, got way too into the game, and of course, ate the most Wisconsin thing ever: cheese curds. And yes, they are amazing.

After an exciting Badgers win, I walked home along the Lakeshore Path and got to enjoy the sunset. A perfect way to end a busy day. I dropped my bags off at the dorm and headed back to the dining hall for dinner.

Even the most ordinary days here end up exciting. Madison has a way of making every day feel full without being overwhelming, and I’m slowly learning to appreciate both the busy and the quiet parts of it as my time abroad nears its end. What surprised me most was how quickly it started to feel like home, whether it be the familiar walk to class, the dining hall routine, the dorm life, or the people I’m surrounded by.