Madison provides both fast-paced city-living, and quiet natural spaces for all to enjoy. With a population of over 200,000, Madison is consistently rated one of the best places to live for quality of life in the U.S. UW’s flagship campus in situated on an isthmus between two lakes, near historic and vibrant State Street.
Housing
Madison offers a variety of housing options for graduate students to live closer to campus or farther away with a small commute. The University has different options available for single and family-households, but most grad students live off campus in one of Madison’s many diverse neighborhoods.
Transportation
Madison is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S. For longer trips or on cold days, bus service is available throughout campus and residential neighborhoods in and around Madison, Middleton, Fitchburg and Verona. Parking on campus is limited and expensive.
- Metro Transit
- The 80 Bus on campus is FREE and does not require a bus pass. As a student at UW–Madison, your segregated fees help pay for a Student Bus Pass. This no-cost bus pass is available to you each semester, and gives you unlimited rides on any Madison Metro bus at any time.
- Bicycles
- Biking is a great way to get around Madison. The city maintains over 100 miles of recreational and commuter trails, plus bike-friendly roadways. Madison bike routes are supported by Google Maps.
- Madison B-cycle is an urban bike-sharing program designed to encourage short trips by bike. As a student, you can join for a discounted rate.
- On campus, the University Bicycle Resource Center offers tools and training to help you tune up your bike. UW Transportation Services also offers more tips on biking around campus.
- Accessible Circulator Shuttle