| full-time graduate program in Medical Physics |
Madison is a wonderful place to study and live. While clearly not a
huge city, it nevertheless offers cultural and social activities for a
large population of students. The capital city of Wisconsin offers a
range of events, from Concerts on the Square by the Wisconsin Chamber
Orchestra, to a great many drinking establishments for those less
interested in classical music. Art exhibits, concerts, sporting
events, volunteer opportunities, religious institutions - UW has a
large enough student population that someone with almost any interest
can find others that share it. While many students in the department
tend to stick together, there is no lack of opportunity to branch out
and take advantage of life in Madison.
Housing choices are complicated. Around campus, housing tends to be
expensive and I'd always advise students to look at apartments before a
lease is signed. My experience has been that the east side of campus
hosts many undergraduates, is closer to the nightlife on State Street,
and has many older apartments. The west side, closer to the UW
Hospital, where many classes and labs are located, has a slightly older
population, and can be quieter. Newer housing is being built in many
near-campus locations, and is lovely, but can be pricey. Even older,
lived-in buildings can be expensive, but paying for the convenience of
living close to campus isn't always a bad idea, especially for students
taking a large load of classes.
Bus passes are included with segregated fees, so living farther away
from campus is also a popular option. This housing is often nicer,
more spacious and less expensive. The bus system is excellent, and if
you don't mind spending time riding to classes and work, living off
campus is worth considering. In addition, there are a multitude of
bike paths, and biking is very popular in good weather. Parking is
very limited, so buses and bikes are the way to get to campus if you
don't live close enough to walk.
UW is located on Lake Mendota, and is absolutely lovely. I'd highly
advise a visit, especially in nice weather when you can go out and
wander around. While the winter months can be challenging for many
students, I think they pass pretty quickly and you do get a lot of
coursework and research done while you're stuck inside. A large
university, UW offers all the perks - multiple work-out facilities,
competitive althletic teams, touring art exhibits, wonderful
restaurants and public events (Art Fairs, Taste of Madison, etc.),
while the Medical Physics department stays pretty small and very
personal and friendly.
I've always felt very safe on campus, even alone at night. The
security presence has always seemed high to me, and the campus is
generally well-lit and pretty busy. There is a service that provides
escorts after dark if a student is nervous about getting home as well.
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