An aerial view of Lake Monona, Lake Mendota, and downtown Madison.

Summer Research Program Student Information

We are excited that you will join us at UW–Madison this summer, and we look forward to meeting you soon! To help prepare for your arrival, please review the information below. If you have questions about transportation, food, events, or recreation in Madison, please feel free to email Amber (amber.smith@wisc.edu).

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Clothing

Madison weather in the summer can be variable including some rain and some hot and humid conditions. Daily high temperatures average around 79°F, rarely falling below 64°F or exceeding 90°F. Nights can be cooler around 54°F. There is complimentary laundry in the residence hall.

Specifically, please bring:

  • One business casual outfit to wear at the poster presentation and final symposium events
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for walking and wearing in the lab
  • Umbrella or raincoat
  • Light jacket or sweater (in case of cooler nights or cold air conditioning)
  • Clothing for outdoor recreation like hiking, swimming, biking, etc. (optional)

Linens 

The residence hall will provide linens for your twin bed including sheets, pillow, and pillow case. Bed linens will be refreshed weekly. You will need to bring the following:

  • Bath towels
  • Washcloths
  • Beach towels (optional)
  • Shower sandals

Each room includes: 

  • Wifi 
  • Air conditioner 
  • Small refrigerator 
  • Bed linens (sheets, pillow, and pillow case. These will be refreshed weekly.)

The residence hall also has: 

  • Complimentary laundry
  • Complimentary printing
  • Shared kitchen that will be stocked with a basic inventory of pans and dishes. A selection of plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware, etc., will be available to check out for personal use at the beginning of the summer.

Other housing information:

UW–Madison will assign your residence hall closer to the start of the program. You can find general information about UW–Madison housing below.

Riding the Bus 

During the campus tour, you will get a bus pass that you may use for the summer (be sure to bring your WisCard on the tour as you will need it to get your bus pass).

There are many bus stops throughout campus and the Madison area. The campus bus routes (80, 81, 82 and 84) are free for all riders, so you will not have to present your bus pass for these. For all other bus routes (the Metro Transit routes), you will have to swipe your bus pass to get on the bus.

Useful Bus Apps

  • Google Maps (for Android or Apple) is the best way to navigate around campus using bus transportation. Type your destination in the search bar and it will tell you which buses will take you there, where they will pick up and drop off, and how long it is expected until you arrive.
  • Metro Transit Bus Tracker (for Android or Apple) tells you where your bus is right now and when it will arrive at your stop. It also includes a real-time map and trip planner.

Bus Route Maps & Info

Bicycles

Madison is a bicycle-friendly city and many people choose to ride bikes instead of walking or taking the bus. Bike Madison has great information about biking in the city, including an interactive bicycle map and route finder.

If you would like to purchase a bicycle, check out Budget Bicycle at 930 Regent Street. Alternatively, B-Cycle bikes are available for short-term rental (30 min.). You simply check out a bike at one station and return it to any station around the city.

Dining on Campus

Wisconsin Union Dining offers a variety of food and drink at locations across campus.

Steenbock’s on Orchard and Aldo’s Cafe are both located in the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, 330 N Orchard St.

Grocery Stores 

Most of these grocery stores also deliver.

Restaurants

Many restaurants deliver until late—check out Grubhub for options. 

Things to do in Madison

There’s plenty to do in Madison in the summer! Check out UW–Madison’s Summer Guide or VisitMadison.com’s Visitor’s Guide for detailed information. A few of our personal favorites are below. 

  • Terrace at the Memorial Union – A favorite spot for UW student, staff, faculty, and anyone else who wants to enjoy a summer day. Grab coffee, food, drinks, or Babcock ice cream at Memorial Union and sit with friends at the Terrace. The Terrace has many events throughout the summer including art, live music, and yoga. Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoe rentals are located at the Terrace as well. Visit for more information.  
  • Union South – A nice place for coffee, Babcock ice cream, food, or drinks. Union South also has a movie theater, bowling, pool, and rock climbing. Visit for more information. 
  • Picnic Point – Mile-long peninsula within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve that has a walking path lined with fire circles that can be reserved. 
  • State Street – Diverse variety of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and shopping.  
    • Popular State Street coffee shops: MOKA, Starbucks, Colectivo Coffee, Michelangelo’s Coffee House, and Fair Trade Coffee House.
    • Popular State Street restaurants: Forage Kitchen, Chipotle, Raising Cane’s, Chen’s Dumplings, Naf-Naf Grill, Mooyah, Rising Sons Deli, Paul’s Pel’meni, Mediterranean Cafe, Five Guys, Ian’s Pizza, Teddywedgers, and Noodles & Company.
  • Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square – Every Saturday, 6:15 a.m.–1:45 p.m. around the Capitol Square (at the end of State Street). The Dane County Farmers’ Market is the largest producer-only market in the country and is a local favorite for things to do in Madison. There you can buy fresh bakery, fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, plants, and specialty items such as apple cider, eggs, honey, salsa, maple syrup, etc.  
  • UW–Madison Arboretum – Open 4:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Botanical research garden which recreates the original ecosystems of southern Wisconsin as well as maintains more traditional horticultural collections. 
  • Henry Vilas Zoo – A 28-acre public zoo with free admission. 
  • Wingra Lake– Rent canoes, single and tandem kayaks, stand up paddle boards, paddle boats, water mats, fishing boats, and pontoon boats from Wingra Boats. 
  • Tour of the State Capitol – Reaching over 200 feet, the State Capitol building oversees all of Madison. There is an ordinance that no other buildings can be taller than the capitol. Built in 1836, it is a gorgeous building that has over 43 different stone carvings and paintings. It is free to the public all year round. Tours start on the hour from 8-5 p.m. but check the schedule before you head over.

Health Services 

University Health Services (UHS)
333 East Campus Mall
(608) 265-5600

You can make an appointment at the campus health clinic by phone or online using your UW–Madison NetID and password. They also offer 24/7 crisis support (no appointment needed).  

Hospitals 

Departments for Student Support

Multicultural Student Center (MSC)

The Multicultural Student Center (MSC) provides support, advocacy, and co-curricular experiences that center, affirm, and celebrate the varied and intersectional experiences of all UW students. Our spaces, programs and services are designed to cultivate a sense of belonging and community while strengthening all students’ capacity to learn, lead and thrive. The MSC is open to all students.

Cultural Centers & Programming

The MSC includes several cultural centers: the Black Cultural Center (BCC), Latine Cultural Center (LCC), Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Center (APIDASC), Indigenous Student Center (ISC), and Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Programming). They also have a wide variety of programming open to all students.

Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC)

Supporting and welcoming LGBTQ+ students and their communities, the GSCC is a great place full of allies on campus. They have their own library in the office where you can rent out queer books, literature, and DVDs, not to mention they bring awesome speakers to campus. Many students hang out in the open space with couches to study, eat lunch, or chat, and it’s a great resource for support and crisis situations. 

Disability Cultural Center

The DCC is open to all students, regardless of disability identity or disclosure. It can be used by students as a space to study, learn, or relax during open hours. All students are welcome to explore their relationship to disability and develop an appreciation for disability culture.

Center for Interfaith Dialogue

The Center for Interfaith Dialogue provides resources and offers programs for religious and spiritual diversity, identity, and well-being among UW–Madison students. The Center educates students about religious pluralism and promotes interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

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