Two people, decked out in Wisconsin Badger hats, make a W with their hands on the Goodspeed Family Pier

The Wisconsin Experience

The Wisconsin Experience, much like the Wisconsin Idea, is one of the big things that sets us apart. While the Wisconsin Idea is about our students giving back, the Wisconsin Experience is how we, as a university, give back to our students.

At UW–Madison, every student will have their own, unique experience. The Wisconsin Experience is how you will customize your education and make it exactly what you want it to be.

One piece of advice I would give to anyone considering UW–Madison is to really look into the things you are passionate about! UW–Madison’s size can be very advantageous, and you can find so many incredible opportunities around every corner.

Taylor, Junior

Hear about Taylor’s experience as a Badger

Going Beyond the Classroom

Students and professor do research at the Microsurgery and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory in the Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate students at UW–Madison are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading researchers. Students can experience all aspects of the research process, from assisting others in the lab, to designing, directing, and presenting their own research. It’s also possible to obtain funding or credit for undergraduate research work.

Learn more about research opportunities

Study Abroad

International Academic Programs (IAP) collaborates with academic units across campus to offer safe, accessible, and high-quality study abroad and domestic study away programs that foster students’ academic, personal, and professional growth.

Discover study abroad opportunities

Students hold up the motion W in front of a mountain range in Guatemala during a study abroad trip.

Members of the Ho Chunk Nation, volunteers, and campus community members experience the building of a Ciiporoke, a Ho-Chunk dwelling, as well as participate in making traditional foods and baskets on the North Lawn of Dejope at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs)

First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) are clusters of (usually) three UW–Madison classes, linked together to explore a common theme, and offered to incoming first-year students who attend these classes together as a cohort.

Explore FIGs

Career Services, Internships, and Co-ops

Career Services at UW–Madison supports students in discovering what success looks like after college and how to achieve it. Career advisors connect students with opportunities to gain experience, develop skills, and make decisions about their future.

Explore Career Services

UW–Madison student talks with a representative from Colony Brands as students attend the All-Campus Career and Internship Fair at the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Honors

UW–Madison doesn’t have a single honors college or program but instead offers honors opportunities within each of our schools and colleges.

Learn what opportunities are available to you

Service Learning and Volunteering

We can help you find the ideal volunteer opportunity to meet your interests and availability to serve others.

Volunteer as a Badger

Student volunteers load up their vegetable harvest into vehicles as part of The People’s Farm student organization at the F.H. King garden