University of Wisconsin - Tips and Hints

Exceptional Evaluations From Past Students

Before you go...

Visa Application:

  • Apply at least 2 months in advance.

Register for classes:

  • International students need professor approval to register for graduate level classes. Send an email to the professor.
  • Register early - classes fill up quickly.
  • The Scan Design Coordinators can help determine what level of classes to register for.
  • Take a little time to get familiar with:
    1. My UW
    2. Student Center
    3. learn @UW
  • This site might be helpful wisc.schedulizer.com/
  • Contact the Scan Design Foundation Fellowship Alumni group in Denmark and request a "buddy" -- someone who recently studied in Madison and can give you advice.
  • Madison Friends of International Students -- JOIN THIS GROUP!
    • Temporary housing. Very helpful while apartment hunting.
    • Request a Host Family
    • Inexpensive furniture "loans"

How to Get There:

  • Fly into Milwaukee, WI and take the Badger Bus to Madison.
  • Fly into Chicago, IL and take the Van Galder bus to Madison.
  • Flying into Madison is much more expensive than either Milwaukee or Chicago.

Getting Settled:

  • Arrive early. It takes at least a week to get oriented.
  • Request a "buddy" through the Scan Design Foundation Program. Send an email to the coordinator.
  • Attend the Scan Design Foundation "welcome" picnic.
  • Meet some of the Scan Design Foundation alumni.
  • Attend the UW sponsored orientations
  • Business students: Consider signing up for a "buddy"

What to bring

  • Warm winter coat
  • Boots

Student Housing

It is easier to find an apartment after arriving than it is in Copenhagen. This can be a pretty good option. Stay at the Madison HI hostel while looking.

The Saxony Apartments

  • Lots of international students
  • A bit more expensive than other housing
  • Lots of social activities
  • Consider single room option

Co-op Housing

International Cooperative House

  • Less expensive option
  • Great opportunities to meet other international and American students

International Learning Community

  • Dormitory living - Beautiful and quiet setting
  • Food plan included

University of Wisconsin - Adams Hall - Language Immersion - Nordic House

  • Dormitory with primarily International Students
  • Much easier to make new friends than other dormitories

The Highlander (Steve Brown)

  • Share with one other person. Rent should be $550 - $850/mo.

Other Apartments

  • Subletting is a good option. Join the Scan Design - Madison Facebook Group
  • Craigslist is very useful.
  • Sublets UW-Madison

University of Madison Dormitories

  • Typically more appealing to younger students in their first few years of college
  • Be aware that Dormitories close over the break between semesters
  • This is perhaps the most expensive option -- be sure to check other sources of housing

Recommended Courses / Faculty

Sociology - Psychology

Communication Arts:

Business - Political Science:

Economics

  • Thomas Rutherford - Any one of his classes - "Extremely disorganized but the smartest guy I have ever met"

Sciences

Education

  • EPS 300 Globalization and Education
  • EPS 505 Issues in Urban Education
  • EPS 600 Urban School Policy

Public Policy- Public Affairs

Political Science

Engineering

Campus

Favorite Study Spots

  • 2nd floor of Starbucks on State Street
  • 2nd floor of College Library right by the windows overlooking the beautiful lake.
  • The College Library where it is possible to work in a group since talking is allowed.

Useful Information and Links

Tipping guidelines

Understanding American Culture

American Culture Guide

Siteseeing

  • Attend the Football game with the Scan Design Foundation
  • Travel to Milwaukee for a Baseball game

Stretching the Dollar

  • Shop at Capitol Centre Market for food
  • Buy your books on-line or at Valorebooks.com
  • Get a "red bike" from the Budget Bike Shop

Getting Around

  • UW students receive a " free" bus pass. Use it!

Connecting with U.S. Students

Explore a Hobby
Bring your musical instrument
Join a club
Give a talk at a Middle or High School

Students in Madison love sports and there are several great organizations:

Attend the Student Organization Fair to find a student group to join

BRIDGE. An International Friendship Group is highly recommended by many former students. Be sure to get a "buddy".
 

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