What I’m looking forward to in my sentimental last spring in my college town
As a second-semester graduating senior, there is so much I’m going to miss about my time at UW-Madison. The fall Saturdays cheering on the Badgers at Camp Randall, living with my best friends in our college house and, as much as I complain about it now, I’m sure I’ll miss going to school. With Madison finally defrosting from a chilly winter, I’m looking forward to one last (semi) warm season in my college town. There is so much to do in Madison in the spring, and these are some of my favorite activities:
days on the dock
The moment the lake unfreezes, I get the urge to jump in. Once the nicer temperatures begin to warm Lake Mendota, I look forward to spending sunny Saturdays at the Memorial Union docks, soaking up the sun and refreshing with a dip in the still-chilly lake. The last couple of weeks of school are always such a fun time experiencing campus in a somewhat warmer state than the usual coldness of Wisconsin weather.
afternoons soaking up the sun on bascom hill
Once the temperatures begin to hit the upper sixties (and sometimes even 70s in late April/early May, if we’re lucky), tons of Badgers grab their picnic blankets – and their backpacks – and flock to Bascom to “do homework” on the hill. While my wi-fi is usually spotty, and the sun on my skin often ends up urging me to close my computer altogether, I love these afternoons more than anything. In general, it feels like a majority of the student population comes out of hibernation the second the sun shines warmly, and the pulse of campus comes to life.
evenings on the terrace
Memorial Union, in general, is such a quintessential UW landmark, and sunsets on the Terrace hit differently in the late spring. Terrace chair season is my favorite time to be a UW student, and I look forward to sitting lakeside with my friends, with a pitcher and maybe even some live music if we’re lucky, as the sun goes down.
Nights on the downtown patios
From Vintage to Brats and beyond, I love sitting outside at downtown bars and restaurants on a warm night. The patio scene in downtown Madison is always lively, whether it’s for happy hour, a sporting event or a trivia night. I love exploring the array of restaurants Madison has to offer, and I will deeply miss the downtown nightlife.
Saturday mornings browsing the Dane County Farmers’ Market
Lastly, an ode to my favorite spring activity of them all: shuffling around the Capitol on a sunny Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market. From the craft vendors to the tasty treats (Stella’s spicy cheese bread, I’m looking at you), this is a must-visit market that always brightens my day. It’s so fun to put on a springy outfit and go there with my friends; there’s a reason why it’s so beloved among the Madison community.
Closing a chapter is always bittersweet, but I’m opting to look at the bright side. While I’ll dearly miss my time in Madison, I’m ecstatic that I get one more chance to soak in the coming seasonal activities.