By Mia McCauley, Student Intern
Welcome back to UW–Madison! To those newly joining us, we are excited to welcome you into our vibrant campus community.
Spring semester is here. We’ve missed you! To help you explore the places that bring our campus to life, students are encouraged to join in Winter Welcome, a series of events and activities designed for students to meet new people and find community. Looking for more activities to do on campus and the surrounding Madison area? Be sure to check out the Bucky List for Bucky’s top picks of things to do! Your Wisconsin Experience starts here.
“Winter Welcome is such an exciting part of the year where we get to welcome all of our new Badgers who are starting in January, as well as celebrate all of the returning students coming back to campus, ” says Coordinator of Welcome Programs Brad Lanza. “There’s such a wide range of events (nearly 180 total) and excitement around campus, even with the chill in the air. I am probably most excited for the annual Winter Carnival at the Union and seeing Lady Liberty on the ice again.”
Each semester, the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement, in Student Affairs, works with campus partners to welcome (and welcome back) all Badgers to campus.
Learn more below about some of the Winter Welcome events that will be offered:
Multicultural Student Center (MSC) Comeback Carnival – Jan. 30
Join the MSC from 6–8 p.m. in the Red Gym to celebrate the spring semester. Come learn about multicultural student organizations, enjoy tasty food, and get free goodies while they last. Bring your Wiscard for sign-in.
MLK Celebration: Stone of Hope – Jan. 27–29
Join the campus community in learning about and honoring King’s legacy, Jan. 27-29, 2026.
UW-Madison celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with relevant and thought-provoking events connected to King’s life and teachings. Programming is organized by the Wisconsin Union Directorate with support from Student Affairs and the Office of the Chancellor.
Wisconsin Late Night: Canvas Painting and Soda Bar – Jan. 30
Wisconsin Late Night (WLN) puts on events for students at UW–Madison on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m.–midnight. Come to Dejope Hall: Lake Mendota, for crafts and a variety of sodas and beverages. There is something for everyone!
Wisconsin Union Winter Carnival — Feb. 5–7
The Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival is a long-standing tradition on campus. From ice fishing and ice climbing to snowshoeing and mini-golfing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this year. For those who prefer indoor activities, the carnival also hosts movies, art projects, live music, and more.
Spring Student Organization Fair — Feb. 10
The Student Organization Fair is an interactive fair full of opportunities to make connections with registered student organizations (RSOs) that align with any student’s interests. Becoming a member of an RSO can help build lifelong friendships and enhance your Wisconsin Experience! Stop by between 5 and 8 p.m. at the Kohl Center for this great opportunity to explore and meet different student organizations on campus.
These are just a few of the many great events happening during Winter Welcome. Check out go.wisc.edu/welcome or download the app for more events and information, and use #WiWelcome on social media to stay connected.
If you have questions about Winter Welcome, please email newstudent@studentlife.wisc.edu.