Welcome to campus, Badgers! It is so exciting to see UW–Madison faculty, staff, and students reuniting on campus after a long, challenging year.
For any student on campus — incoming first-year, transfer, or returning students — now is the perfect time to experience Madison’s vibrant student life and begin to make meaningful memories on campus.
This year, Wisconsin Welcome — a jam-packed month of in-person and virtual events — will take place from Sept. 2–27, 20
21. Wisconsin Welcome is designed for first-year and new transfer students to make connections, have fun, and explore campus.
In recognition of the unique challenges experienced by last year’s incoming class, campus has also developed unique programming for second-year Badgers. Wisconsin Welcome Back will give second-year students the chance to learn about resources and get connected to campus life in ways that may not yet have been possible.
Take time to have fun and enjoy some of the many Wisconsin Welcome events. Using the mobile app or checking the online calendar are easy ways to find activities and events happening each day.
Below, find featured events for all student populations — first-year and new transfer students, second-year, and all undergraduate students.
Wisconsin Welcome Events for first-year students:
- On Friday, September 3, new students will celebrate their arrival at New Student Convocation. Later that day, new students can grab a delicious snack at New Student Ice Cream Welcome and Lawn Games before heading to the Badger Welcome BBQ and a popular, traditional evening program — Night at the Overture.
- A few days later, the University BookStore’s New Student Night will provide free food, prizes, and giveaways for first-year students on September 5 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
- On Sept. 16, new students will have the chance to explore one of the newest buildings on campus during Nick at Night. From 7-10 p.m., enjoy group fitness classes, curling, skill challenges, log rolling, glow in the dark bingo, and more.
Wisconsin Welcome Back Events for second-year students:
- Starting on Sept. 1, second-year students will have one month to find several spots around campus during Campus Scavenger Hunt: Discover UW. Along the way, students will learn about iconic campus buildings, find resources for the upcoming year, and collect prizes and giveaways!
- On Sept. 5, the University BookStore’s New Student Night will host second-year students for a busy hour of free food, prizes, and giveaways from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Later in the month, second-year students are invited to a Night at Union South for free bowling in Sett Recreation, free art activities, and free film showings at Union South. Be there at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23 to explore your campus living room.
- Bringing a close to the festivities tickets have been reserved for second-year students to experience the talented student athletes. Join us for the Second-Year Students’ Night with Badger Athletics – Women’s Hockey or the Second-Year Students’ Night with Badger Athletics – Men’s Hockey. After missing an entire year of cheering on the Badgers in-person, second-year students will be able to join together for experiences they couldn’t have last year!
Welcome Events for all students:
Throughout Wisconsin Welcome events, all students are encouraged to participate in the Badger Well-Being Challenge. With the help of the Center for the Healthy Minds, students can spend time focusing on their mental health and well-being for all 30 days of September.
Ready for the first Badger gameday on Sept. 8? Stop by Union South for the best tailgate in town — Badger Bash. Just steps from Camp Randall at Union South, Badger Bash will feature the full UW Marching Band, great food and fun for everyone. Festivities start 2.5 hours before kickoff of Wisconsin vs. Penn State!
On Sept. 10 at 6 p.m., all students are welcome to join the Multicultural Student Center for a long campus tradition — a night of cultural dance performances, traditional musical instruments, singing, poetry, and more! Students can learn more about the MSC and various multicultural student organizations, and how to get involved.
Last but not least — don’t miss out on the annual fall student organization fair, where all students can discover information about and make connections with registered student organizations that align with their interests. The in-person fair will take place on Sept. 14 from 4–9 p.m. at the Kohl Center. The virtual fair will be Sept. 23 from 6–8 p.m.
These are just a few of the many events students should check out during Wisconsin Welcome. Go to go.wisc.edu/welcome or go.wisc.edu/WIWelcomeBack for more events and information and use #WIWelcome and #WIWelcomeBack on social media to stay connected.