Junior Year: Badger Bucket List
When we asked fourth-year students what they thought juniors should know about the senior year, we heard phrases such as, “It goes by in an instant,” “It’s been the fastest year of college,” and “Get ready, it goes by quickly.” Senior year is often a time when students are trying to connect all of their experiences while beginning to think about careers, interviews, and other post-graduation preparation. As they enter their last year of college, remind your students to take advantage of all the things that make Madison meaningful to them and to create their own fourth-year must-do list. This “Badger Bucket List,” composed by current and former UW–Madison students, might be a good starting point. You may even want to partake in a few of these activities yourself. Be sure to click on the links to view videos and photos.
Academics/Involvement
- Discover secret study spots, such as the Wisconsin Historical Society and the 13th floor of the Educational Sciences Building
- Attend office hours and form relationships with your professors
- Get involved with research on campus
- Brush up on your language skills with your fellow students
- Find a volunteer opportunity through the Morgridge Center for Public Service
Arts/Sciences
- Attend the Spring Varsity Band Concert
- Visit campus museums, such as Geology or Physics, or the Chazen Museum of Art
- Visit the Carillon Bell Tower on Sundays and listen to Lyle Anderson play
- Go to a student art event, such as an a capella or Bhangra performance
- Stargaze with the Department of Astronomy at the Washburn Observatory
Athletics
- Go to a sporting event you’ve never attended, such as a rowing event on Lake Mendota
- Participate in Jump Around and the Fifth Quarter at a football game
- Go to a hockey or basketball game at the Kohl Center
- Commit to running Crazylegs with a group of friends
Community Engagement
- Take a free tour of the Capitol
- Explore Madison beyond campus and State Street
- Go to events on the Capitol Square, such as the Farmers’ Market or Concerts on the Square
Food and Dining
- Try a new food cart
- Eat a Slow Food Cafe lunch or family dinner
- Enjoy Babcock ice cream at the terrace
- Experience Madison’s unique restaurants during Restaurant Week
Student Life
- Get your photo taken with Bucky
- Spend a summer in Madison
- Head to the top floor of Van Hise Hall and take in the view
- Jump off the docks into Lake Mendota
- Nap on Bascom Hill
- Rub Abe's foot for good luck, whisper your hopes and dreams while sitting in his lap, or give Abe a new look
- Go sledding on Observatory Hill
- Walk or bike to the end of Picnic Point
- Explore the Arboretum, Allen Centennial Gardens, Olbrich Gardens, or other natural areas