House fellow: An upperclassman in your dorm who’s there to lead the floor and help the residents out. (Most schools say “RA.”)
UHS: Short for University Health Services, UHS is the campus clinic. UHS treats everything from pink eye to mental health needs. [Call ahead for an appointment, as they don’t take walk-ins. The main UHS office is located in the SAC, and there is a Lakeshore outpost in Dejope Hall.]
SAC: In addition to taking the title for worst acronym on campus, the Student Activity Center is home to several university services (UHS, DoIt, Student Print) and student organizations, all under one roof at 333 East Campus Mall. It also serves as study space.
The 80: This free bus circulates around the UW-Madison campus. There are stops for it near most corners of campus. (You don’t need a bus pass to ride the 80.)
Bus pass: Pick up your bus pass from the SAC to ride the Madison Metro buses for free. For what it’s worth, a bus pass is extra handy when it’s 2 degrees outside.
DoIT: It stands for Division of Information Technology, but more importantly, these people will save your computer’s life; go to DoIT when your computer breaks.
The SERF and the Nat: The SERF (Southeast Recreational Facility) is the gym in the—you guessed it—southeast area of campus. The Nat is short for Natatorium, which is located near the Lakeshore dorms.
State Street: This street runs from the edge of campus up to the Capitol. Lined with restaurants and cute shops, State Street is a great place to hang out.
ASM: The Associated Students of Madison is the student government.
Jump Around & Fifth Quarter: At the end of the third quarter, the student section jumps up and down to the song “Jump Around.” After the game, the UW Marching Band performs extra tunes. Stick around!
Red Gym: The original Student Activity Center, the Red Gym is the castle-looking ex-armory on Langdon Street.
Union South: Located on Johnson and Orchard streets, Union South is home to study tables, UW fast food resturaunts, a Babcock ice cream stand (The Daily Scoop) and The Sett. The Sett is the university’s recreational center with venues ranging from concert-bar-restaurants, a rock wall and even a bowling alley.
Memorial Union: Located at the intersection of Park and Langdon streets, Memorial Union is home to the famous Rathskellar pub, the Lakefront on Langdon resturaunt and of course an ice cream shop. Known as “the Union,” the most popular spot in the building is called the Terrace. The Terrace is in the back of the building and is a huge patio overlooking the lake. During spells of nice weather, the Terrace shows movies and becomes a venue for outdoor concerts. The docks at the Terrace are popular for tanning and swimming. As UW-Madison is superior to all other schools, beer is available by the pitcher at our Unions.
“College,” Helen C. White: Your one-stop-shop for a study session and stylish study break, College Library is located on Park Street across from Memorial Union. Also known as “Helen C.” the library offers spaces for group or silent studying and boasts a gorgeous view of Lake Mendota.
Historical Society: Known as one of the most beautiful buildings on campus, the Historical Society is on State and Park streets in Library Mall. Regal on the outside with a rococo interior, it holds state records from the beginning of Wisconsin’s addition to the United States. A beautiful “reading room” makes for a quiet study space. The Historical Society is open to the public everyday but Sunday.
Langdon: Also known as “Frat Row,” Langdon Street houses most of the fraternities and sororities on campus. Located on Lake Mendota, it is bar accessible and perfect for those who would rather be out than in on a Friday night.
Learn@UW: Learn@UW is the online assignment hub where professors and teacher’s assistants (TAs) can upload syllabi, grades and discussion boards. Some courses are Learn@UW intense while some professors ignore the format completely.
