As the new year begins and the frigid Wisconsin weather continues, it is important for college students to avoid falling into seasonal depression. Although lounging with a fluffy, weighted blanket on your couch and watching “Heated Rivalry” may seem like one of the only ways to get through the winter, the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus offers plenty of fun activities — not only while the weather is warm, but even during the coldest winter months.
From university and student-led events to casual activities students can opt into at any time, winter campus traditions are fun ways for students to start their spring semester off right, all while surviving the cold.
For those who enjoy spending time in nature, appreciating the snowy scenery around campus and spending time outdoors makes for a great way to pass time. Walking down the lakeshore path provides a beautiful view and an opportunity to stay active during the sedentary winter months. While it can be difficult to find the motivation to go outside in the cold, it is beneficial for boosting mental health and reducing stress.
Another great way to immerse yourself in the outdoors this winter is by joining the Wisconsin Hoofers. The club has about 2,000 student members and aims to help students learn and enhance their technique in outdoor activities.
During the winter, Hoofer’s Ski & Snowboard Club is a popular choice. The club provides opportunities to take skiing and snowboarding lessons, as well as multiple trips to ski resorts and hills to take advantage of the winter weather.
Sledding down Bascom Hill is another fun way to enjoy the outdoors this winter, as well as being a long-standing tradition for students at UW-Madison. What better way to let loose and take a break from classwork than reminiscing on childhood memories, or even attempting this activity for the very first time?
While students may not have access to a proper sled, there are plenty of ways to replicate them, such as lunch trays or even garbage bags, but anything flimsy or with sharp edges should be avoided.
And once the ice completely freezes on Lake Mendota, it can be a fun adventure to walk or ice skate over the frozen water. No ice skates? No problem. There are other options for students hoping to ice skate this winter. Students can rent ice skates at the Bakke for $4, take private or group lessons or attend Wisconsin Union skating events.
On Jan. 30, the Memorial Union is hosting the Jerseys & Jams Skate Night, where students can rent skates for $5 and enjoy classic jock jams in their favorite hockey jerseys.
The Edgewater Hotel also houses an ice skating rink just off of Langdon Street. Visiting the rink can be a great way to visit a new area on campus, ice skate on an even outdoor rink and warm up by a fire pit.
The most notable way to enjoy frozen Lake Mendota is the annual Winter Carnival, hosted by the Wisconsin Union over the weekend of Feb. 5-7. During the event, an inflatable Lady Liberty peeks out over the lake, and the Memorial Union provides outdoor activities to celebrate the Wisconsin winter.
Some of the activities throughout the weekend include learning to skate on Lake Mendota, viewing a performance from The Wisconsin Singers group, enjoying $1 cheese curds, meditating with hot chocolate, dancing at the Hoofer’s Snow Ball, riding in a horse-drawn carriage and cozy indoor crafting with Wheelhouse Studios.
If the great outdoors is not for you, UW-Madison’s sporting events are another great way to take a break from school and support your fellow Badgers. Basketball, hockey and wrestling are all active during the spring semester and host an energetic and encouraging student section.
Some exciting home games to look forward to include: Men’s Basketball vs. Minnesota on Jan. 28, Women’s Hockey vs. Ohio State on Feb. 7 and Wrestling vs. Michigan on Feb. 15. UW-Madison students can purchase tickets online or cautiously through other students.
While students can choose to spend their winter wishing away the weather indoors, the season can be a time to take advantage of all of the opportunities UW-Madison has to offer and enjoying the fun winter activities that only come once a year.
