A Great Guide to Coffee Shops Around Campus

Autumn has arrived in Madison. With the leaves changing colors and temperatures slowly falling, the start of spooky season, midterms, and of course pumpkin spice lattes are here. This year I urge you to skip the Starbucks and venture into one of the many local Madison coffee shops for your caffeine fix. 

Madison has a rich coffee culture and one of the highest coffee shops per capita of any U.S. city. Luckily for UW students, some of the best cafes are located just blocks from campus! Join me as I lay out some of the best places to sip, study, and socialize around campus. 

Colectivo Coffee:

This Milwaukee-based company has been serving coffee since 1993. Not only are they known for their delicious food and bakery items, but they are also home to one of the best coffee creations ever made (the cold brew-oat chata, ifykyk). With colorful seating inside and out, Colectivo is a great way to make your day a little better. 

Valentia Coffee: 

Located on East Campus mall, Valentia is easily one of the most conveniently located cafes on campus. This is the perfect place to stop on the way to your Journalism 202 lecture or for your awkwardly long break between classes. Although they serve a simple menu, Valentia has everything one would need. Enjoy a classy atmosphere and some of the prettiest iced and hot lattes on campus. 

Michelangelo's Coffee House:

 With a cozy indoor aesthetic and outdoor seating in summer, Michelangelo's is truly a cafe for all seasons. This is the perfect place to catch up on weeks of homework in one day or just to catch up with your closest friends. They have a wide variety of drink and food options perfect for any coffee connoisseur. 

MOKA Iced Coffee

MOKA:

  No matter if you like your coffee sweet or black, Moka has something for you! This shop started in Minnesota but now graces the presence of several Wisconsin cities. One of these locations happens to be located at Library Mall (right next to the bookstore). Stop by the next time you’re craving something sweet on the way to class!

Crescendo Espresso Bar:

  Crescendo is yet another cafe serving high-quality coffee in Madison, Wisconsin. This is probably the furthest of the listed cafes, but it is the perfect stop for all of my Target lovers or movie goers. With the closest location at Hilldale Mall, Crescendo is the perfect reward for a successful grocery trip or the can provide the fuel needed to stay awake through the next screening of the Titanic.

Indie Coffee: 

Calling all Regent Street residents! In addition to coffee, Indie has some of the best bagels, waffles, and sandwiches on campus. Spend your next Sunday sitting in the stylish indoor cafe or head around back for the heated patio this winter. 

Fair Trade Coffee House: 

Yet another State Street cafe, Fair Trade is as reliable as they come. Fair Trade has been operating since 2004 with a mission to source 100% fair trade coffee beans. The kindness and warmth of this cafe can be felt the second you step in. Plan your next study date at the spacious indoor cafe or the much lesser-known outdoor patio. 

Wonderstate Coffee

Wonderstate Coffee:

With floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the store, one can take in all the beauty of Capitol Square at Wonderstate Coffee. The aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and delicious drinks are the perfect motivation to finally start that 10-page paper you’ve been putting off. Plus, check out the outdoor window during the Saturday Farmers Market this summer!

Barriques:

I have crammed for more finals at Barriques Coffee than I care to admit, but the calming atmosphere and classy menu make it the perfect place to do just that. With a location just a block from the Capitol as well as one on Monroe Street, one can truly weather any academic storm with the help of a Barriques cold brew. 

Ancora Coffee + Bakery: 

Last but not least, Ancora Coffee is the perfect place to socialize with friends. One can enjoy breakfast or lunch at this cafe while encountering a social atmosphere. Located steps from the Capitol and connecting with several other local Madison businesses, one can truly experience the city’s spirit at Ancora. 

The Wisconsin Alumni Student Board is all about ​​connecting students past, present, and future, and what better way to connect with friends old and new than cozying up in a coffee shop? Whether you’re grabbing a cup of coffee on your way to class, chatting with your favorite barista, or sitting down for a much-needed study session, I guarantee there is a Madison cafe perfect for you. 

By Zach Schumacher

Professional Connections Marketing Rep, Blog Co-Chair

What Your Favorite Study Spot Says About You

When professors start casually throwing around the word ‘midterm’, you know what that means: it’s time to hunker down and start studying. It seems like everyone’s already got their go-to spot and so it’s daunting when it’s time to find yours. Especially now since this is the first round of exams for our first-year Badgers (welcome!), it is important to give them a quick lay of the land. Here we have a guide to UW Madison students’ favorite study spots and what they say about you.

College Library (Helen C. White Library)

         This library is located right on the shores of Lake Mendota, so if views are an encouraging factor for studying this is the place for you! Although it may be crowded, College Library offers many different areas for studying to meet your needs 24/7. If you are a solo studier, head to the third-floor west room and you will find community tables or cubicles to get that grind on. Or if you are a collaborative thinker (aka you like to think out loud, a lot) go to the second-floor open area which has a chattier vibe. On your study breaks you can head down to the café on the first floor to stretch your legs and fuel up!

School of Human Ecology (SOHE)

         There are a couple different study spaces around the SOHE building that all have a peaceful and zen vibe. When the weather is nice, there are a few different outdoor areas that you can enjoy. But inside, there is a cafe on the second floor that has more of a bustle to it as students are always walking through. There are also art and design specific studios for practical studying. If you bring a friend to study with you (or make one!) you can stretch your legs on study breaks by exploring the themed bathrooms all around the building!

Memorial Union

         If Memorial Union is your favorite place to study, you like a little bit of everything. Take advantage of the beautiful view of Lake Mendota while the weather is still nice by sitting outside on the terrace. This is the perfect place to get some solo reading done! When the weather isn’t cooperating, there is much to see inside! You can sit in the Lakeview Lounge or sit in Dar Rathskeller for that German Pub community atmosphere. Secret tip: Head to the second floor for a more historical setting with a quieter crowd.

Cafés by the Capital

         If you need an escape from campus, walk up state street by the capital for a change of pace. Collectivo, Wonderstate, Ancora, Fair Trade, and Michelangelo’s offer some great coffee and food selections to keep you fueled and focused on studying. These spots are for someone who prefers some background noise other than silence or music and the potential for eavesdropping - no shame! If you choose to go on a Saturday during farmer’s market season, prepare for an influx of people by getting there early and staking out a prime spot.

Memorial Library

         When you study at Memorial Library, something has gone terribly wrong. You have procrastinated to the point of needing to use the cages in this library to lock your mind’s focus on studying and studying alone (literally alone). There are no distractions here, only you and the daunting task of cramming all the studying you let slide into one study session.

Wisconsin Institute for Discovery

         If you want to feel one with nature as you ferociously write that 20-page essay, the Discovery building is a study spot that offers scenery you just can’t beat. Aldo’s Café has many tables if you want that chill café vibe, with added tables outside when the weather is nice. Otherwise cozy up with your laptop in one of those comfy Wisconsin red chairs to get your study on (RIP Saffron).

Wisconsin Historical Society

         Calling all my Harry Potter fans! This study spot is popular with Badgers who love dark academia vibes. Long tables with those classic green banker lamps sprawl across a huge room with insanely tall ceilings. Don’t let the no food policy or early closing hours stop you! Plan ahead, drink water, eat up, and start studying early – that way you have the rest of the day to celebrate all the hard work you just did!

One Alumni Place

Another spot with all of the views you need, (not to mention every WASBs favorite spot!) is the Alumni Association. With gorgeous views of Lake Mendota, much like that from Memorial Union or College Library, you can enjoy a silent and low pace environment. Did you hear that? All of the lakeside views yet none of the hustle and bustle of some of our campuses' more famous hot spots. So grab your coffee and enjoy your study in a cozy and friendly environment.

https://www.alumnipark.com/visit/one-alumni-place/ 

There are great study spaces hidden all around campus, and while this is just one list of ideas, we hope you find it helpful. Whether you like background noise or silence, solo or group study, inside or outside, on campus or off campus, it’s time to get your study on and here’s where to do it.

By Zoe Sattar

All-Campus Party Marketing Rep, Blog Co-Chair

Bucky's Favorite Holiday: All-Campus Party 2022

As Winter slowly turns to Spring in Madison, students can look forward to one of UW–Madison’s most beloved traditions. All-Campus Party (ACP) is the nation’s largest cost-free and alcohol-alternative campus celebration, and it is returning to campus this Spring!

Every April, the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) and WASB team up with student organizations, businesses and national corporations to sponsor All-Campus Party. The week-long event celebrates the end of the school year, onset of spring and enthusiasm of the campus community. 

All-Campus Party has been a beloved UW–Madison tradition since its debut in 2001. WASB alumni John W. Jung is credited with conceiving and helping coordinate the first ACP. While planning All-Campus Party 2001 Jung said, “We were looking to create a program for the entire university; something that would cater in some way to everyone’s interests.” 

Carolyn Munley and Mahee Patel showing off their Bubbler’s at All-Campus Party 2021.

While several things have changed about All-Campus Party since 2001, the WAA and WASB have carried the same sentiment in planning every ACP for the past two decades. When asked about the goals of All-Campus Party 2022, co-director Parker Callender said, “Our goal this year is to create more events and have a broader outreach. So that one, there are more opportunities to get involved for a lot of different students. And then secondly, so that more students feel inclined to participate in events.”

This year will mark the 21st All-Campus Party, and it will be the first in-person ACP following two years of virtual events. WASB are incredibly thrilled to be able to continue existing traditions while also building new ones. With over eight different events throughout the week, our ACP team is working hard to bring the campus together in a safe yet interactive way through our events: Bucky’s Urban Odyssey, Breakfast with Bucky, Badgers Chalk the Block, Bucky’s Raise for Red, RedTalk, Day of Service, Mad City Sessions, Lake Street Bash, and ALPs Day of Play. 

Jack Madison and Hannah Davidson at All-Campus Party 2019.

One event that has been revamped for 2022 is Mad City Sessions. The event seeks to highlight the talents of UW Madison students by giving them a platform to perform. When asked about the changes for 2022, Mad City Sessions co-chair Allison Keeley said, “This year, we decided to change the format that Mad City Sessions had followed previously. These changes included adapting to an online format, creating "tiny desk concert" videos of student performers. This year, we had the lovely Diego Benitez and Game Theory as our acts. We look forward to them performing at Lake Street Bash this April!”

With a wide range of campus events, there is something for everyone to enjoy during All-Campus Party. Whether it is starting off your week with free breakfast or showcasing your creativity at Badgers Chalk the Block, you are bound to have a great time. Lately, life has been all about celebrating the little things and ACP is the best way to do so. After a year of stillness, we are elated to bring ACP back to campus once again!

This year All-Campus Party 2022 is expanding in collaborations so much that the party will continue from Sunday, April 24 through Sunday May 1. For a list of events, dates, and times, head over to our All-Campus Party Website.

Written by Zach Schumacher (he/him)

Marketing Chair

7 Buck-tacular Activities To Do This Spring

This past week has had me beat due to the intense weather, with wind chill points below zero. As this February comes to a close as frigid as ever, the only thing keeping me motivated is the ever-foreshadowing and taunting spring that is soon to come. I can only think of how I, along with many other WASBs, played spikeball almost daily all spring. Memories of spring time in 2021 bring me a soothing warmth as the current climate only works to do the opposite; so, as the spring slowly creeps up on us, I offer you 7 buck-tacular activities to do this spring.

1. SPIKEBALL… duh

By far my own favorite pastime in the spring, (or whenever it is warm) Spikeball is an excellent and active game for players of all skill levels. While it’s best played in groups of four you can also make do with 2, if, and only if, you think you have what it takes! But, in all seriousness, this is an incredibly fun game to play in Library Mall, or as some may call it, “The Quad,” or any other large grassy or sandy area. Just grab a few friends, get active and get some good old sunshine.

2. Terrace Season

It’s warm, the sun is out, the snow has melted, and The Terrace at Memorial Union is back! Everyone and their mother’s will be there and you should be too. Grab something to do or a few friends or both, and head over early so you can get a seat; and whatever you do, do not leave before sunset. You won’t want to miss it!

Memorial Union is located at 800 Langdon St!

3. B-Cycle

Listen, if you have your own bike we get it and I envy you, however if you don’t I would highly recommend taking advantage of the B-Cycles! It’s all the fun of having a bike, plus none of the responsibility. 

To find out more about Madison B-Cycles, you can go to madison.bcycle.com.

4. Hammock

If you have access to a hammock, spring time is the best time to use it! I love to borrow one from a fellow WASB for a bit and just be horizontal with a good book. Being outside in the fresh air is one of the best things we can do for ourselves so we have to take advantage of the warmer months. Hammocking can be the perfect alternative to lounging around your home, because now you can lounge outdoors. Plenty of students do so right along the lakeshore path!

I’m sure there are lots of used Hammocks available on resale websites, such as Facebook Marketplace, or you can find one at a department store, such as REI!

5. Shopping

In the winter months, it can become difficult to motivate oneself to leave such a comfortable and warm environment to embark out into the brisk. However, an awakening overcomes me in the spring that forces me out and won’t allow me to, yet again, opt for online shopping. A walk down state street with an open wallet, when permitted, definitely feels a lot more appealing with the sun shining down on me between stops. Not to mention the incredible local variety of stores we have on State street as well as Monroe street. 

6. Roller-Blading

The “WASBladers” are infamous among WASBs and around all of Madison, I would imagine. Only a legend to me, but these WASBs roller blade all over Madison while documenting it all. Rumor has it that they may be out for one more spring, so I would keep an eye out for them, and maybe even join them!

Again, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find some roller blades that are inexpensive, and potentially, good quality as well!

7. Hang Out On The Square

We can often take for granted the beautiful city that we live in, with not only two lakes, but the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. Grabbing some lunch and having a picnic on the grass on the square, can be incredible, with warm air, and nice shade under the trees. Madison truly is so pretty and we have to appreciate that.

These are just some of my personal favorite activities, as well as that of some other WASBs. I really hope that if some of these are new concepts to you please check them out! You won’t regret it. Also, be sure to not let the springtime fun take away from school. We’re Badgers and as always, we work hard and we play hard.

Written by Djamal Lylecyrus (he/him)

Social Media Chair

What Are #BadgersAtHome Up To?!

We get it, the past month has been filled with unsettling statistics and everyone telling you that these are uncertain times.. It’s hard to watch the news, keep up on Twitter, or even have simple conversations without the mention of what is going on in the world. These times are challenging but, as Badgers, we know that good times are always to come and even though we are separated, the Badger spirit can bring us all together. That’s why, this week, the Office of Student Affairs has asked us to partner in their #BadgerAtHome Fest. We encourage all of you, whether near or far, to participate and spread some Badger pride even while social distancing.

We are sure you have seen the news headlines of people around the world trying to fill their days with anything to distract themselves from the current state of this global crisis. Through this, we have seen just how similar and connected we are to so many others around the world. The past two weeks, we asked Badgers what they are up to at home and how they are staying well. 

What do you miss most about UW-Madison?

No matter where you are now, we’re sure there is still some part of you on campus in Madison. The experiences of spring semester are unparalleled to anything else throughout the year. While this year may be different, these responses from Badgers will hopefully spark memories of spring in Madison.

• Sunsets on the Memorial Union Terrace

• Walking along the Lakeshore path to class

• Hanging out with my friends at our favorite coffee shops on State Street

• The capitol during golden hour

• Seeing your friends on the street and stopping to talk for 5 minutes when you only have 2 to spare 

What have you been doing to alleviate stress during quarantine?

It’s undeniable that we’ve all been spending a lot more time online lately, whether that’s been in Zoom class meetings all day or watching TikToks until your eyes hurt at night, there are still things that we as students are responsible for. The switch to online, distant learning has been unique and rocky at times. Quarantine has certainly brought different kinds of stress for students but here are some ways that resilient Badgers are handling these times: 

• Hugging those you are in quarantine with

• “Surrounding myself with family”

• “Looking at pictures with friends and reminiscing on good times”

• “Staying close to my pillows and heating pad!”

What makes a place feel like home?

Home can mean so many things for all Badgers. Whether it’s the people, the experiences, the food, or the art you surround yourself with, Badgers are creating their sense of home wherever they are.

• Yoga and lots of bubble baths

• Cooking and taking walks

• Puzzles, puzzles, and more puzzles

• Brushing up on old skills like playing guitar or the ukulele

We know that emotions are running high and the uncertainties in these times are confusing. But, we want you to remember that we are all in this together, especially as Badgers. This soon shall pass but in the meantime, we can hold on to the dream of sunny days at the terrace enjoying a cup of Union Utopia from the Daily Scoop!