For International Students

UW-Madison has a thriving international student population and is very welcoming to students coming in from abroad. It doesn't take long to feel at home here, with a friendly atmosphere making sure everyone settles in quickly. The Astronomy Department itself has a strong international flavor, and financially supports foreign students throughout their graduate career here.

As a place to live, Madison ranks up there with some of the best cities around. The many nearby lakes offer the opportunity for water sports in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Many of our students are happily surprised to find many recreational soccer leagues played here, which are easy to join. One of Madison's greatest assets is its compactness, with most graduate students living within easy walking distance from the Department. The lively State Street, with its restaurants, coffee shops and bars, is only a few minutes away. Madison also has a good selection of ethnic grocery stores, making it really easy to find food and other products from home New graduate students coming here should expect cold winters and hot and humid summers, so bring clothes for all seasons.