University of Wisconsin–Madison

Wisconsin Welcome

Wisconsin Welcome is a multi-week celebration that invites incoming freshmen and transfer students to discover Madison, meet fellow Badgers, and find their campus community.

Looking to host or sponsor an event? Find more information about hosting and promoting a Wisconsin Welcome event on our Event Hosts and Sponsors webpage.

On this Page

Bucky poses for a selfie with a student in a Badger jersey at The W Project, a Wisconsin Welcom event.

Meet Your Campus Community

Wisconsin Welcome 2026

August 29–September 20

Fall 2026 Featured Events

Colorful spotlights shine on Union South as students enter for Sunburst Festival.

Sunday, Aug. 30
Union South

Bucky Badger poses for a photo with first-year students before New Student Convocation.

Tuesday, Sept. 1
The Kohl Center

Members from the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) speak at the Student Org Fair.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10
The Kohl Center

Students from the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board (WASB) lead new students in cheering during The W Project.

Monday, Aug. 31
Camp Randall Field

A group of people stand below Mount Mendota, a rock climbing wall located in the Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center.

Friday, Sept. 4
Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center

Resources & Updates

Check Out the Bucky List

In between Wisconsin Welcome events, don’t forget to explore your new home. The Bucky List gets you started with iconic Madison experiences like hiking Picnic Point, visiting the free Henry Vilas Zoo, and more!

A student takes a photo with Bucky Badger outside Library Mall.

Have Questions?

Whether it’s getting involved, planning an event, or volunteering to support new students, there are opportunities with Wisconsin Welcome!

Additional Resources

Other Upcoming Events