University+of+Wisconsin

I loved this school. Mind you, I went quite a long time ago, but from what I hear, it's still a great place to get a great education and have some good old fun at the same time.

The school is HUGE so if you are looking for a small, intimate place to learn, this is not for you. But if you don't mind large classes and a big campus, it's a great place. Madison is a really mellow and pretty town. It's the state capital so there's a lot going on. It's not just a college town. The town is on two lakes and there's a lot of sailing going on here.

The winters are very very cold, however. You need to be prepared for below zero temperatures. I had many days when I was walking UP (yes, UP) Bascom Hill for a 7:45 AM class and the wind chill was 40 below. Somehow, it didn't bother me so much then.

I was a Russian major and the Slavic Languages Dept was fantastic. I still get a newsletter from them. I had great professors and really got to know them well. Even though the school is so big, there is ample opportunity to interact with the professors if you make the effort, especially in your major.

The school has become very competitive lately. When I went there, it was tough for out of state students to get in, but it seemed easier for those from Wisconsin. And they paid way less tuition, too. That bothered me.