What are some things I should know about WI

I wish I could do my shopping when I go for orientation but I am planning to fly so the amount of luggage that I can bring is limited.In addition to that I will have to bring things up there in the fall. That means if I go over my luggage limit then I might have to pay to ship stuff through UPS or Fedex and it might be pricey.
 
When you guys say cold, how cold are we talking about? I took a look at some jackets and they range from -10" to -40" so I just wanted to know which ones are more suitable. Also, is there a difference between a pair of hiking boots sold in florida and a pair of boots up north?
 
accordmaniac said:
When you guys say cold, how cold are we talking about? I took a look at some jackets and they range from -10" to -40" so I just wanted to know which ones are more suitable. Also, is there a difference between a pair of hiking boots sold in florida and a pair of boots up north?
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It occasionally gets below zero but not usually for long. How warm a jacket you need depends on how much you are affected by cold. I spend three-four months every winter in Cape Coral and then when it drops to 65 down there you all would think it is a cold wave. To me it is like where is the pool. :)



I suspect you will feel the cold more than a local so you might want to opt for a warmer coat. I like to layer my winter clothing so if the coat is too warm I can take a layer off and be comfortable. You probably will be doing a good deal of walking out doors and will be enjoying some winter sports too so think warm.



Winter hiking boots in WI usually are lined with Thinsulateâ„¢ and Gore-texâ„¢. They provide a lot of warmth and yet they breathe to keep your feet dry. I don't think you'll find these in Florida.

I like these from REI. They are made by Merrell, which is a great brand. You should also pick up a few pair of these wool socks. You can be really miserable with cold feet.



REI us a good outdoor camping and hiking source.



Don't forget a good knit hat and/or earmuffs. You can get frostbite pretty easily when it's below zero. Your body looses most of it's heat through your head so a good warm hat is a necessity. The knit hats can be pulled down over your face and ears if it gets bad.
 
accordmaniac said:
When you guys say cold, how cold are we talking about? I took a look at some jackets and they range from -10" to -40" so I just wanted to know which ones are more suitable. Also, is there a difference between a pair of hiking boots sold in florida and a pair of boots up north?
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Yeah, sustained periods below zero don't happen too often. I recall having a field trip last fall for my NR251 course, when the day's high temperature was 4*F.



Most hiking boots sold in FL probably don't have much insulation in them, so like Jim said, you might consider ordering from REI. Or you could always look around the stores here. I'm usually hesitant to order footwear off the internet because you can't try it on first.
 
Well, both my parents went to UW, and they still LOVE it to this day. There are tons of Badger fans around, so that must mean something. I was surprised to see a "Los Angeles Badgers" club for the southern california fans.
 
a.k.a. Patrick said:
I was thinking people enjoy watching you in your detailing frenzy mode. Why not sit back and crack open a cold one?!?!?!
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ahh...gotcha. I suppose my neighbors might down a cold one while they're entertained by my determination while washing/detailing the car.
 
Thanks again guys. I have another question about the weather. I just booked my plane ticket to go for the fall semester at the end of August and since the last exam is Dec 23, my return trip is on the 24. So I was wondering how bad does it snow around that time?
 
accordmaniac said:
Thanks again guys. I have another question about the weather. I just booked my plane ticket to go for the fall semester at the end of August and since the last exam is Dec 23, my return trip is on the 24. So I was wondering how bad does it snow around that time?
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While it is impossible to predict accurately, you should be fine. In recent memory we do often have snow on the ground in December but typically it doesn't hinder travel.
 
I go to UMN-TC, but UW is a kinda similar school.



Usually, snow is not a huge concern because most colleges up here have excellent ground crews that get out in the mornings way early and clear any overnight snow. I know at UMN I can survive winter in my regular shoes. Only times you have to worry about snow is when it's snowing during the day. Just pick up a pair of waterproof hiking boots, you don't need to go nuts and get sorel boots or anything.



The women - well, I'd completely disagree on this point. I'm making a total stereotype here, but I'd bet that the women who go to public florida schools probably are probably a little more on the....side. UW-madison is going to have PLENTY of good looking women. Sure during the winter they wear more clothing, but it leaves something to the imagination!. Plus there's always the opportunity to meet a nice, well-mannered midwestern girl :)



In terms of winter clothing, don't buy anything until you get up there. Selection will be much better.... At most stores up in these parts you can completely deck yourself out with some great gear for a good price. You can also deck yourself out with some REALLY GREAT gear at an expensive price...



Also, layering IS key. Buy some thermal underwears. :)



And, unfortunately, you can't predict how snow will be - in recent years, we've almost had snowless xmas. But then we've also had 3-foot snowfalls in october-november. If you're relying on public transit, you'll be fine.... people know how to get around in the snow.
 
i haven't read the entire thread (and i'm digging it up from May...), but it sounds like you decided to choose the UW? i am a UW alumni...definitely a great school. it's big, but Madison itself is just the right size for about everything. i also live in Madison now (moved back here after working in the Milwaukee area for about 6 yrs after graduating)...it's so much better than the bigger cities IMHO.
 
Having lived in Maine for most of my life, I can tell ya that under armour is your best friend in the winter. Its sold as athletic gear, but it makes a real comfortable undershirt for whatever else you might be wearing, and it keeps ya warm in the cold and cool in the heat.



Also, not to get into anyone's face about it, but I wouldn't knock the party scene too much when you get to college. A lot of the heaviest drinkers are real good people who just have a different idea of a good time, you might not like them at 2 in the morning but if you were a little less judgemental you might find that you like them when they're not drinking.
 
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