VIP City Sections Diagram and Area Maps
Maps:
- Visiting Campus
- Yahoo specific address map
We've divided the City of Madison into 21 Sections.
- Sections 1-5 are within 1 to 1-1/2 miles of the campus.
- Sections 6-9 run from 1-1/4 to 3-1/2 miles from the campus.
- Sections 10-21 begin around 2-3/4 miles and extend out 4 to 5 miles from the campus.
- Other refers to communities not represented by Sections 1-21.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is located in Section 1, except for University Hospital and Clinics and the Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Medicine and Public Health which are located in Section 9, directly west of Section 1.
All UW-Madison students (except Guest Students) are entitled to an ASM Student Bus Pass, distributed by Associated Students of Madison, the UW-Madison Student Government. The pass, issued each semester, is valid on all Madison Metro routes. Campus bus routes 80, 81, 82, and 85 are free to anyone at all times.
Campus parking permits are extremely limited. Priority is given to students who have accessibility needs and to commuting students from outside the city. Most city streets have restricted time limits on parking. Our rental listings indicate if parking is available. For additional parking information please see our parking FAQ.
Sections 1-5
These sections are within 1 to 1-1/2 miles of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. They are within walking, biking and bussing distance of the central campus.
- The UW-Madison campus spans most of Section 1.
- During evening hours, SAFE Nighttime Services include a walking escort service and a cab and bus service.
Section 1
- Most of the UW-Madison campus and the State Street Mall are located here. The UW-Madison campus has a bus system which runs throughout the campus. Many students walk or bike to class.
- Rental housing is located to the east of the campus in the Langdon and State Street vicinity and to the south of the campus within blocks of the Engineering and Agriculture Colleges.
Section 2
- The Langdon Street area is the home to most fraternity and sorority houses and some cooperatives.
- Many rental units are located above the unique shops and restaurants that line State Street.
- Most city bus lines from the rest of the city converge at State Street.
- A high concentration of rental units can be found on these main thoroughfares: University Ave., Dayton St., Gorham St., Johnson St., Mifflin St., and West Washington Ave.
Section 3
- Located just east of the campus, Section 3 includes the Wisconsin State Capitol building and the Capitol Concourse.
- Most city bus lines from the rest of the city converge at the Capitol.
Section 4
- Located just south of Regent Street and east of Monroe Street, this section includes Meriter and St. Mary's Hospitals as well as access to the UW Arboretum.
- Section 4 has easy access to both the UW-Madison and Edgewood College.
- Henry Vilas Zoo is located in the southernmost part of Section 4. The streets in the immediate area are often referred to as the Vilas area, a mix of private residences and older houses converted to rental units. Smaller apartment complexes are also located within this section.
Section 5
- Located just west of the Camp Randall Stadium, the Field House, and Monroe Street, this section is close to the Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine and Engineering areas of the campus as well as UW Hospital and Clinics.
- This section is often referred to as the "near west" and includes a mix of private residences and older houses converted into rental units, along with some smaller apartment complexes.
Sections 6-9
- A portion of these sections are within 3-1/2 miles of campus and are accessible by bike or bus. Other portions of these sections are 4-5 miles from campus.
- Portions of Sections 6-9 are still within walking distance of the campus and certainly within biking distance. On the outskirts of these sections, you may need to rely on city bus service.
Section 6
- Located in the Isthmus area between Lakes Mendota and Monona, this section is often referred to as the "Near East Side" of Madison.
- Home to James Madison Park on Lake Mendota and Tenney Park, rental housing in this section is plentiful.
- Three main streets travel through this section of the city: Johnson St., Gorham St. and E. Washington Avenue. Just off Lake Monona, the Williamson Street/Atwood Avenue and Jenifer/Spaight Street areas also provide sites of rental housing.
Section 7
- The northeastern part of this section provides easy access to the Lake Monona bike path and a great view of Monona Terrace, the city's convention center. Several large apartment complexes are accessible to campus by bus.
Section 8
- This section serves as the gateway into the West Side of Madison. Some streets are within walking distance of UW Hospital and Clinics and the western part of the campus.
- This section also includes Monroe Street and Edgewood College.
Section 9
- UW Hospital and Clinics is located in the southeast corner of this section. University-owned Student Apartments (Eagle Heights) are also located here. Much of this section is comprised of the residential Village of Shorewood Hills.
- Section 9 contains the University of Wisconsin Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Medicine and Public Health as well as the beautiful Picnic Point.
Sections 10-21
- These sections are farther from the central campus--generally more than 3-1/2 to 5 miles away. The eastern part of Section 10 and the western part of Section 15 still provide closer access to the campus than the rest of the sections.
- Most likely you'll need to rely on Madison Metro city buses or perhaps drive to a Park 'n Ride site, leaving your car and picking up a bus from those locations around the city. For additional parking information please see our parking FAQ.
- Some students and families prefer to live in these residential communities. Student renters choose to live in all sections of the city.
Other
- For more information about living in these areas visit the City of Madison Web site, or explore Area Communities.