Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Which Back-to-School Badger Are You?

Take this short quiz to find out which Badger matches your back-to-school vibe!

By Laila Smith

Posted on
Students and pedestrians walk along Bascom Hill near Bascom Hall between class periods during the first day of fall semester classes. Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison
Students and pedestrians walk along Bascom Hill near Bascom Hall between class periods during the first day of fall semester classes. Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison

It may still feel like summer, but back-to-school season is in full swing here on campus. Students have moved into apartments around town, and the residence halls are preparing for the arrival of bright-eyed first-years. What’s your back-to-school style? Take this personality quiz to find out which back-to-school Badger you are!

Answer the following questions and tally up the number of As, Bs, Cs, and Ds you have to find out which Back-to-School Badger you are!

  1. You’re on your way to campus! What are you most looking forward to this fall?
    1. Heading to the Dane County Farmers’ Market
    2. Hanging out on the Terrace with my friends
    3. Going to football games
    4. Getting a picture with Bucky
  2. Welcome to campus! Which residence hall are you moving into?
    1. Waters
    2. Dejope
    3. Ogg
    4. Sellery
  3. Classes start soon … but first, you need school supplies! What are you buying?
    1. Color-coded supplies for each class I’m taking!
    2. Probably just some pens
    3. Everything they have at the University Bookstore!
    4. My mom always shops for me
  4. It’s your first day of class! Which of these Nelson Institute Fall 2024 Featured Classes are you going to?
    1. Environmental Studies: Social Science Perspectives (ENVIR ST 112)
    2. Introductory Ecology (ENVIR ST/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 260)
    3. Sustainability (ENVIR ST 402 LEC 003)
    4. Introduction to Sustainability Science (ENVIR ST/ILS 255)
  5. Time for lunch! What’s your go-to Union meal in between classes?
    1. Pizza or pasta from Strada
    2. A grilled cheese sandwich from Der Rathskeller
    3. Sesame chicken from Ginger Root
    4. Does Gordon Avenue Market count?
  6. Your first exam of the year isn’t too far away … where are you studying?
    1. At a coffee shop on State Street
    2. In the Discovery Building
    3. College Library, of course!
    4. In my residence hall lounge
  7. Time for the Student Org Fair! Which club catches your attention?
    1. The People’s Farm
    2. Slow Food UW
    3. Wisconsin Hoofers
    4. Just one? I’m going to sign up for them all!
  8. It’s been a long day! What are you doing to unwind?
    1. Reading a book on the lawn outside my residence hall
    2. Catching up on sleep or watching an episode of my favorite show
    3. Heading to the Nick or the Bakke for some exercise
    4. Playing spikeball with my roommates 

Mostly As: Artsy Badger
You like to do everything with a little bit of flair! From your school supplies to your dorm/apartment decor, you sprinkle a little bit of your personality into everything — and your style is impeccable!

Mostly Bs: Easygoing Badger
You go with the flow, and don’t stress out too much about anything. You know how to relax and prioritize self-care — but always make sure to stay on top of schoolwork!

Mostly Cs: Classic Badger
This isn’t your first rodeo, and you know all of the ins and outs of campus life. Your friends can always count on you and admire your “work-hard, play-hard” attitude.

Mostly Ds: Baby Badger
You might not know all the campus secrets yet, but you’re on your way! This semester, try to branch out a little! Visit a new restaurant, check out campus events … the possibilities are endless.