Andrew

I noticed someone recently started a thread about Ann Arbor, so I figured I'd start a similar thread about Madison, WI. I've been accepted to the CS PhD programs at both schools, and I have heard good things about both cities. I'm interested in hearing personal accounts of life in Madison in general, at UWisc, and in the CS department if possible. Is the weather a real downer? I'm from the northeast, so I'm familiar with snowy winters, but WI seems kind of cold in comparison to MA and NY. I'm also curious about the cost of living for grad students renting apartments near campus. I'll have a car for at least part of the time, but I think I'd like to be fairly close to walk to some stuff. If anyone has experience in both Madison and Ann Arbor, how do you think they compare--academically, economically, overall?

I guess this post is mainly intended to be about Madison in general, but any specific insights into the CS department (overall atmosphere, difficulty, academic freedom, prof accessibility) there would be much appreciated! Also, for people in CS, how do you think Wisc and Mich-AA are regarded these days? I know rankings have traditionally put Wisc ahead of Mich, but rankings don't mean much. Oh, and I'm interested in AI.

Thanks!!

so i finally hopped on the bandwagon and got myself a livejournal, or basically a blog. it's mainly so becky and i can write a collective story and i needed to be a member, but perhaps i will use this more regularly than past attempts at a blog.