View of downtown Milwaukee from the Art Museum

Get to Know Milwaukee

Sitting on the coast of beautiful Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a big, bustling city with a friendly, small-town feel. Milwaukee celebrates its history with cultural festivals throughout the year, while it invests in its future with urban renewal and water technology. See for yourself what makes our city special. 

Brandon Harbison, a uwm accounting student, standing in Milwaukee's Third Ward outside of his internship at Crabel Capital Management
Brandon says he likes the balance UWM provides between professional opportunities (like his accounting internship) and getting to enjoy life in Milwaukee. “I like that I know I’ll get to build my resume in college, but the UWM experience isn’t just about that. I also get to play intramural football with my friends and be part of a community.”
UWM Students at Summerfest riding the Skyglider
One of Milwaukee’s nicknames is the City of Festivals. The biggest of the year is Summerfest, a multi-day music festival along Lake Michigan.
Mechanical engineering student, Erick D. Rico-Sanchez, standing outside of Harley Davidson where he has an internship.
UWM students can find internship opportunities at Fortune 500 companies, like Northwestern Mutual and Rockwell Automation. Ramon (pictured) did an engineering internship at Harley-Davidson before being hired there full-time.
UWM students outside of Fiserv Forum posing for a group selfie with the Milwaukee Bucks sign.
Milwaukee is home to several professional sports teams: the Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Admirals and Milwaukee Wave. The city also has a roller derby league!
A UWM Student ice skating at Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee
There’s stuff to do in the city no matter the weather or season. A few winter favorites include ice skating in Red Arrow Park and shopping at holiday craft markets.

Living in Milwaukee as a UWM Student

Where you go to college matters — and thanks to UWM’s location in Milwaukee, students get unique experiences outside the classroom and a jump-start on their future career. From Fortune 500 companies and professional arts organizations to major hospitals and engineering firms, students start building their resumes and professional networks before graduation day, no matter their major or field of study. 

Outside of the classroom and internship sites, UWM students enjoy everything the city has to offer. Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers games, Summerfest, days on the beach, countless restaurants and coffee shops, street festivals, museums — you name it. 

Student Testimonials

UWM students share what they love most about life in Milwaukee

Political science student Giovanna standing in downtown Milwaukee in fall and smiling

Giovanna

Political Science major

“My friends and I try out a new local coffee shop every week. I also recommend anywhere in the Third Ward — it’s the cutest. I’m grateful that students get to ride the bus for free. I’m from Chicago, so the bus system has really helped me learn the city.”

Claire, a sociology major, walking near the UWM Fountain

Claire

Sociology major

“I’m from a small town, so it was a lot to get used to at first. I love the activity of the city and having different opportunities to go do things. Everything is close, and I love all the museums. Welcome Week was a helpful way to explore the city, too.”

Davien, a UWM student speaking with his peers


Davien

Dance major

“Even though I’m from Milwaukee, it’s still a brand-new experience. Milwaukee really has a lot, like Summerfest and state fair, festivals, sporting events… Everything is right there at the palm of your hand.”

Our Campus Neighborhood

UW-Milwaukee is nestled in the heart of the city’s upper east side, a residential, tree-lined community just five minutes from Lake Michigan. We’re near grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, independent businesses and more. Plus, it’s easy to get around, whether that means renting a Bublr bike, hopping on a bus or enjoying the sights on foot.

Three UWM students walking together along Downer Avenue outside the theatre.
Our compact campus offers students the best of city life while not sacrificing the classic college experience. A few favorite neighborhood spots include Bradford Beach, Downer Avenue and Lake Park.
View of UWM campus with the Milwaukee Skyline in the background

Next Steps

See firsthand what makes our city and campus special