<p>Actually all the places I named are adjacent to the student neighborhoods on the near east and near south sides of town. Walking or easy biking distance. The Arb is the farthest out and many students ride bikes and go for runs there–it’s only a mile or so from campus on Lake Wingra. Same for the zoo which is an easy walk from campus and a popular cheap date place. The only distant places are the major malls but there is regular bus service to them that is free for students. Also busses to Chicago run several times a day from the Union and the price is reasonable ($36 RT). I did not have a car most of my time there as a student and had little trouble getting around the entire city core area within two miles of campus. That includes all the good clubs and restaurants as well as downtown shopping. I did get in very good walking shape as I lived a mile east of the Capitol most of the time. The only thing absent was a complete grocery store but we had a decent food co-op plus I ate most meals out anyway.
Another popular alternative is the Badger Cab which uses a zone system with most rides under $5. Good for cold late night rides home after a few cocktails. Most people had the number memorized within the first month in town.</p>