Information from some current students(keep in mind these are just a handful):
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-wisconsin-madison/1868301-how-do-students-like-the-university-of-wisconsin.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/UWMadison/comments/2voy4s/how_is_campus_life_here/
Dorms breakdown from students (if you plan to live in dorms):
https://www.reddit.com/r/UWMadison/comments/3asal8/uw_madison_dorm_information/
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19590543/
I prefer UW and I agree both are fantastic schools. Yes, I’m not a student during the academic year, but I keep in touch with current students on a daily basis and have asked them about their experiences when I was searching on potential transfer schools. Heavy influence on drinking and sports. Its avoidable, but plays a huge part in the social community. I love the university but I think its important to also recognize the negative aspects of UW rather than upholding this notion that it is “the perfect school” which many people seem to believe.
In-state tuition saves you almost 30k a year at Madison, that’s a huge difference. I’d say its pretty clear you’ve already made up you’re mind.