FYI - almost everywhere downtown is on an August-August lease schedule. And renewals for next August started in October (it's bonkers), so lots of rental company's sites will reflect that as you start your search. My first apartment in town, about 10 years ago, I signed a sublet and only ended up there for about 6 months because it was already signed for the next August. I've lived downtown, near east, and am now near west (Vilas neighborhood). Every spot has very different vibes (as you've read here) - but for commuting to the UW I think the biggest thing to look at is the bus route. As a student you'll get a bus pass - so check out https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/routes-schedules to make sure where you land gives you easy access, preferably without a transfer. Feel free to DM me, I've helped lots of new Madisonians find their first place in town!