University of Wisconsin - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

While it is definitely beneficial to spend at least a year in the dorms, off-campus housing is highly recommended. Madison has a plethora of houses, apartment buildings, and co-ops for students to live in. The general rule is that the closer you are to campus, the more you’re going to pay. These areas include Langdon Street, Gorham Street, Gilman Street, and University Avenue. For some, though, being two minutes from State Street and ten from the academic buildings is worth it. If you decide to be one of these people, you are looking to pay anywhere from $500–$1,000 per month. However, if you can handle taking the city bus, or even doubling that distance to campus, rent prices will drop dramatically. For those unable to pay the higher rates, try housing near Capital Square, notably Carroll Street and Main Street. Housing in these areas are comparable in size to the closer locales and won’t charge astronomical amounts.

In general, students are big fans of off-campus housing. Not only do you finally have a place of your own, but you also don’t have to travel far from campus. Namely, the areas surrounding State Street and Capital Square are filled with affordable and comfortable housing. Students do advise that you start looking early to secure just the right place.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

If you’re going to get an... If you’re going to get an apartment, make sure you’re doing it with a group of friends. Housing on campus is ridiculously expensive, and the more friends you have, the less your wallet cries. One bit of advice before moving in with people—make absolutely sure you know them. I’ve seen so many friendships shatter just because people moved in together. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

You almost have to live off campus... You almost have to live off campus after your freshman year. It is very convenient and readily available. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Off-campus housing is worth it,... Off-campus housing is worth it, and with the right number of roommates in the right location, it can be cheaper than dorms. There is plenty of non-university housing, and it is merely a matter of when one starts looking, whether or not roommates are planned out, and how much one is willing to pay. The privacy, independence, and increased square footage all play into the advantages of not living in the dorms. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

I couldn’t be anywhere else. I... I couldn’t be anywhere else. I live on State Street, all utilities paid, three blocks from the Union, across the street from Brats, down the street from Blockbuster, Mondays, and BW3’s. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

There are tons of apartments off... There are tons of apartments off campus. After freshman year, most students live off campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Did You Know?

UW just added the new Lucky Apartments in 2008 in the center of campus. Spacious apartments with furniture included, these apartments are a huge draw to students. However, be prepared to pay well above average for rent.

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