 Ogg Residence Hall: My First Year Experience

Best UW-Madison Dorms for Freshmen

UW Madison: Living in the Lakeshore Neighbourhood

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public land-grant research university in Madison, Wisconsin.

There are a variety of housing options at UW-Madison. Residence Halls are primarily divided up into two areas: Lakeshore and Southeast. Made up of 13 dormitories, the Lakeshore neighborhood is perfect for nature lovers. It features breathtaking views of Lake Mendota, easy access to the Lakeshore Nature Path, and many outdoor recreational spaces. The Southeast neighborhood offers a more “urban” feel, with high rise dormitories and its close proximity to downtown Madison. Southeast dorms are also known to be more social in comparison to Lakeshore dorms. Students have the option to choose from all types of rooms and configurations, ranging from singles to quads.

Chadbourne Residence Hall, located in the heart of the campus, is praised by students for its unbeatable location, making it ideal for quick access to classes and State Street. The dorm features small but well-decorated rooms where students can easily connect with others in the common areas on each floor. With a dining hall conveniently integrated into the building and a nearby convenience store, students appreciate the ease of access to food options. The dorm's cleanliness and community vibe are highlighted, though some mention the small room sizes as a drawback. Despite this, the dorm fosters a social atmosphere without being overwhelmingly noisy, appealing to students who seek a balance between socializing and studying. Additionally, the dorm offers fast ethernet, gender-segregated clean bathrooms, and comfortable common areas for relaxation and study sessions. Students also note the dorm's proximity to Memorial Union and the abundance of learning community events available. To top it off, Chadbourne Residence Hall is described as a great transitional space for freshmen before moving on to off-campus housing options.

Sellery Residence Hall can best be described as a vibrant hub of social activity, undergoing significant change for the better. Having just undergone a full remodel, its bathrooms are hailed for a fresh and modern look, though it's still possible to encounter less clean conditions, especially after a spirited Friday night. The residence hall's location stands as a uniquely winning feature being near popular hangout spots, dining options like Gordons, the Nicholas Recreation Center gym, and the bulk of the main classes. Unfortunately, some students find the rooms to be quite small and not conducive to studying. The dormitory is prone to noisy disruptions, such as fire alarms and construction work if you lived there before renovations were completed. However, a major perk cited by students is the dorm's proximity to an Amazon hub locker which is convenient for those who frequently order online. Despite the less appealing physical attributes of Sellery that make it seem prison-like compared to newer, upgraded dorms, the social experience is viewed as incredibly rewarding. The sheer number of dorms on each floor facilitates easy networking and the cultivation of long-lasting friendships. Ultimately, your experience at Sellery Residence will largely hinge on the relationships you form amidst its vibrant social atmosphere.

Smith Residence Hall offers a compelling living experience marked by its clean, new, and spacious rooms with high ceilings and walk-in closets. Residents note the convenience of adjustable AC and carpeting, which add to the comfort. The dorm is organized into clusters of three rooms that share a bathroom, avoiding the congestion of shared facilities on larger scales. Additionally, Newell’s Deli, located in the building, provides convenience for quick meals. Despite being located further south compared to other Southeast dorms, many students find the distance manageable and appreciate its close proximity to the Nick recreation center. Smith Residence Hall is recognized for its relatively social atmosphere, though a proactive approach to making friends is encouraged. The presence of large, spacious elevators facilitates easy move-in and move-out experiences. While slightly on the pricier side, students highlight that choosing a triple can be cost-effective and an enjoyable option. Overall, Smith Residence Hall strikes a balance between comfort, convenience, and a sociable environment.

Kronshage Residence Hall is a unique housing option at the university, set in a scenic location on the Lakeshore side of campus. Known for its tranquility, Kronshage is split into eight different buildings, each offering varying amenities. Some buildings have kitchens and laundry facilities, such as Conrad and Showerman Halls, which also boast a computer lab, while others do not, leading to some students needing to walk to access these services. The rooms are praised for their generous size and ample storage, and the dorm's proximity to the engineering campus makes it ideal for engineering students. Despite being close to dining halls like Dejope and Carson's Market, campus classes and other facilities can be a trek, so students often use bikes or buses. The lack of air conditioning is a significant drawback, especially during the warmer months, and the showers often struggle to provide warm water. Despite these challenges, Kronshage offers a great community environment with opportunities to meet people, and its recent renovations mean the furniture is relatively new and well-maintained. For those drawn to nature, being close to the lakefront path is an added bonus.

Witte Residence Hall is a highly recommended dorm choice among students, offering a blend of convenience and comfort with a social atmosphere. Renowned for its spacious rooms compared to other dorms, residents appreciate the clean, well-maintained facilities, notably praising the efforts of the friendly staff like Margarita. The building's newness adds to its charm, boasting amenities such as air conditioning, onsite laundry, and a fully-equipped kitchen, which enhance the living experience. Despite being a bit of a walk from classes, Witte’s location shines by being near the gym, dining options at Gordon’s, and the vibrancy of State Street, ensuring that students have access to resources and entertainment. The dorm is known for its lively, social ambiance, making it easy for newcomers to make friends. Clean halls, strong shower pressure, and a nice basement lounge provide additional comfort. Although it can be noisy at night, these features make Witte a top choice for freshmen seeking a dynamic and supportive living environment.

Waters Residence Hall is a well-regarded dormitory that offers a blend of convenience and comfort for students. Located in a prime position on campus, students love its proximity to classes, particularly beneficial for those in STEM fields. The building boasts large rooms that many residents find spacious enough for extra furnishings, making them ideal for socializing. The dorm offers stunning views of the lake or natural paths, adding to its charm. The notable Liz's Market dining hall is located in Waters, praised for its inclusivity but it tends to close earlier than others. Waters has a relatively quiet atmosphere, though students appreciate the balance of social activities available. There's a mix of introverts and extroverts so any student will find their niche. Communal bathrooms and a lack of air conditioning are minor drawbacks, but residents quickly adapt. The building's layout can be confusing with limited elevator access, split into five wings. Overall, Waters is a fantastic choice for those seeking a vibrant and friendly environment.

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Chadbourne Residence Hall

Sellery Residence Hall

Smith Residence Hall

Kronshage Residence Hall

Witte Residence Hall