Choosing Your Badger Home: An Insider's Guide to the Best Dorms at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hey there, future Badger! So, you've gotten into the University of Wisconsin-Madison. First off, CONGRATULATIONS! That's a huge deal, & you should be incredibly proud. Now comes the next big step: figuring out where you're going to live for your freshman year. Honestly, choosing a dorm is one of the most exciting & a little bit nerve-wracking decisions you'll make. It’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s your first real home away from home, the epicenter of your social life, & the launching pad for your entire college experience.
The thing about UW-Madison is that there’s no single "best" dorm. Instead, there are dorms that are best for you & the kind of experience you want to have. The campus is basically divided into two distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe: Southeast & Lakeshore. It’s the classic debate, & where you land will say a lot about your freshman year.
Are you looking for a vibrant, social, never-a-dull-moment kind of experience, right in the heart of the action? Or are you picturing a more scenic, relaxed, & nature-filled setting with stunning lake views? This guide is going to break it all down for you. We’re talking an in-depth, no-holds-barred look at the top dorms, the social scenes, the good, the bad, & everything in between. Let's get into it.
The Great Divide: Southeast vs. Lakeshore
Before we dive into individual dorms, you need to understand the fundamental choice every freshman has to make.
Southeast: If you want to be in the thick of it, Southeast is your spot. It's located near the downtown area, surrounded by high-rise apartments, bustling streets, & an undeniable energy. This area is home to the Kohl Center, so you'll be just a short walk from Badgers basketball & hockey games. It’s also close to State Street, the main artery of student life with its shops, restaurants, & theaters. The dorms here are generally larger, more social, & known for being a bit louder. If you're an extrovert who wants to be at the center of all the action, Southeast is calling your name.
Lakeshore: Just like the name suggests, this neighborhood is nestled along the picturesque shore of Lake Mendota. It’s a quieter, more scenic part of campus with a more relaxed vibe. You'll be surrounded by nature, with easy access to the Lakeshore Path for running, biking, or just chilling by the water. The dorms here are generally a bit more spread out & tend to be quieter, making them a great choice for students who want a more peaceful living environment. It's not totally isolated, though—the 80 bus line is a lifeline that connects you to the rest of campus.
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the dorms themselves.
The Southeast Experience: The Heart of the Action
If you're looking for that classic, high-energy freshman year, you'll likely find your home in one of these Southeast dorms.
Witte Residence Hall: The Social Epicenter
If you've heard anything about UW-Madison dorms, you've probably heard of Witte. Along with its partner in crime, Sellery, Witte is legendary for its social scene. It was renovated a few years back, so the common spaces are super nice, & it has air conditioning, which is a HUGE plus during those hot first few weeks of the semester.
The Vibe: Witte is a social hub. It’s the kind of place where doors are always open, people are always hanging out in the lounges, & it's incredibly easy to make friends. It can get loud, especially on weekends, but that's part of the appeal for many. If you're looking for a party, you won't have to go far. But it's not just about partying; it's about being surrounded by people & always having something to do.
The Rooms: The rooms in Witte are a decent size for a college dorm, & the renovation means they're in good shape. You’ll find doubles & triples, with communal bathrooms that have also been updated.
The Perks: Its location is top-notch. You're right across the street from the Nicholas Recreation Center (the Nick), which is the main gym on campus, & Gordon Avenue Market, one of the best dining halls. You're also a stone's throw from State Street.
Who Should Live Here: Extroverted students who want to be in the middle of everything & don't mind a little noise. If you want to make friends easily & have a classic "college experience," Witte is a fantastic choice.
Sellery Residence Hall: The Newly-Minted Social King
Sellery has long been known as one of the most social dorms on campus, & after a massive renovation, it's giving Witte a run for its money. "The Sell," as it's affectionately called, is home to over a thousand freshmen each year, creating an instant community.
The Vibe: Sellery is all about social connection. The floors are designed to encourage interaction, & it's known for being a place where you'll make friends for life. It's a "party dorm," no doubt, but it's also a place where you'll find your people for late-night study sessions or Badger game days.
The Rooms: Post-renovation, the rooms & bathrooms are modern & clean. They can be on the smaller side, but with so much going on in the building, you probably won't be spending all your time in your room anyway.
The Perks: The location is incredible. You're close to classes, Gordon's dining hall, the Nick, & an Amazon hub locker, which is surprisingly convenient. It's also home to the Entrepreneurial Residential Learning Community (ERLC), a great option for business-minded students.
Who Should Live Here: Students who want a vibrant, social, & quintessentially freshman experience. If you're looking to meet a TON of people & are okay with a lively atmosphere, Sellery is an amazing option.
Ogg Residence Hall: The Best of Both Worlds
Ogg is a bit of a gem in the Southeast. It's newer & offers a slightly more subdued social scene than Witte or Sellery, making it a great middle ground. It's often described as a perfect blend of social life & a conducive environment for academics.
The Vibe: Ogg is social, but not overwhelmingly so. You’ll find plenty of people to hang out with, but it's not the constant party atmosphere of its neighbors. It's a great place to find a balance between your studies & your social life.
The Rooms: The rooms in Ogg are spacious, with walk-in closets & air conditioning. Most rooms are triples, & bathrooms are shared in a cluster of four rooms, which is a nice step up from fully communal bathrooms.
The Perks: Ogg is home to the Business Connect & The Studio learning communities, offering great opportunities for students in those fields. It’s also conveniently located near the School of Business, the Nick, & Gordon's.
Who Should Live Here: Students who want a social experience but also value a bit more personal space & a slightly quieter environment. It's a popular choice for business majors & those in the creative arts.
Smith Residence Hall: The Luxury Option
If you're looking for a more upscale dorm experience, Smith is your answer. It's one of the newest dorms on campus, & it shows. The rooms are spacious, the amenities are top-notch, & it feels a bit like living in a nice hotel.
The Vibe: Smith is on the quieter side for a Southeast dorm. It’s a great place to focus on your studies, but you'll still find a social atmosphere if you seek it out.
The Rooms: The rooms are some of the largest on campus, with high ceilings, walk-in closets, & adjustable A/C. Most are triples, & you'll share a bathroom with just two other rooms.
The Perks: Smith has a Starbucks right in the building, which is a MAJOR plus. It also has a classroom & a music practice room. While it's a bit further south, it's still an easy walk to the heart of campus.
Who Should Live Here: Students who prioritize comfort, space, & a quieter living environment, but still want to be in the Southeast neighborhood.
Chadbourne Residential College (CRC): The Community-Focused Hub
Chadbourne is unique because the entire building is a learning community, the Chadbourne Residential College. This creates a really special, tight-knit community feel right in the middle of the bustling Southeast.
The Vibe: The CRC fosters a strong sense of community with a focus on academics & personal growth. It’s a great mix of social & studious, with lots of events & activities designed to bring residents together. It's known for having a large international student population, which adds to its diverse & welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooms: The rooms are on the smaller side, but the building has been renovated & includes air conditioning. The real draw here is the community, not the room size.
The Perks: Chadbourne has Rheta's Market, a dining hall, connected to it, so you don't even have to go outside in the winter to get food. Its central location is also a huge plus.
Who Should Live Here: Students who want a strong sense of community & are interested in the liberal arts college feel. It's a great option for those who want to be social but in a more structured, community-oriented way.
Merit Residence Hall: The Quiet Retreat
Merit is a bit of a hidden gem. It's a small, quiet dorm with a mix of single & double rooms, many of which have private or semi-private bathrooms. It's perfect for those who want a more independent living situation.
The Vibe: Merit is definitely a quiet dorm. The social life is what you make of it, but it's not the built-in social scene of the larger dorms. It's a great place to retreat to after a long day of classes.
The Rooms: The double rooms with private bathrooms are spacious & a huge perk. Even the singles are a great option for those who value their own space.
The Perks: The location is fantastic, close to classes, dining halls, & the gym. Having a private bathroom is a luxury you won't find in many other dorms.
Who Should Live Here: Upperclassmen or freshmen who are more introverted or simply prefer a quieter, more independent living environment.
Barnard Residence Hall: The Historic Gem
Barnard is the oldest residence hall on campus, & it’s full of character. If you're a history buff or just appreciate beautiful architecture, Barnard is a great choice. It's comprised of mostly single rooms, making it another good option for those who want their own space.
The Vibe: Barnard is a quiet & peaceful dorm. Residents tend to keep to themselves, so it's not the place to go for a booming social life. However, it's a very respectful & studious environment.
The Rooms: As an older building, the rooms have a unique charm. They've been renovated to feel more modern, but you'll still get that historic feel.
The Perks: It's connected to Rheta's Market & is in a very central location. The single rooms are a big draw for many students.
Who Should Live Here: Students who appreciate history & a quiet, studious atmosphere. It's a great choice for those who want a single room in a central location.
The Lakeshore Lifestyle: Scenic & Serene
If your ideal college experience involves beautiful lake views, a more relaxed pace, & a close connection to nature, the Lakeshore neighborhood is for you.
Dejope Residence Hall: The Modern Oasis
Dejope is one of the newest & nicest dorms on campus. It's often compared to a hotel, with its modern amenities, spacious rooms, & stunning lake views.
The Vibe: Dejope has a more relaxed & mature vibe than the Southeast dorms. It's a bit of a walk from the main part of campus, which contributes to its quieter atmosphere.
The Rooms: The rooms are large, with high ceilings & often, incredible views of Lake Mendota. They have in-room thermostats for year-round temperature control.
The Perks: Dejope has a dining hall, Four Lakes Market, right in the building, which is incredibly convenient. It's also right next to the Bakke Recreation Center, another great gym on campus.
Who Should Live Here: Students who want a modern, comfortable living space with beautiful views & a quieter atmosphere. It's a great choice for those who don't mind a bit of a walk to classes.
Waters Residence Hall: The Classic Lakeshore Experience
Waters offers a quintessential Lakeshore experience. It's centrally located, has some of the largest rooms on campus, & boasts beautiful lake views.
The Vibe: Waters has a balanced atmosphere. It's generally quiet, but there are still plenty of opportunities to be social. It's a good mix of introverts & extroverts.
The Rooms: The rooms are HUGE. You'll have plenty of space for extra furniture & to make it feel like home. The one downside is that there's no air conditioning, which can be tough for the first few weeks.
The Perks: Waters has a dining hall, Liz's Market, in the building, & it's home to the Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) learning community. Its central location makes it easy to get to classes.
Who Should Live Here: Students in STEM fields, those who want a spacious room, & anyone looking for a classic Lakeshore experience with a good balance of social & quiet.
Bradley Residence Hall: The Freshman-Focused Community
Bradley is a popular choice for freshmen in the Lakeshore neighborhood. It's home to the Spark Learning Community & has a reputation for being a great place for first-year students to meet people.
The Vibe: Because it's a freshman-only dorm, Bradley is very social. Everyone is new & eager to make friends, so there's a strong sense of community.
The Rooms: The rooms are pretty basic & on the smaller side, & there's no A/C. But the social experience often makes up for the lack of modern amenities.
The Perks: Bradley is right across from Dejope, so you have easy access to Four Lakes Market. The learning community also hosts lots of events, so there's always something to do.
Who Should Live Here: Freshmen who want a social, community-oriented experience in the Lakeshore neighborhood.
Learning Communities: Finding Your Niche
I’ve mentioned a few of these already, but it's worth highlighting the learning communities at UW-Madison. These are programs where students with shared interests or academic pursuits live together in the same dorm. It's an AMAZING way to make a big university feel smaller & to connect with students & faculty who share your passions. From the Chadbourne Residential College to the Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) community in Waters, there are options for a wide range of interests. I highly recommend looking into them!
The Elephant in the Room: Parking & Storage
Now, for a bit of real talk. Bringing a car to campus as a freshman is... challenging. Parking is extremely limited & expensive. The university itself doesn't offer many permits to undergrads, & the ones that are available can be pricey. This is where thinking outside the box comes in handy. If you absolutely need a car on campus, you might want to look into services like Prked. It’s a pretty cool platform that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways or garages. It can be a much more affordable & convenient option than trying to find a spot in a campus garage.
The same goes for storage. When the end of the school year rolls around, you’ll be faced with the question of what to do with all your stuff. Instead of hauling everything home, especially if you live far away, you can find a local storage solution. There are traditional storage units, but you can also use Prked to find affordable storage space in someone's garage, attic, or basement. It's a great way to keep your things safe over the summer without breaking the bank.
So, What's the Verdict?
Choosing your dorm at UW-Madison is a big decision, but hopefully, this guide has made it a little less daunting. The most important thing is to be honest with yourself about what you're looking for. Don't just choose a dorm because you heard it was the "best" one. Think about your personality, your study habits, & the kind of environment where you'll thrive.
Whether you're drawn to the constant energy of Southeast or the serene beauty of Lakeshore, there's a perfect spot for you at UW-Madison. Your dorm will be the backdrop to some of the most memorable years of your life, so choose wisely, but also know that no matter where you end up, you're in for an incredible experience.
Hope this was helpful, & welcome to Madison! Let me know what you think.
