Moving & Breaks

August 25 – 27, 2025 

We’re so excited to welcome you to campus! UW-Madison University Residence Hall move-in for fall 2025 will take place August 25 – 27. See below for complete information and steps to prepare for a smooth #LiveWithBucky move-in experience. 

Note: A few residents of approved student groups, including Housing student employees, may receive a different move-in date to participate in required training or orientation activities.  If your move-in date is earlier than August 24, visit our approved groups move-in page for specific details on your move-in process.

Your Move-In Day

A specific move-in date and time was assigned to you in My UW Housing when you received your room assignment information. Assigned days/times allow us to spread out activity evenly to ensure available resources and parking. Depending on the availability of open slots, if you’d like to request a change to your assigned move-in date/time because it does not fit your schedule, log in to My UW Housing and select a new one up until 48 hours prior to the original date. Note that you will need to delete your current move-in time slot prior to signing up for a new one.

Note: residents who are unassigned will get their room assignment before move-in. We continue to assign students daily as we get cancellations.

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What to Bring

• Wiscard or a valid government-issued photo ID (to check-in and receive your room key)
• Printed parking permit (available to download in the “Move-In” section of My UW Housing)
• Bedsheets (twin XL, twin with extra deep corners, or jersey sheets)
• Blankets and pillows
• Water bottle
• Hand cart or moving dolly (not required, but helpful in the moving process)
• Soft rubber mallet (not required, but helpful to assist with lofting)
• See what furnishings are provided and what Bucky would bring for additional items to bring, and items that are not allowed (we strongly suggest not over-packing)

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Shipping Packages

If necessary, residents with a room assignment can ship packages prior to their move-in date for pick-up. Unassigned residents waiting for their room assignment should not ship packages until they receive their room assignment. Due to storage space constraints, do not ship large items, and do not have packages delivered prior to the week you move in.

All US Mail and packages are received and distributed by your hall desk. Mail is placed in your mailbox. Packages are logged, placed in storage, and an email is sent to your @wisc.edu account notifying you a package is available for pickup. You must have your Wiscard (or another form of ID) with you to receive your package, but you do not need to print out the email notification. To avoid confusion and delays, mail should be addressed with:

Full preferred name (first and last)
Room number, residence hall house, residence hall name (available in My UW Housing)
Residence hall street address (available on individual hall pages)
Madison, WI, residence hall ZIP code (available on individual hall pages) 

For example:

Buckingham Badger
6206 Withey, Ogg Residence Hall
835 W. Dayton Street
Madison, WI 53706

Lakeshore Package Center

To help with multiple delivery locations in our Lakeshore neighborhood, we have a one-stop center specifically for only packages for residents living in Lakeshore (excluding Waters Hall – packages will be available at that front desk for residents). Residents can pick up their packages from the Lakeshore Package Center during their posted open hours.

How to Address Packages

To fix the issue of your packages being delivered to the wrong area, we ask that Lakeshore residents address packages to the Lakeshore Package Center address (1650 Kronshage Dr.) and list their hall, house and room number in the Address 2 line. Additionally, include your first AND last name when ordering packages. To do this, please follow the guide below when addressing your packages:

Buckingham Badger
1650 Kronshage Dr.
Lakeshore Package Center, Bradley, Henmon, 434
Madison, WI 53706

IKEA

As you plan your room, IKEA has everything to make your space fashionable, functional, and uniquely you. Get an exclusive 15% off your purchase both online and in-store, plus options for free on-campus order pick-up. Simply click here or scan the QR code in your SOAR welcome bag to find out more. Touring our residence halls during SOAR? Make sure to check out useful accessory ideas from IKEA on display in our tour rooms.

Lazybones

Lazybones, a local company, will store your items until you arrive and deliver them to your room. Learn more here.

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On Your Move-In Day

1. Arrive at Your Entry Point

Arrive at your designated date and time to ensure you have enough parking and resources. Entry points for each residence hall community can be viewed on our fall move-in map.

2. Park Your Vehicle

Parking permits are available in My UW Housing. You will need to print out this permit, write your cell phone number on it, and bring the permit on your move-in date and display it on your dashboard. Permits are:

• Only valid on your scheduled move-in day
• Valid for one free entry and exit in temporary after-unloading parking (due to capacity limitations, you will be directed to paid parking lots after one temporary after-unloading parking entry and exit)
  • Note: Overnight trailer parking is not permitted 

3. Check-In

After reaching your entry point and parking, head to your hall’s check-in location. There, you’ll be given your room key and a moving cart. Note: if you are not arriving on August 25 – 27, learn more about your move-in and check-in process on our approved groups move-in page.

4. Move-In

You and your visitors are only allowed one vehicle in unloading areas at a time. You’ll have 45 minutes to unload all your items from your vehicle from the start of your assigned move-in time. After 45 minutes, you must move your car to temporary after-unloading parking. Visitor parking on campus and City of Madison parking ramps are also available. Moving carts must be returned after 45 minutes or as soon as you have finished unloading your vehicle. Carts may be limited so we encourage bringing your own moving supplies and dollies.

Note: long-term parking is only available on August 25 – 27. If you’re not arriving on these dates, please see your parking information on our approved groups move-in page.

5. Set Up Your Room

Housing staff are not available during move-in to loft beds. Residents and families are encouraged to loft their own beds during move-in. If residents would like assistance lofting their bed after move-in, a maintenance request can be submitted after move-in and will be completed in approximately a week.

6. Remove Trash & Recycling

It is your responsibility to remove all trash and recycling from your residence hall throughout the year and take it to the collection bins outside. Recycling volunteers will be available to help you sort your waste items during Sustainable Move-In, which helps keep 70,000+ pounds of material from landfills every year. Learn more about the Housing recycling guidelines. Plastic Bag recycling bins are also located near each hall desk.

7. Connect to the Internet

To connect to UWNet, UW-Madison’s wireless Internet service, simply select it from the list of networks and launch any web browser. You’ll be automatically redirected to a registration page where you can enter your NetID information to get connected.

8. Enjoy a Meal with Your Guests

After unloading and moving your vehicle, Housing Dining will offer four extra guest swipes per resident account on your dining plan, valid on your specific move-in date at Housing Dining markets (not for use at Starbucks, Shake Smart, Bean and Creamery, Southeast Café, or Flamingo Runs). Whlie you’re there, sign up for the Ticket to Takeout program at any register so you can take food to-go throughout the year!

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Wisconsin Welcome

Sunday, August 24 – Sunday, October 5 

New students will have a great time meeting new friends and finding their place in the campus community during the events offered during the first four weeks of the semester. Check out the Wisconsin Welcome mobile app and website for a schedule of events.

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Wisconsin Late Night

In addition to Wisconsin Welcome events, Wisconsin Late Night (WLN) provides evening social activities during move-in week from August 24 – 27 and on Fridays and Saturdays during the semester. Follow WLN on Instagram to learn more about these events!

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The W Project: 5th Quarter Spirit Event

Join the University of Wisconsin Marching Band on Wednesday, August 27 at Camp Randall Stadium for this fun event where you’ll learn cheers and get a preview of what Camp Randall has to offer during Wisconsin Football games and be a part of the new student “W” photo.

Note: If you have a late afternoon move-in on Wednesday, August 27, consider dropping your belongings off in your room and arranging things on Thursday so you don’t miss this event.

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New Student Convocation

Tuesday, September 2 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Kohl Center

New Student Convocation is a formal welcome for new students where you’ll be introduced to the legacies of our campus — past, present, and future. Free lunch will also be provided by Housing Dining for new students on the basketball courts outside Sellery Residence Hall from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., and you can check-in with your Academic Program, College, or School for orientation activities that morning as well. 

Note: check the Kohl Center carry-in policy before you arrive. Because of this campus event, Housing Dining locations will have limited hours on September 3. Check our locations and hours to see what’s open.

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Badger Welcome Dinner

Tuesday, September 2 | 4 – 8 p.m. | Four Lakes Market & Gordon Avenue Market 

After Convocation, we’re throwing a Badger Party! Four Lakes and Gordon Avenue Markets will be celebrating the start of the year with a Badger Welcome Dinner. Join us for food and lots of fun all for just a meal swipe for residents and a door price for the public. 

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Dining Hours

See below for Fall Move-In dining hours from Sunday, August 24 to Friday, August 29. Regular academic year hours will begin on Saturday, August 30. 

Location		Sun. 8/24	Mon. 8/25	Tues. 8/26	Wed. 8/27
Carson's Market	Market	9am - 8pm	9am - 8pm	9am - 8pm	9am - 8pm
Four Lakes Market	Market	9am - 8:30pm	7am - 8:30pm	7am - 8:30pm	7am - 8:30pm
	Flamingo Run	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm
	Bean & Creamery	Closed	7am - 4pm	7am - 4pm	7am - 4pm
Gordon Avenue Market	Market	9am - 8:30pm	7am - 8:30pm	7am - 8:30pm	7am - 8:30pm
	Flamingo Run	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm
	Southeast Café	Closed	7am - 4pm	7am - 4pm	7am - 4pm
Liz's Market	Market	7am - 8pm	7am - 8pm	7am - 8pm	7am - 8pm
Lowell Market	Market	Closed	7:30am - 8pm	7:30am - 8pm	7:30am - 8pm
Rheta's Market	Market	9am - 8pm	7am - 8pm	7am - 8pm	7am - 8pm
	Flamingo Run	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm	10am - 11pm
Starbucks		7am - 5pm	7am - 5pm	7am - 5pm	7am - 5pm
Shake Smart		Closed	8am - 9pm	8am - 9pm	8am - 9pm

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Renter’s Insurance

We strongly recommend you obtain insurance for your personal items and liability. Residents can benefit from renters’ insurance for a variety of damages that may occur beyond their control or because of negligence on their part. Be sure to have adequate coverage for fire and water damage. 

• Check to see if you are already covered on your family’s homeowner’s insurance 
• Ask your family about adding a rider to existing policies 
• Obtain your own policy

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Questions/Concerns

Our FAQs page includes answers to common questions. If you don’t see your question answered there, feel free to use our contact form.

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Follow Us

Stay up to date with all things Housing and Dining by following us on social!

@housingUW @housingUWDining

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