University Housing

What kind of experience do you want to have here?

• Engaging in activities that complement your studies?
• Networking in your future career area?
• Making new friends and having fun around Madison?
• Making a difference in the world?
• Exploring grass-roots and community organizing?
• Trying new things from rock climbing to ballroom dancing?

All these things are made possible in the University Residence Halls!

Interest Groups

An Interest Group is just a bunch of residents who share a common interest in... pretty much anything they could have more fun doing together than alone. Interest groups are limited only by the imagination of those who set them up. For example, some interest groups include...

• Chemistry study
• Rock-climbers
• Ice sculptors
• Jazz
• Fine arts
• Feminist discussion
• Football
• Sailing
• International cuisine
• A current events forum
• Dance Dance Revolution
• Grey's Anatomy

...and so on. For Interest Groups to work, they have to be easy to start and keep going. That is why we have streamlined the process as much as we can so that getting started, getting funding, and keeping it going takes only a few steps! Contact your Involvement Coordinator/Program Advisor or Residence Life Coordinator if you want to start an Interest Group or see what groups already exist in your hall.

Residence hall students planned more than 3,500 programs last year. Our trained staff help you make your ideas come to life.

Interest Connections

Interest Connections is a searchable database which lets you look up other residents with similar interests who live in your hall. You can use this information to start an Interest Group or just invite some new friends to join you for a weekend activity. Click the image for a preview, or click here to check it out.

Please note that you must be on the University Housing Network to use this resource.

Residence Hall Organizations

Most halls have a regular meeting or forum where students can get together to talk about issues affecting the hall, plan upcoming hall activities, and discuss ways to enhance the community. There are various opportunities to get involved as a committee chair or member, or help with an activity or event that appeals to you! It's a great way to know what's going on in your hall. Contact your Involvement Coordinator/Program Advisor or Residence Life Coordinator to find out where and when your hall meeting is!

Residence Hall Advisory Board

Get involved in issues that impact the hall and campus community by attending hall meetings or participating in the Residence Halls Advisory Board with the Director of University Housing. Your input influences the current and future direction of the halls.

Contact your Residence Life Coordinator or Involvement Coordinator/Program Advisor if you'd like to serve as your hall's representative or wish to pass along feedback.

Academics

Getting connected with other residents in your House and Hall around your classes is a great way to get involved right away on campus (and get better grades)!

Take the first step at SOAR by registering for a Residence Hall Class Section or First-year Interest Group (FIG) linked to your residence hall area.

During the fall semester, you will be able to connect with additional residents taking the same classes with you by searching the Class Connections database. In addition, Academic Program Coordinators assigned to each residence hall community will facilitate Study Group Kick-offs in mid-September and inform you of the other amazing resources in the residence halls and on campus to support your academic success.

Academics in University Housing.

Diversity

An important part of every college experience is learning more about yourself, relating to others, and the world around you. Today's employers are looking for students who can work in a multicultural environment. All residence hall communities strive to make all students feel welcomed and included. With that in mind, our communities offer a number of diversity initiatives designed to foster a positive environment for everyone. Follow the link to learn more about staff, programs, resources, and educational opportunities to broaden your horizons! Diversity Programs in University Housing

Residential Learning Communities

Residential Learning Communities provide amazing opportunities for students to get connected with other residents in both social and academic ways. That's what makes Residential Learning Communities unique and effective - - that is, they provide more coherent experiences that integrate the social and academic life on campus.

Students in these programs should take the first step at SOAR by registering for your Residential Learning Community Seminar.

Learn more about the Residential Learning Communities.

Employment Opportunities

Would you like to get involved on campus, meet new friends, and get paid for it? Working for University Housing is convenient and flexible to allow you to prioritize academics and learn important work skills.

For information on student staff positions, visit the Housing Employment page.