For many UW-Madison students, the search for housing can feel daunting, especially if they are new to Madison or unsure about roommates and budget. That’s why UW offers Off-Campus Housing Services within University Housing to help students navigate the off-campus housing market. The program provides resources and offers follow-up support to help students make informed housing decisions, with services that include educational programs, building relationships with landlords, and meeting individually to answer student questions. They offer several useful resources online, including a Rental Resource guide and an Off-Campus Housing Marketplace with postings for housing, parking, roommates, and sublets.
These resources and some basic steps can help make the housing search less stressful as students explore their options.
Budgeting
Erin Warner, Assistant Director in University Housing who oversees Off-Campus Housing Services, suggests developing a budget before you start your search. Consider costs beyond just rent, including utilities, household goods, food, security deposit, renters’ insurance and other related expenses. If you receive financial aid, this is a great time to check in with the Office of Student Financial Aid. Their team can assist you with your budgeting and help you look at how your financial aid package can be applied to off-campus housing. Once you have a budget, stick to it Don’t feel pressured by friends or fancy marketing to spend more than you are comfortable spending. The campus area has housing options at a wide variety of price points.
Academic Plans
Take the time to figure out your academic plans for next year. Sit down with your academic advisor to look ahead at next year. Things such as study abroad, internships, or winter graduation may alter your off-campus lease plans.
Saving Money
The number one question from students is how to lower their costs for off-campus housing. The most common way students save money on housing is by having roommates. Sharing a bedroom is another common way students reduce housing costs. A May 2024 survey of UW students showed 25% of UW students chose to share a bedroom, and 67% of them do so to save money. Prioritizing your needs versus your wants is a pretty simple way manage your costs. For example, do you need a washer and dryer in your unit, or do you need a washer and dryer on the premises? A simple change in your needs vs wants like this laundry example can often make a difference. Looking further from the center of campus is another way students can save money. Being willing to walk, bike, or ride the bus for a commute of 10, 15, or even 20 minutes can often help you find lower rent prices. Finally, getting a part-time job is a way to earn extra money to put towards living expenses while gaining new skills and real-world experience.
Timing
Many properties open their leasing process for the next year early in the fall semester, and student may feel pressure to find an apartment before “everything is gone.” The reality is that students can still find a lease if they wait until the spring semester or even later, but their choices will be more limited the longer they wait. If you look in the fall, you might have 1,000 options. If you look in the spring, you might have 100 options. If you wait until summer, you might only have 12 options. It all depends on what you’re looking for and what timing works for you. If you need more time to find the right roommates and settle your plans, don’t rush into something that might be the wrong living situation for you.
Leases
Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to not sign a lease until you fully understand the lease and are sure the rental is the right place for you. A lease is a legally binding document. It is also often a student’s first step in building their rental and credit history, so it is important students understand their rights and obligations before signing a lease. If you have any questions on your lease, UW students have FREE access to the Tenant Resource Center. Their knowledgeable and kind staff love helping new renters understand their rights and responsibilities.
Contact Us
If you still have questions or just need some reassurance you are on the right path, Off-Campus Housing Services offers one-on-one support. Questions and advising requests can be emailed to off-campus@housing.wisc.edu. Erin Warner adds, “I love meeting with students. I want them to feel like they have someone in their corner who understands that this process can be very stressful. No one has ever gone homeless on my watch.”