University Housing
Merit Hall exterior in summer

Merit Residence Hall

917, 919, 921 W. Dayton Street | Madison, WI 53715-1126 | Map
Mailing address: 835 W. Dayton Street | Madison, WI 53706-1702
68 residents | Mixed coed floors | Single, double, and triple rooms | Opened 1986

Merit Residence Hall is a small community that allows students to benefit from activities and services of the University Residence Halls while enjoying the increased independence and flexibility that comes with single room or suite-style living. You will also enjoy the convenience of being near the Kohl Center and Gordon Avenue Market (one of five dining markets on campus).

In addition, all residents of Merit enjoy carpeted rooms with air conditioning as well as some rooms with private bathrooms. With its close proximity to many academic buildings, the shops of State Street, and Union South, residents in Merit will always be close to campus happenings and never too far from class.

Note: For fall 2022, the Gender Inclusive Community will be moving from Merit to a block of rooms in Lowell.

Features

  • Nearest Dining: Gordon Avenue Market
  • Classroom: First Floor, Ogg Residence Hall
  • Academic Advising: First Floor, Ogg Residence Hall
  • Hall Desk: First Floor, Ogg Residence Hall
  • Kitchen: Each Floor
  • Laundry: First Floor
  • Music Practice Room: Lower Level, Ogg Residence Hall
  • Carpeting in Resident Rooms: Yes
  • Air Conditioning in Resident Rooms: Yes
  • Room Rate: High
  • Neighborhood: Southeast
  • Bathrooms Shared By: Room or Cluster of Six Rooms
  • Single Use Bathrooms: Yes (One on First Floor)

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Find Out More

Room Types

Single

  • Features: closet, bed, bookcase, desk, desk chair, dresser, refrigerator
  • Typical Dimensions: 10′ x 8′ 10″

A single room in Merit Residence Hall in 2016

Virtual Tour (2016)

Double with Bath

  • Features: two closets, kitchen area with sink, counter, and shelf, two beds, two bookcases, two desks, two desk chairs, two dressers, refrigerator
  • Typical Dimensions: 14′ 10″ x 16′

A double room in Merit Residence Hall in 2019

Virtual Tour (2019)

Merit Double 2d Room Layout
Merit Double 3d Room Layout
Merit Double 2d Room Dimensions

Triple with Bath

  • Room: 100
  • Features: three beds, three desks, three desk chairs, three dressers, two refrigerators

*Typical room dimensions shown. Rooms vary slightly.

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Floor Plans

First Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor

B: Bathroom | SR: Staff Room | S: Single | D: Double | T: Triple

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Measurements

*Note: rooms in some residence halls have mixed furniture. Measurements and dimensions may vary. Due to the variety of residence halls, rooms, furniture, closets, etc. in University Housing, we are unable to provide measurements for all possible situations and items. If the measurement you’re looking for isn’t shown on our website, we are unable to provide it at this time. Measurements for all residence halls can be found on our furnishings page.

Residence Halls Furniture Measurements

Residence Halls Miscellaneous Measurements

Residence Halls Lofting Measurements

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Rates

The projected annual rates listed below are per resident and include housing during fall and spring breaks (winter break housing is available for an additional fee). Most new residents are assigned to a double room. Costs are billed by semester, combined with the tuition bill. Students select from one of three dining plan options based on their eating habits and how much they plan to dine on campus. For a full listing of residence hall rates and what is included, visit our Billing & Rates page.

Note: total costs of UW-Madison University Residence Halls room and dining plan rates can be calculated by:

wdt_ID Dining Plan 2022-23 Dining Plan Rate / Semester 2022-23 Dining Plan Rate / Academic Year
1 Go10 1,900 3,800
2 Go14 2,150 4,300
3 GoUnlimited 2,700 5,400

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Photos

*Note: rooms in some residence halls have mixed furniture. Furniture, measurements, and dimensions may vary from what is shown. 

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Heating & Cooling

Heating & Cooling

In Merit, heat is provided via hot water and cooling via chilled water through a radiator near your window. Your room’s temperature can be set from 65 – 75 °F and can be changed via a thermostat located on the wall (see photo). Pushing the “up” arrow on the left of the thermostat will warm your room, while pushing the “down” arrow will cool your room.

Fan speed is controlled via a switch located under a hinged cover on the upper left corner of the convector unit (see photo). To increase or decrease fan speed, turn the control switch under the hinged cover on the convector unit to the desired setting.

Tips

  • Try small adjustments first to avoid overheating/cooling
  • Do not push furniture, bedding, or belongings against convectors as this could block airflow
  • When in your room during the heating season, open curtains and blinds during the day to allow the sun to warm the room naturally and prevent air from being trapped against the window, and close them at night to decrease drafts — during the cooling season, do the reverse
  • Keep doors and windows closed when the heat or air conditioning is on
  • Consider using blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the heat
  • When possible, keep the room door open to promote air movement and introduce fresh air
  • Take wet clothing or towels to a laundry room to be washed/dried ASAP to reduce moisture
  • Run a fan to help circulate air
  • Fish tanks, plants, humidifiers, and diffusers can contribute to humidity/moisture levels in your room

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Merit Professional Staff

Bretagne Ballard

Position title: Residence Life Associate Director

Barb Haggerty

Position title: Residence Life Coordinator

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