Best Room Contest

How to Enter

Complete the entry form by March 31 at 11:59 p.m. and submit 1–5 pictures of your room. If you have trouble with the entry form, you can also email marketing@housing.wisc.edu with the following:

Subject of “Best Room Contest”
Up to five pictures of your room, one including a shot of you and your roommate
Your name(s)
The name of your residence hall
A short paragraph explaining what inspired the design of your room

Enter the Best Room Contest

Prizes

T-shirt with "Wisconsin" text and Bucky Badger

If your entry adheres to the rules and eligibility, you and your roommates (if any) will be eligible to pick up a free Wisconsin Bucky Badger t-shirt from the University Book Store.
Each resident of one finalist room from each residence hall will receive a $25 University Book Store gift card.
Each resident of one grand prize winner chosen from the finalists by Housing student employees will win a $300 University Book Store gift card and a $250 IKEA gift card.

Note: prizes provided by the University Book Store and IKEA, not UW–Madison. T-shirts can be picked up starting April 1 by showing a valid photo ID at the University Book Store’s State Street location.

Decorate Your Room

Looking to dress up your room before entering? This year’s best room contest sponsors have you covered! Check out room accessories available from the University Book Store, including plenty of items to show off your Badger and UW-Madison pride, or browse new furniture, rugs, and other decor at IKEA, perfect for adding your own personal style or the final touch to your winning room.

Shop @ the University Book Store Shop @ IKEA

Rules & Eligibility

University Housing’s Best Room Contest is open to undergraduate residents living in all residence halls.

Late entries (those submitted after March 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.) will be disqualified
Pictures of your room must have enough light that your room is clearly visible from a wide angle
A picture of you and any of your roommates must be included with one of the pictures uploaded
Rooms will be selected as finalists by University Housing staff based on cleanliness, creativity, best use of space, and individuality
If living in a double/triple/quad occupancy room, ALL roommates must agree to enter the contest
Entries that display a violation of the University Residence Halls contract or Student Housing Handbook will be disqualified
By entering the contest, participants agree to the use of their photographs and name to be used by University Housing in electronic/print publications, social media, promotional videos, and other multimedia
Finalists will be contacted by University Housing regarding a brief professional photo shoot in their room for judging and promotional purposes
Social media interactions will not be factored into the selection of the grand prize-winning room
Grand prize winners will need to complete paperwork to receive their prize and may need to report the prize on their tax forms
Prizes are provided by the University Book Store and IKEA, not UW–Madison
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other social media; you are providing your information to the UW–Madison Division of University Housing

Previous Winners

2024 Winner

Ava & Kate | Witte Residence Hall

Virtual Tour

We both grew up as Badger fans, so we figured this was the only time in our lives we could really embrace decorating a room with all things WISCONSIN! We wanted to make it pretty and feminine, so we decided to go with a red and pink color scheme, with personalized artwork and monogrammed blankets. We love how it turned out and hope you do too!
Ava & Kate, Witte Residents

2023 Winner

Pippi & Megan | Cole Residence Hall

Virtual Tour

We wanted a cozy, down-to-earth vibe that made guests feel like they were walking into a mini-apartment. Being avid botany enthusiasts, we wanted to liven our space with an assortment of plants. We wanted a clean, boho aesthetic that also honored both of our individual interests and styles. The colors that best fit this vision included corals, oranges, pinks, blues, and of course greens. This artistic convergence of ideas is perhaps best exemplified in the rug that covers the entire floor, able to be exposed by the placement of our beds that creates a living space. We had so much fun accessorizing our spaces with our own personal touches that made our new place like our home away from home.
Pippi & Megan, Cole Residents

2019 Winner

Madeleine & Brinda | Kronshage Residence Hall

Virtual Tour

We wanted our room to say "sophisticated glam," so we used lots of navy blue and bluish pink.
Madeleine & Brinda, Kronshage Residents

2018 Winner

Carley & Abby | Ogg Residence Hall

Virtual Tour

When we found out we'd be living together, we immediately took to Pinterest. We knew we'd be in desperate need of a space that would be both comfortable and motivational at the same time. By combining our favorite colors, fluffy styles, and each other, we've created a space everyone in Ogg loves. We've also become advocates for our own room layout. We find it's the best way to set up an Ogg room — where both beds and a futon are able to face a TV. We couldn't be any happier with our room and we love this chance to share it with even more people!
Carley & Abby, Ogg Residents