University of Wisconsin–Madison

Cole Residence Hall

625 Elm Drive | Madison, WI 53706-1126 | Map

Digital drawing of Bradley Residence Hall

237 residents
Mixed coed floors
Doubles & quads
Opened 1958

Surrounded by the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, in Cole you can work out at the beautiful new Bakke Center, take advantage of nearby sand volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, and stroll through Allen Centennial Garden. Cole’s mostly double rooms are centrally located within the lakeshore neighborhood on the shores of Lake Mendota.

Cole is also located between two dining options that provide residents with both grab-and-go and sit-down dining. Four Lakes Market is across the street on the west side of the main entrance, and Carson’s Market is just a block away to the east.

Cole Hall exterior

Related Pages

Cole 2023 Best Room Contest winners' room

Features

  • Nearest Dining: Four Lakes Market
  • Classroom: Lower Level, Leopold Residence Hall
  • Academic Advising: First Floor, Dejope Residence Hall
  • Hall Desk: First Floor, Frank Holt Center
  • Kitchen: Lower Level
  • Laundry: Lower Level
  • Music Practice Room: Lower Level
  • Carpeting in Resident Rooms: Yes
  • Air Conditioning in Resident Rooms: No
  • Room Rate: Low
  • Neighborhood: Lakeshore
  • Bathrooms Shared By: Floor
  • Single Use Bathrooms: Yes (Two on Lower Level)

Note: services and building amenities can vary by building and are subject to change.

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Room Types

Double

  • Features: two closets, two beds, two bookcases, two desks, two desk chairs, two dressers, refrigerator
  • Typical Dimensions: ~ 15′ 10.5″ x 10′ 8″
Virtual Tour (2019)

Note: this virtual tour was photographed before all rooms in Cole had carpeting installed and furniture updated.

Cole Double room furniture
Cole Double room dimensions
2025 Cole Best Room Contest finalist room
2023 Cole Best Room Contest finalist room
2024 Cole Best Room Contest finalist room
2024 Cole Best Room Contest finalist room

Quad

  • Features: four wardrobes, four beds, four desks, four desk chairs, four dressers, two refrigerators
  • Typical Dimensions: ~ 29′ 3″ x 18′ 5″
Cole Quad room furniture
Cole Quad room dimensions

Note: typical room dimensions shown. Rooms vary slightly.

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Floor Plans

Cole first floor
Cole second floor
Cole third floor
Cole fourth floor

B: Bathroom | X: Elevator | S: Single Room | D: Double Room

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Measurements

Residence Halls Furniture Measurements

Residence Halls Miscellaneous Measurements

Residence Halls Lofting 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 the Inside Our Rooms page.

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Rates

[uw-reusable-content id=”39404″]

wdt_ID Dining Plan 2025-26 Dining Plan Rate / Semester 2025-26 Dining Plan Rate / Academic Year
1 Go10 2,050 4,100
2 Go14 2,300 4,600
3 GoUnlimited 2,900 5,800
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Photos

Cole Communal Bathroom
Cole Hall exterior in fall
Cole Residence Hall exterior
Cole first floor lounge
Cole first floor lounge
Lower level lounge of Cole Residence Hall
Lower level lounge of Cole Residence Hall
Cole kitchen

*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

Bradley, Cole, Davis, Humphrey & Sullivan thermostat

Heating

In Cole, hot water is pumped through convector units near the window in your room for heat. During heating season, our goal is to keep your room at a comfortable range from 65 – 75 °F. A knob (see photo) in resident rooms controls the heat in resident rooms. To increase heat, turn the dial left (counterclockwise) and right (clockwise) to decrease heat.

Cooling

In Cole, air-conditioning is only provided in common areas such as dens, lounges, and kitchens. Residents can request permission to bring their own portable air conditioner if they qualify for a medical need.

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
  • Open windows slightly for short periods of time to allow outside air to circulate
  • 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
  • Know how to use Moisture Absorbing Hangers in your room and make sure to replace them when they’re full. More information can be found in this document about Using Moisture Absorbing Hangers in Your Room.
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Cole Professional Staff

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