University of Wisconsin–Madison

Waters Residence Hall

1200 Observatory Drive | Madison, WI 53706-1212 | Map

Digital drawing of Waters Residence Hall

498 residents
Coed by wing
Singles & doubles
Opened 1940

Waters is centrally located in the heart of campus along the shore of Lake Mendota and provides convenient access to libraries, student unions, classrooms, and local Madison attractions. Though with everything going on inside, you might not even need to leave the building!

Waters residents have a full array of services under one roof, including an in-house dining market (Liz’s Market), on-site tutoring, and study spaces. Waters also features a Cross-College Advising Services (CCAS) office. The diverse resident population of new and continuing students promotes a strong sense of community and makes living in Waters a memorable experience, making it a favorite among students due to its unique blend of location, room sizes, and convenient amenities.

Waters Hall exterior in winter

Related Pages

Waters 2023 Best Room Contest finalists' room

Features

  • Nearest Dining: Liz’s Market
  • Classroom: Lower Level, Leopold Residence Hall
  • Academic Advising: First Floor, Ingraham Hall
  • Hall Desk: Main Lobby Area
  • Kitchen: West of Main Lounge
  • Laundry: Across from Main Lounge
  • Music Practice Room: Main Lounge Area
  • Carpeting in Resident Rooms: Yes
  • Air Conditioning in Resident Rooms: No
  • Room Rate: Mid
  • Neighborhood: Lakeshore
  • Bathrooms Shared By: Floor wing
  • Single Use Bathrooms: Yes (one in each of the following areas: Liz’s Market, Main Lounge Area, Lobby, and Johnson & Hanning Houses)
  • Gender inclusive room options available

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

Back to top

Communities

WISE logo

WISE Learning Community

(three houses of Waters Residence Hall)

WISE’s mission is to cultivate engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for all and to expose students to important contributions women have and continue to make in STEM.

Learn more about WISE
Back to top

Room Types

Single

  • Features: built-in closet, bed, bookcase, desk, desk chair, dresser, refrigerator
  • Typical Dimensions: ~ 11′ 8″ x 17′ 9″
Waters Single room furniture
Waters Single room dimensions

With Bath

  • Features: bed, bookcase, desk, desk chair, dresser, refrigerator
  • Typical Dimensions: ~ 11′ 8″ x 11′ 10″
Waters Single with Bath room furniture
Waters Single with Bath room dimensions

Double

  • Features: two built-in closets, two beds, two bookcases, two desks, two desk chairs, two dressers, refrigerator
  • Typical Dimensions: ~ 17′ 6″ x 11′ 6″
Virtual Tour (2019)
Waters Double room furniture
Waters Double room dimensions
2025 Waters Best Room Contest finalist room
2025 Waters Best Room Contest finalist room
2025 Waters Best Room Contest finalist room
2025 Waters Best Room Contest finalist room
2024 Waters Best Room Contest finalist room
2024 Waters Best Room Contest finalist room
2024 Waters Best Room Contest finalist room
2024 Waters Best Room Contest finalist room

With Bath

  • Features: two beds, two bookcases, two desks, two desk chairs, two dressers, refrigerator
  • Typical Dimensions: ~ 12′ 1″ x 14′ 11″
Waters Double with Bath room furniture
Waters Double with Bath room dimensions

Note: typical room dimensions shown. Rooms vary slightly.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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.

Total costs of UW–Madison University Residence Halls room and dining plan rates can be calculated by:

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
Back to top

Photos

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

A 2d layout view of a bathroom in Waters.
Liz's Market
Back to top

Heating & Cooling

Heating

In Waters, hot water is pumped through convectors located near windows in resident rooms and common spaces for heat. A thermostat that controls the heat in resident rooms is located on the wall and can be set from 65 – 75 °F, with the dial’s middle setting being 70° F (see photo). Turn the dial right (clockwise) to decrease heat and left (counterclockwise) to increase heat.

Cooling

In Waters, 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.

Waters Thermostat

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
Back to top

Waters Professional Staff

Loading…
Back to top