UW-Madison's campus is crowned by Bascom Hall atop Bascom Hill, a National Register historic district since 1974, with first-year students concentrated in the Southeast Neighborhood's large residence halls, including Witte, Sellery, and Ogg.
Enrollment
51,822
Total Students
Freshman Class
8,495
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 29 - August 31, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
44%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Your specific move-in date and time were assigned in My UW Housing along with your room assignment - assigned days/times spread out arrivals to keep resources and parking available. Several streets near campus (Park Street, Lake Street, Dayton Street) shift to one-way traffic patterns during move-in. Join the UW Marching Band on Monday, August 31, at Camp Randall Stadium for a fun welcome event and the new student "W" photo.
August 29 - August 31, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Witte Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Sellery Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Ogg Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Links open University of Wisconsin-Madison's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Wisconsin Welcome & New Student Convocation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 29 - September 1, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$11,558
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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