The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's lakefront campus, formed in 1956 through the merger of two separate institutions, centers on Mitchell Hall, its oldest building since 1909, with most first-year students housed in Sandburg Hall, the campus's dominant residence hall with nearly 4,400 beds.
Enrollment
22,937
Total Students
Freshman Class
4,611
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 27 - August 30, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
87%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Move-in is staggered throughout the week at Sandburg Hall, UWM's largest residence hall, to avoid overcrowding in parking garages and elevators - arrival times at Cambridge Commons, Riverview, and Kenilworth Square Apartments are similarly spread out. First-year students are encouraged, though not required, to live on campus. Housing contracts open in spring and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
August 27 - August 30, 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
Sandburg Hall
Suite-style · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Cambridge Commons
Suite-style · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Kenilworth Square Apartments
Apartment-style · Coed
Housing Links
Links open University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation & Advising (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 24 - August 27, 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
$10,500
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-Milwaukee.
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