Best UW Madison Dorms

"Waters is extremely close to most classes, especially typical freshman courses (depending on your major). It’s right by the lake and about 5 minutes away from Memorial Union/the terrace. In terms of living, the rooms are average or bigger than average sized depending on the floor you live on. The air conditioning isn’t great, and I’d recommend propping open a window when it’s not winter. All the rooms are carpeted. Liz’s Market, a dining hall, is located in Waters, making it very convenient for meals. Bathrooms are communal by floor and it really depends on how clean the people on your floor are for how clean the bathrooms will be. They do clean them daily, but I have friends who had problems with their bathroom being dirty. The building is very big compared to other dorms as it is spread out in 5 wings. There is elevator access to some floors and the dining hall, but not all floors so if that’s important to you make sure to check the floor plan or contact housing. The atmosphere of Waters is quiet. I often went to other dorms when hanging out with friends on weekends etc, but it’s really nice to have a quiet place to study. From the people I met, Waters is a mix of party people and not-party people. You’ll definitely be able to find people to hang out with no matter what you like to do. Also, Waters houses the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) learning community, which you can apply to when you fill out your housing preference."

"Smith was a great dorm. Many people think that it isn't social because it is so far away but from my experience, it's very social. You just have to make an effort in the first week to make friends. The worst part about it is that it is a little farther from everything. It isn't bad unless you have to go all the way to lakeshore, then I'd recommend taking the bus. Rooms are super nice. Adjustable AC, carpeting, super high ceilings, walk in closets and you only share a bathroom with your cluster so this past year I shared a bathroom with 6 girls which wasn't bad. It is a bit expensive but I would definitely recommend a triple to cut costs. I loved living in a triple. Also, Newell's deli (which might be different now idk) is in the same dorm which can be super convenient. Overall, I loved Smith."

"I love living in Ogg. I have a double and though it is not huge, it is bigger than many doubles on campus. The closets are also a decent. The over head light can be a little harsh but my roomate and I almost never use it. The dorm comes with a loftable bed desk, and shelves for each person and a minifridge to share. The walls are thick enough that you cannot hear the people on either side of you. You can hear people in the hall and people above you if they are loud enough. There are dens and kitchens on every floor. The kitches are pretty minimal but there is a stove, oven, and microwave in them. The dens have tables, chairs and chars with attached desks. There is also a TV. There are printers on the first floor. The room tends to be used as silent study as there are cubby-esque spaces. I really like studying there. The location of Ogg is great, especailly if your classes are in the south east. It is really close to The Nick, Gordon, Grainger, and Smith hall which has a Starbucks. Some of the negatives is that you can hear people that are in the hall. Also, we have had drain moths in the showers but other wise they are clean. I love Ogg and would recomend it."

"The location is pretty well campus and it’s very convenient that it’s next to state street. I also love how I could see lake mendota from my view!"

"Merit has single rooms (small, no private bathroom) & double rooms (spacious, private bathroom), It has about 60 residents total. I lived in a double my sophomore year (2019-20), so my review will be based on this. It's quite close to a lot of classes (<10min walk) and a bus stop (<1min walk). The dining hall is 2min away by walk. The closest gym is in Ogg (<1 min) away. Having lived in lakeshore prior, I was blown away at how convenient living in south-east was. I use the buses a lot, but not depending on a bus to get somewhere was wonderful. The location is great, and knowing that you could get anywhere (gym, the terrace, UHS, Walgreens, Fresh, dining hall, memorial union, union south, etc) quickly was crazy. I chose Merit primarily because it had private bathrooms. I cannot tell you how much of a relief it is to not rush to the communal bathroom, hoping you get a stall (+ one with hot water) every single day. The AC worked fine, maintenance was prompt, facilities were new. The kitchen is spacious. Never had an issue with the laundry, always got a washer/dryer when I needed one. The only con would be the social life. Merit is a quiet dorm. If you're looking for making friends, this may not be the best choice. If this isn’t a problem for you, and/or you spend most of your time outside the dorm, then great! I really enjoyed living in Merit and was quite sad when we were made to move out mid-semester due to COVID-19. I definitely recommend staying in a double in Merit! :)"