 Ogg Residence Hall: My First Year Experience

Best UW-Madison Dorms for Freshmen

UW Madison: Living in the Lakeshore Neighbourhood

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public land-grant research university in Madison, Wisconsin.

There are a variety of housing options at UW-Madison. Residence Halls are primarily divided up into two areas: Lakeshore and Southeast. Made up of 13 dormitories, the Lakeshore neighborhood is perfect for nature lovers. It features breathtaking views of Lake Mendota, easy access to the Lakeshore Nature Path, and many outdoor recreational spaces. The Southeast neighborhood offers a more “urban” feel, with high rise dormitories and its close proximity to downtown Madison. Southeast dorms are also known to be more social in comparison to Lakeshore dorms. Students have the option to choose from all types of rooms and configurations, ranging from singles to quads.

Chadbourne Residence Hall, located in the heart of the campus, is praised by students for its unbeatable location, making it ideal for quick access to classes and State Street. The dorm features small but well-decorated rooms where students can easily connect with others in the common areas on each floor. With a dining hall conveniently integrated into the building and a nearby convenience store, students appreciate the ease of access to food options. The dorm's cleanliness and community vibe are highlighted, though some mention the small room sizes as a drawback. Despite this, the dorm fosters a social atmosphere without being overwhelmingly noisy, appealing to students who seek a balance between socializing and studying. Additionally, the dorm offers fast ethernet, gender-segregated clean bathrooms, and comfortable common areas for relaxation and study sessions. Students also note the dorm's proximity to Memorial Union and the abundance of learning community events available. To top it off, Chadbourne Residence Hall is described as a great transitional space for freshmen before moving on to off-campus housing options.

Sellery Residence Hall can best be described as a vibrant hub of social activity, undergoing significant change for the better. Having just undergone a full remodel, its bathrooms are hailed for a fresh and modern look, though it's still possible to encounter less clean conditions, especially after a spirited Friday night. The residence hall's location stands as a uniquely winning feature being near popular hangout spots, dining options like Gordons, the Nicholas Recreation Center gym, and the bulk of the main classes. Unfortunately, some students find the rooms to be quite small and not conducive to studying. The dormitory is prone to noisy disruptions, such as fire alarms and construction work if you lived there before renovations were completed. However, a major perk cited by students is the dorm's proximity to an Amazon hub locker which is convenient for those who frequently order online. Despite the less appealing physical attributes of Sellery that make it seem prison-like compared to newer, upgraded dorms, the social experience is viewed as incredibly rewarding. The sheer number of dorms on each floor facilitates easy networking and the cultivation of long-lasting friendships. Ultimately, your experience at Sellery Residence will largely hinge on the relationships you form amidst its vibrant social atmosphere.

Lowell Center Reviews

University of Wisconsin–Madison

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