University of Wisconsin–Madison Freshman Dorms 2026

What to bring to University of Wisconsin–Madisondorms — and what’s already there

Every Wisconsinfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.

⚠ Your room already has a fridge — UW provides a 3.1 cu ft micro-fridge/freezer in every room and you can't swap in your own, so don't buy one. A microwave is NOT provided, though: bring one (one per room, low-wattage).

⚠ Candles, incense, and any open flame are banned campus-wide (a religious/cultural exemption exists through your Residence Life Coordinator). String lights are allowed but can't be hung from the ceiling or pipes.

See the full Wisconsin packing checklist →

Common questions about University of Wisconsin–Madison dorms

Which UW–Madison dorms have air conditioning?

The most popular first-year halls are air-conditioned: Sellery, Witte, and Ogg in the Southeast neighborhood, and Dejope in Lakeshore all have central AC with thermostat control. It's not universal, though — some of the older Lakeshore halls (like Bradley) don't have central AC. Personal window AC units are banned campus-wide, so if you're assigned a no-AC building a fan is essential; in the air-conditioned halls a fan is just optional comfort. Confirm your specific building before you decide how hard to plan for the heat — Wisconsin's late-August move-in can be warm.

What size bed does UW–Madison use?

Twin XL. UW mattresses are 80 inches long — some 33 inches wide and some 36 — and Twin XL (Extra-Long Twin) sheets fit both, so buy bedding labeled Twin XL rather than standard twin, which will pull off the corners. The mattresses are dual-sided, with a firm side and a soft side you can flip between, and the bed frames are loftable, so you can raise the bed to create under-bed storage. Set your loft height on move-in day before the room fills with boxes.

Do UW–Madison dorms come with a fridge and microwave?

A fridge, yes; a microwave, no — which flips the usual dorm shopping list. Every room includes a university-provided compact fridge/freezer (about 3.1 cubic feet), and you're not allowed to remove it or bring your own, so don't buy a mini-fridge. A microwave is not provided: you may bring one (one per room, low wattage recommended) or use the shared kitchen in your building. So the two appliance decisions are simple — skip the fridge entirely, and just decide whether you want an in-room microwave.

What's banned in UW–Madison dorms?

Candles, incense, and any open flame are prohibited campus-wide, along with wax warmers (a religious or cultural exemption is available through your Residence Life Coordinator). Also banned: halogen lamps, personal window (non-portable) air conditioners, space heaters, electric fireplaces, hoverboards, and cooking appliances with open or high heat — electric grills (George Foreman, waffle irons, griddles), toasters, toaster ovens, and hot plates. String lights are allowed but can't be hung from the ceiling or pipes. And skip a personal fridge — one is already provided in every room.

When is UW–Madison move-in for fall 2026?

Fall residence hall move-in runs August 29–31, 2026, with early move-in on Wednesday, August 26 for students in approved programs. Classes begin Wednesday, September 2 (Labor Day, September 7, has no instruction). The big Southeast towers — Sellery and Witte — are 1,300-plus-bed high-rises, so arrivals are staggered by time slot and elevators back up on the busy days; go within your assigned window and pack for a couple of efficient cart trips. Because a fridge is already in the room and the popular halls are air-conditioned, your move-in load is lighter than the generic checklist suggests.