Madison, WI · Big Ten · Top public
Sellery Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Singles, doubles, triples & quads, community bathrooms by wing — one of the two big Southeast towers, mostly first-years
One of the two large tower-style first-year halls in the lively Southeast neighborhood, on Johnson Street steps from State Street, the Kohl Center, and Gordon Avenue Market. ~1,329 residents, thermostat AC, a lower-level kitchen/laundry/music practice room, and two learning communities (StartUp for entrepreneurship, The Studio for creative arts). Every room includes a fridge; bring a microwave.
- Bed SizeTwin XL · 36"×80"
- Under-BedLoftable frame
- ACYes
- On-CampusFirst-year guarantee
✓ In the room
Bed frame & Twin XL mattressdeskdesk chairdresserwardrobe/closetcompact fridge/freezer (3.1 cu ft)wastebasket & recycling bin
✗ Not provided
Beddingtowelsshower caddyhangersdesk lampmicrowave (bring your own)
⊘ Prohibited
Candlesincenseopen flameswax warmershalogen lampswindow AC unitsspace heaterselectric grillstoasterstoaster ovenshot plateselectric fireplaceshoverboardspersonal fridges
- 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.
Everything for your Sellery Hall room
The complete University of Wisconsin–Madison packing list, tuned to Sellery Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; prices shown on Amazon.
111 items across 14 categories
Bedding
(9)
⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitSellery Hall beds are Twin XL · 36"×80" — get Twin XL, not standard twin.
Pillowcases × 4 (2 per pillow)
⭐ Top pickMattress topper (Twin XL)Compare picks →Dorm mattresses are firm and thin — a 2–3" memory foam or gel topper makes a real difference
⭐ Top pickWaterproof mattress pad (Twin XL)Protects the mattress from spills and wear — a cheap layer you'll be glad you packed
Zippered mattress encasement (waterproof, bed-bug proof)Dorm mattresses are used and shared — a zippered encasement fully seals it against spills, dust mites, and bed bugs
Fan — optional
(1)
⭐ Top pickSmall desk fan (optional)Compare picks →AC is available but many students still bring one for air circulation or white noise.Sellery Hall is air-conditioned, so a fan is comfort, not survival.
Bathroom
(9)
⭐ Top pickShower caddy (hanging mesh or plastic tote)Compare picks →Most freshman halls have communal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the shower
Toiletry bag for daily-use items
Toothbrush covers (travel cases)Breathable vented covers keep your toothbrush clean on the trip to and from a communal bathroom
Facial tissuesKeep a box at the desk and nightstand — colds and allergies rip through a dorm
Toilet paperSuite / private-bathroom halls only — communal-bath dorms stock it for you (check the “In every room” list above)
Personal Care & Grooming
(10)
Hair dryer (compact)Not provided — you'll want your own for the walk back from a communal bathroom
Hair straightener or curling iron
Hair brush + comb set
Hair claw clips (variety pack)
Gentle face wash (CeraVe)
Razor & blade refills
Nail clipper & grooming kit
Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
Period-supply organizer pouchA discreet zip pouch for pads or tampons — the essential nobody wants to source last-minute at a new campus
⭐ Top pickOver-door / full-length mirrorCompare picks →Dorm rooms rarely have a full-length mirror, and you can't drill the walls — an over-door one hangs with zero damage
Storage & Organization
(8)
⭐ Top pickUnder-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingSellery Hall beds have Loftable frame clearance — measure before buying.
Adjustable bed risers (set of 4)Stackable to 3, 5, or 8 inches — lift the bed for far more under-bed storage. Check your frame first; many dorm beds already adjust in height
Command picture hanging stripsVelcro-style strips hang posters, photos, and light frames level and hole-free, then peel off cleanly — no move-out damage charge
Tension curtain rods (2-pack)No-drill spring rods (28–43") to add a closet rod, hang a window curtain, or string a divider curtain for privacy in a shared room
Closet Space-Savers
(4)
⭐ Top pickSlim velvet hangers × 30–40Compare picks →Dorm closets are narrow — thin non-slip hangers fit far more than bulky plastic ones
⭐ Top pickCascading hanger connector hooksCompare picks →Chain hangers vertically to turn one closet rod into three or four rows
⭐ Top pickMulti-slot space-saving hangersCompare picks →One hanger holds five items stacked vertically
⭐ Top pickCloset-doubler rod (2-tier)Compare picks →Hangs from the existing rod to add a second hanging level — no tools
Tech & Power
(12)
⭐ Top pickSurge protector power strip (6+ outlets)Compare picks →Most schools require a surge protector — plain extension cords are prohibited
Ethernet cable (10 ft)Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for video calls and gaming
USB-C hub or docking station
Power bank / portable charger
⭐ Top pickBluetooth speaker (compact)Optional — keep it compact and respect quiet hours, which most halls enforce
Printer (optional — most campuses have free print labs)
Assorted zip ties (variety pack)Assorted sizes and colors for taming the cable mess behind the desk, bundling cords under the bed, and loft/dorm setup
Reusable velcro cable tiesHook-and-loop straps you can undo and re-bundle — the rearrangeable alternative to zip ties for chargers and monitor cords
Adhesive cable clips (cord holders)Stick-on clips anchor phone chargers and cords to the desk edge so cables stop sliding behind the desk
Charging cables (10 ft, 3-pack)Extra-long braided USB-C cables reach from a lofted bed to a far wall outlet — the spare everyone forgets
Multi-port USB wall charger (40W)One 4-port block charges your phone, earbuds, and tablet from a single scarce dorm outlet
Laundry
(7)
Laundry detergent pods (compact for dorm storage)
Dryer sheets
Mesh laundry bag for delicates
Foldable clothes drying rackAir-dry laundry and delicates in a tight room to dodge dryer shrink and per-load costs, then fold it flat against the wall- Laundry app or coinsCheck if your school uses an app (Circuit, LaundryView) or quarters before you go
Fabric stain remover spray
Tide-to-Go or similar
Desk & Study
(6)
⭐ Top pickDesk lamp (LED)Compare picks →Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list above
⭐ Top pickLaptop stand (adjustable)Ergonomic for long study sessions — pairs with any keyboard
Scissors and tape
Whiteboard or sticky notes for the door- Backpack (bring from home)
Health & Safety
(10)
Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
Thermometer
Cold and flu medicine
Hand sanitizer
Reusable face masks
Disinfecting wipesWipe down desks, doorknobs, and shared surfaces — cold and flu rip through a dorm floor
Vitamin C / immune supportDorms are germ factories — keep a box for the first sign of dorm crud
24-hour allergy tabletsNon-drowsy antihistamine for new-city pollen and dusty old dorm buildings
Blister patchesHydrocolloid patches for the blisters a big campus gives you in week one
Comfort & Room
(17)
Gym bag / duffel (with shoe pocket)Gym, weekend trips home, and laundromat hauls — a tote won't cut it
Sleep mask + earplugsShared room, roommate's lamp, hallway noise — the cheapest sleep upgrade there is
Portable white-noise machineMasks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleep
Collapsible storage ottomanA 36L cube that swallows a bin of gear, holds 250 lb for guest seating or a footrest, then folds flat when you don't need it
Odor absorber (charcoal bags)Skip plug-in fresheners, candles, and wax warmers — most dorms ban them (fire code). Charcoal bags absorb odor with no flame or outlet.
Handheld garment steamerFaster and far more compact than an iron + board.Before you buy: check your school's appliance rules — some restrict irons/steamers — and pick one with auto-shutoff.
Slippers / house shoesCold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
Lint roller (5-pack)
Mini tool kit / screwdriver setFor assembling a loft, tightening a wobbly bed frame, and move-in boxes
Water filter pitcher (Brita)Dorm tap water, no kitchen filter — a 6-cup fits in a mini-fridge
Bed rest reading pillowDorm beds have no headboard — a backrest with arms lets you sit up to study or read in bed
Weighted blanket (15 lb, twin)Calmer, deeper sleep in a noisy hall — sized to a dorm bed
Compact HEPA air purifierQuiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smells
Folding saucer / lounge chairThe extra seat a dorm never has — folds flat when you don't need it
Mini projector (movie nights)Turns a blank wall into a movie night — a floor favorite
Essential-oil diffuserWater-based ultrasonic (no flame) — the dorm-safe way to freshen a roomBefore you buy: some schools restrict diffusers, humidifiers, or scented devices — check your housing rules, and pick one with auto shut-off.
Kitchen & Dining
(4)
Dorm dinnerware set (microwave-safe)Microwave- and dishwasher-safe plates, bowls, and cups so you're not eating ramen out of the pot
Dish drying matAbsorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoes
Bottle & straw brush setCleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reach
Paper towelsFor spills and quick cleanup when there's no kitchen — select-a-size to waste less
Misc Essentials
(10)
Reusable water bottle (large, 32 oz+)
Umbrella (compact)
Rain jacket or packable jacket
Reusable tote bags × 2–3 (grocery runs, gym, dining)
Alarm clock or use your phone
Shower timer (optional, for communal bathroom courtesy)
⭐ Top pickArea rug (3×5 ft)Compare picks →Adds warmth and cuts the echo on bare dorm floors — measure your space first
⭐ Top pickStep trash can with lidNot provided — a hands-free pedal can with a soft-close lid keeps odors down by the desk (grab a pack of small liners too)
Safety box openerCeramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowed
Move-In Day Gear
(4)
Wheeled rolling moving bagWheels and a pull handle let you drag a fully loaded 600D bag up the stairs instead of hauling the weight — the move-in day lifesaver
XL moving & storage bags (6-pack)Haul a whole carload of bedding and clothes in one trip, then fold them flat to store bulky stuff over breaks
Folding hand truck / dollyRolls a mini-fridge, boxes, and furniture up to your room in far fewer trips, then folds flat to slide under the bed
Folding collapsible wagon cartLoad a full haul and roll it across campus in one pass, then collapse it flat when you're done
Related guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm shower caddy · Dorm mattress topper guide
Dorm shopping guides: Mini fridge · Surge protector · Storage bins · Mattress topper · Desk lamp · Bedding sets · Twin XL sheets · Shower caddy · Towels · Shower shoes · Laundry hamper · Area rug · Mirror · Over-door organizer · Closet organizers · Fans (no AC) · Loft bed setup
Sources & verification — last checked Jul 28, 2026
Living in Sellery Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
Sellery is one of the two big Southeast towers, so expect the classic high-rise first-year setup: singles, doubles (two- and three-window), triples, and quads on mixed-gender floors, with community bathrooms shared by your wing. Rooms are carpeted and thermostat-controlled (68–74°F) — genuinely air-conditioned, which makes the warm end of August comfortable. The furniture is the UW standard: a Twin XL bed on a loftable frame, a desk and chair, a dresser and wardrobe, and — importantly — a compact fridge/freezer already in the room, so you don't buy one. There's no microwave, though: bring one (low-wattage, one per room) or use the lower-level kitchen. Buy Twin XL sheets; UW mattresses are 80 inches long (some 33 inches wide, some 36) and Twin XL fits both.
Day to day
Sellery's pitch is location and energy. It sits on Johnson Street in the Southeast neighborhood — the most central place to live at UW — a few minutes from State Street, the Kohl Center, and Gordon Avenue Market (the big Southeast dining hall) next door. It's a large, social building; the lower level has a kitchen, laundry, and a music practice room, and Cross-College Advising has an office on the first floor. Two learning communities live here: StartUp, for students interested in entrepreneurship, and The Studio, for the creative arts. If you want to be in the middle of everything with a built-in social scene, Sellery — and its twin, Witte — is the classic first-year choice.
Move-in day
UW's fall move-in runs August 29–31, 2026 (early move-in August 26 for approved programs); classes begin Wednesday, September 2. Sellery is a 1,329-bed high-rise, so elevator lines are real on move-in day — arrive at your assigned time and pack for a couple of efficient cart trips. Prioritize Twin XL bedding, a shower caddy and shower shoes for the wing bathrooms, and a microwave if you want one in-room. Skip a fridge entirely — it's already there — and leave candles, incense, halogen lamps, and any window AC unit at home; all are prohibited. A fan is a nice-to-have here rather than a must, since the rooms are air-conditioned.
Sellery Hall FAQ
- Does Sellery Hall have air conditioning?
- Yes — Sellery's rooms are air-conditioned, with a thermostat you control in the 68–74°F range, and that's true of both big Southeast towers (Sellery and Witte). That makes it one of the more comfortable places to move into during a warm Wisconsin late August. You don't need a fan for survival the way you would in a no-AC hall; a small fan is still nice for air circulation or white noise, but it's optional. Note that personal window AC units are prohibited campus-wide anyway — with central AC in the room, you won't want one.
- Is there a fridge or microwave in Sellery rooms?
- There's a fridge but not a microwave. UW provides a compact 3.1-cubic-foot fridge/freezer in every room — and you're not allowed to remove it or swap in your own — so don't buy a mini-fridge for Sellery. A microwave is not provided: you may bring one (one per room, low wattage recommended), or use the shared kitchen on the lower level. That flips the usual dorm packing list — skip the fridge you'd normally buy, and add a microwave instead if you want one in the room.
- What size sheets does Sellery need?
- Twin XL. UW mattresses are 80 inches long — some 33 inches wide, some 36 — and Twin XL sheets fit both, so buy bedding labeled Twin XL or Extra-Long Twin rather than standard twin, which will pull off the corners. The beds sit on loftable frames, so you can raise the bed to create under-bed storage; decide your height on move-in day before the room fills with boxes. The mattress is dual-sided (a firm side and a soft side) — flip it to whichever you prefer.
- What are the learning communities in Sellery?
- Sellery houses two Residential Learning Communities: StartUp, for students interested in entrepreneurship and building things, and The Studio, for the creative and performing arts. They're optional — you live alongside others in the community and get related programming and advising — and you opt in through the housing application. Even if you don't join one, Sellery's size and Southeast location make it one of the most social first-year halls at UW, with Cross-College Advising right in the building for figuring out your major.
More University of Wisconsin–Madison halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.