Housing

Access your University Housing contract at uwm.edu/housingportal and follow the steps outlined to submit your contract. For questions, visit the Housing Application Process web page or email housing@uwm.edu.

• Location: Sandburg Hall is conveniently located on UWM’s campus. Kenilworth, Riverview and Cambridge are a short shuttle ride away from campus; shuttles travel to and from campus and the residence halls every 10 minutes.
• Everything close by: By living on campus and having easy access to classes, dining, and transportation, you can minimize your stress and save time for your academics.
• Availability: You will move into your room approximately one week before the first day of classes. Move-in information is communicated to students in July. You can also apply for early arrival/move-in.

• Easy Contract: No background checks or lease agreements with private landlords. You sign a contract directly with the university. 
• Commitment: A full academic year commitment is required to secure on-campus housing from UWM. 
• Summer Stay: UWM will provide summer housing at an additional cost if space permits but it is not guaranteed.  
• Rules: Compliance with all campus housing rules is mandatory 
• Cost: On-campus housing costs are fixed and more inclusive of amenities. 
• Payment: Fees are paid directly to the university through your PAWS account, typically charged per semester. 
• UWM Payment Plan: Eligible for UWM’s payment plan. 

• Organized Social Activities: On-campus housing hosts events and activities for current residents. 
• Roommate Matching: Roommates will be assigned based on lifestyle compatibility, eliminating the need for you to find your own roommates. 
• Security: Campus security ensures safety for residents and guests. 
• Service Desk: A service desk caters to residents’ needs and is available 24/7. 
• Maintenance: All property maintenance is provided by UWM. 
• Mail and Packages: Secure delivery options available.  
• Utilities and Wi-Fi: Utilities and Wi-Fi included in overall cost. 
• Laundry: On-site laundry facilities. 
• Furnishings: Basic furnishings are provided. 
• Additional Amenities: Study spaces, fitness facilities, computer labs, printing, and network access. 

• It is your responsibility to find off-campus housing. The Off-Campus Resource Center has several resources available to help you, including an International Friendly Landlord List, a Preferred Tenant Program, and a site showing available apartments. 
• Near campus is The Park at 1824. This may be a convenient option for new international students that are not yet familiar with the area.  It is within walking distance to campus, you can rent by the room, so you don’t need to find a roommate, and the apartments are fully furnished. 
• Note that any off-campus arrangements (including The Park at 1824) are between you and your landlord, so UWM cannot help you secure the housing, nor get involved if there is a dispute. Please do adequate research about any place you are considering living before you sign a lease.

• Complex Process: Finding off-campus housing can be complicated due to lease agreements, background checks, and deposits. 
• Research: It is your responsibility to understand the lease process and whether it’s a good opportunity. 
• Availability: You won’t be able to move in until your lease starts, so you might need temporary housing until then. Keep in mind that temporary guest housing is very limited at UWM. 
• Location: May not be conveniently located near campus or other resources.  

• Lease: Requires a legal contract (lease agreement) with a private landlord. The University Legal Clinic will also review your lease if you share it with them before you sign it (this service is free for enrolled students).
• Landlord Issues: UWM cannot intervene if you have problems with your landlord or roommates. 
• Expenses: Rent is a fixed amount per month for the duration of your lease, but anticipating living expenses can be more challenging, as you may need to pay for additional amenities. 
• Cost: Monthly rent is paid to a private landlord and not through UWM.  

• Roommates: You can have non-UWM students as roommates. Finding compatible roommates is your responsibility. 
• Utilities: May need to pay additional costs for utilities and Wi-Fi, varying by contract. 
• Furnishings: Most off-campus housing facilities do not provide any furnishings. 
• Other amenities: Other available amenities like laundry vary between properties.