Housing

A Special Notice from University Housing: Contracting Closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time Friday, May 1, 2026

“As of 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Friday, May 1, 2026, University Housing will stop accepting Residence Hall Contracts for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. If you do not have a submitted contract or a submitted exemption by this time, you will be given an automatic exemption from the UWM Residency Requirement and may pursue other housing options. We do acknowledge that we will have cancellations over the next coming months and encourage you to place yourself on our residence hall wait list through the Housing Portal if you still wish to live with us in University Housing. We will offer contracts based on the wait list as spaces become available.”

New freshmen (bachelor’s-degree seeking students) are required to live on campus their first year. All other international students are encouraged to live on campus for at least their first academic year to help ease the transition to living in the U.S.

How to Choose On-Campus Housing vs. Off-Campus Housing:

Below you will find what to expect for each type of housing, so you can decide for yourself which option is best for your circumstances. Decide which aspects are most important to you, and then choose accordingly. Expect that you will need to compromise some conveniences for others. For example, you may choose to live off-campus for a lower monthly cost in rent, but then you may not have a convenient location, included utility costs, on-site laundry, etc.

On-Campus Housing

On-Campus Housing (University Housing) offers a simplified path to secure reliable housing. UWM owned facilities provide amenities and resources to support your success as a student.

UWM offers the following options:

Sandburg Halls: Traditional space for new incoming freshmen, undergraduate students.
RiverView Residence Hall: A mix of all student ages, mostly undergraduate students. Kitchen access on each floor.
Cambridge Commons: A mix of all student ages, mostly undergraduate students. Kitchen access on each floor.
Kenilworth Square Apartments: Entire facility designed for older students (21 years old+ or junior standing+), with priority given to graduate students. Apartment-style living.

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.

Off-Campus Housing

Off-Campus Housing may include more options; however it will be your responsibility to find a living situation that accommodates your priorities and lifestyle. The process to secure and maintain housing is complex.

It is your responsibility to find off-campus housing. Visit the Off-Campus Housing: International Students web page for several helpful resources, including an international friendly landlord list and a site that shows available apartments.
Two options that might be convenient for new international students are The Park at 1824 and Eleven25 at Pabst Apartments. For both of these apartment buildings you can rent by the room, so you don’t need to find a roommate, and the apartments are fully furnished. The Park at 1824 is within walking distance of campus. Eleven25 at Pabst is located closer to downtown Milwaukee, and offers a free, private shuttle service to and from campus.
Note that any off-campus arrangements (including The Park at 1824 and Eleven25 at Pabst Apartments) are between you and your landlord, so UWM cannot help you secure the housing, nor get involved if there is a dispute. Private landlords are not official UWM partners. 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 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. Law for Learners 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.

Find more information on living off campus on this web page, or watch this previously recorded Information Session on Off-Campus Housing held in December 2025.