Written by Erin Warner, Off-Campus Housing Services
“Off-campus housing” refers to a variety of privately-owned housing options, including apartments, houses, rooms in private homes, co-operatives, privately-owned residence halls, boarding/rooming houses, and Greek life houses. Located in various neighborhoods near campus, off-campus housing options tend to be easily accessible to campus buildings, grocery stores, shopping centers, and campus activities via walking, biking, and campus/City of Madison bus routes.
Many students and families are feeling the pressure to secure off-campus housing for the 2025-2026. The Parent and Family program asked Erin Warner, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Housing Services, to share how her office encourages families to support their Badgers through the off-campus housing process.
Off-Campus Housing Services within University Housing provides resources and offers follow-up support to help students make informed housing decisions. Their services include educational programs, building relationships with landlords, and meeting individually to answer student questions. The office also has several resources available online, including a recently updated Rental Resource guide and postings for housing, parking, roommates, and sublets at campusareahousing.wisc.edu.
Beyond these resources, here are a few potential topics to discuss with your student as you support their off-campus housing search:
- Budget – Suggest creating a monthly budget that includes rent, security deposit, utilities, renters’ insurance, and secondary expenses like parking, pet fees, and furnishings/household goods. Also, because your student may be used to relying on University Dining, consider discussing their plans for dining and food options. Students should work with the Office of Student Financial Aid to better understand how their specific financial aid may be applied to off-campus housing.
- Needs vs. Wants – Your student will likely also benefit from developing a list of needs for their off-campus living situation. What are their priorities? Where are they willing to be more flexible? Common items to consider are budget, location, roommates, security, privacy, and amenities.
- Roommates – Encourage your students to meet potential roommates in a safe way and discuss living expectations before signing a lease. Students often feel uncomfortable asking potential roommates tough questions arounds topics like budget, work-life balance, cleanliness, social behaviors, and sleep habits. However, you can help coach them through seeing the value of these important conversations, especially before signing a (typically year-long) lease.
- Touring Rental Properties – Whenever possible, students should tour a property before signing a lease. This is an excellent time for them to gather information on price, security deposit, lease terms, and amenities. While you may not be able to join them, families can work with their students to prepare a list of questions ahead of time.
- Lease – According to Off-Campus Housing Services, if there is one thing families should support their students with during this process, it is reading and understanding the lease. Not only is the lease a legally binding financial obligation, but it may also be a student’s first step toward establishing rental and credit history. Therefore, it is critical they understand their rights and obligations, as well the landlord’s. If you have questions or are unclear on the terms of a lease, consider contacting the Tenant Resource Center.
- Cosigners – Since many students don’t have rental or credit history, it is common for landlords to require a cosigner on the lease. If you plan to cosign for your Badger, be sure you understand the associated responsibilities. This article by the Tenant Resource Center provides excellent tips and advice on cosigning.
For questions on these topics and more, students and families can contact UW–Madison’s Off-Campus Housing Services at off-campus@housing.wisc.edu. Also, rewatch our recent Badger Family Forum, “Helping Your Student Find a Home Away from Home” for insights from Erin and staff from University Housing, the Tenant Resource Center, and LZ Management.
Finally, remember the Parent and Family Program is always a resource to you, no matter the topic or point in your student’s journey.