Resources
Once you've decided to attend UW Law, we encourage you to secure housing as soon as possible. There are many resources available to you as you begin your housing search. We have created a UW Law School Housing Guide (PDF) with information about local neighborhoods and helpful resources. Additional information about transportation around Madison, as well as short profiles of some of the most popular neighborhoods for law students is below as well. To talk with current students about housing options in Madison, please join our admitted student GroupMe (link sent via email) or contact our Student Ambassadors.
UW-Madison provides a variety of resources to help you explore your housing options:
- UW Division of University Housing: although rare, some law students live on campus in one of the apartment communities for graduate students and students with families.
- Campus Area Housing Listings: a search engine for off-campus housing listings.
Getting Around Madison
Biking
Join the legion of Madison cycling enthusiasts. Learn more about Bike Madison.
Metro Bus
Conveniently reach any point on the UW-Madison campus or in Madison by Metro bus.
See the Campus Service routes (PDF) for UW stops. Take advantage of the Student Bus Pass offered to all students through the Associated Students of Madison, paid for by student fees.
Parking
If you commute to campus by car, you may want to secure on-campus parking. Please be aware that on-campus parking is very limited, and most students do not commute by car during law school. If you intend to bring a car, we recommend that you contact your landlord about parking options near your housing.
Neighborhoods
Capitol
- Nestled between Lakes Mendota and Monona, the East and West Capitol neighborhoods encompass the historic State Capitol building.
- Residents are only a few block's walking distance from the Madison Overture Center of the Arts, Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace, hip bars and coffee shops, and the famous Madison Farmer's Market.
- Away from campus with a reasonably short commute to the Law School.
Bassett
- The Bassett Street Neighborhood lies west of the Capitol square, between Lake Monona and campus.
- Bassett radiates the modern, university-town energy while retaining a deep history as one of Madison's oldest conclaves.
- A more lively, undergraduate dense living experience, bordering State Street and University Avenue.
Wil-Mar
- Known for its laid-back, bohemian identity, the Wil-Mar Neighborhood borders Lake Monona northeast of the Capitol and encompasses the Marquette Bungalow Historic District and Willy Street areas.
- Vibrant architecture and broad tree-covered streets, it's perfect for bike-riding and dog-walking.
- Wil-Mar is a haven for foodies and popular for its local music scene and neighborhood festivals.
Vilas
- Located in a shady, tree-lined knoll between the Arboretum, Monroe Street, and UW Campus, the Vilas Neighborhood is a mellow haven to a mix of academics, professionals, and students.
- Home to the Henry Vilas Park Zoo as well as quaint and friendly local shops and restaurants, this neighborhood is a favorite for families.
- In Vilas, law students will find a serene home within a 10-25 minute walk or bike ride to the Law School.
Campus & State-Langdon
- The Campus and State-Langdon Neighborhoods are for those who are seeking the quintessential experience of a massive Big Ten university town.
- Be ready for complete immersion in the constant energy of UW - from drum circles on State Street Mall, to seas of red-and-white tailgaters on Game Day, and the sounds of coxswain calling orders to nationally-ranked rowers practicing on Lake Mendota.
