Badger Supports held a Navigating Housing Presentation and Q&A panel on Tuesday addressing the quickly approaching signing season for University of Wisconsin students. The workshop also provided resources for those beginning their housing search for 2026-2027 academic year.
The UW housing market has been historically competitive — students typically sign leases in October, whereas most college students across the country are more likely to be signing housing contracts in June and July, according to Move Zen Property Management.
Such trends of competitive housing have increased in recent years, alongside the increase in the average number of students enrolled in each freshman class. The number stands at around 8,500 freshman students this year, compared to the 6,862 in 2022, according to UW.
As demand for housing increases and Madison remains a vibrant and attractive city for young professionals, families, and graduates as well as students, the cost of rent is steadily increasing, rising by just 2.3% from last year, according to Apartments.com.
To help students manage the student housing search, the workshop offered a multitude of housing search tools. A precursor to a Q&A panel was the Navigating Housing presentation, presented by managing director and director of programs at Badger Supports Lucy Heideman.
The event provided students with a network of resources and targeted advice from UW housing professionals.
“You never have to do it alone,” Heideman said.
One of the main focuses of the workshop was finances and budget. Students received a paper handout with boxes to fill in their personal financial details in order to calculate potential costs. There was an emphasis on knowing the numbers — being aware of all of the collective costs that make up monthly rent, including utilities, fees and add-ons.
The competitive nature of the leasing season was addressed by the panelists, as they were aware of the “horror stories” circulating within the minds of students, LZ Management Grand Central & X01 Panelist Abbie Zellener said.
“A few years ago, there really was a shortage,” Zellener said. “New units have opened up … it’s taken a lot of the pressure off.”
Though the stress of the leasing process was addressed by all the panelists, the ending consensus appreciated the joy in securing one’s own home for the first time.
“It’s the first time you really have a space that is yours … it is so much fun,” Zellener said.
Good communication with potential roommates was also a standout point of the presentation. It’s important to consider one’s own specific desires, and it’s also important to convey those desires to those you might live with. Prioritizing preferences and being loud about it is crucial now, rather than later, Heidman said.
But, early lease signing means more risk, University Office of Off-Campus Housing Services staff member and UW mom Erin Warner said.
“Do not sign that lease until you are sure because it is legally binding,” Warner said.
Students who are eager to get started on looking at next year’s housing can attend the Student Off Campus Housing Fair Oct. 1 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gordon Dining and Events Center.
