Elevate My DormUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison Dorm Packing List
Everything worth bringing to your University of Wisconsin-Madison dorm — organized by category, checkable, and printable. Before you pack, check your exact room size and lay the room out free so everything you buy actually fits.
Before you buy anything: what is actually true at University of Wisconsin-Madison
A generic college checklist will cost you money here. These are University of Wisconsin-Madison’s own published room measurements and rules — check them before you order.
Room size and rugs
Rooms run from 55 sq ft (Adams Residence Hall) up to 413 sq ft (Chadbourne Residence Hall). At the small end a 4×6 rug is the largest that leaves walking room — measure before ordering anything bigger.
Bed and bedding
33" x 80" or 36" x 80" — UW–Madison publishes both and says only that “mattress sizes are all either 33″ x 80″ or 36″ x 80″.” That is two to five inches narrower than a standard Twin XL. ⚠ The university does not publish which halls have 33" versus 36", so families cannot determine it in advance. It Do not buy Twin XL sheets here.
Fridge and microwave
A 3.1 cubic foot refrigerator is provided in every room at no extra cost, with two supplied in triples and quads, and residents “are not permitted to remove the University provided micro-fridge/freezer from their room.” Separate personal freezers are prohibited. Do not buy a mini-fridge. Microwaves Do not buy a fridge for this campus.
Already in your room
Do not pack duplicates of these: Per resident: a bed with a dual-sided mattress, a desk and chair, hanging clothing storage and folding clothing storage — a bookcase, hutch, wardrobe or dresser depending on the hall, with Dejope, Leopold, Ogg and Smith using built-in closet shelving instead of a dresser. Per roo
Leave these at home
Air fryers, toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, electric frying pans, electric grills including George Foreman and waffle irons, Instant Pots, crockpots, slow cookers, pressure cookers and coffeemakers that use a hot plate, plus space heaters, halogen lamps, 3D printers and Clas
Room size by building
| Building | Room size | Largest rug that fits |
|---|---|---|
| Adams Residence Hall | 55 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Barnard Residence Hall | 84 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Chadbourne Residence Hall | 413 sq ft | 8×10 |
| Cole Residence Hall | 148 sq ft | 5×7 |
| Dejope Residence Hall | 349 sq ft | 8×10 |
| Kronshage Residence Hall | 172 sq ft | 6×9 |
| Leopold Residence Hall | 164 sq ft | 6×9 |
| Lowell Center | 122 sq ft | 5×7 |
| Merit Residence Hall | 88 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Ogg Residence Hall | 184 sq ft | 6×9 |
| Phillips Residence Hall | 124 sq ft | 5×7 |
| Sellery Residence Hall | 164 sq ft | 6×9 |
| Slichter Residence Hall | 179 sq ft | 6×9 |
| Smith Residence Hall | 108 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Sullivan Residence Hall | 170 sq ft | 6×9 |
| Tripp Residence Hall | 55 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Waters Residence Hall | 138 sq ft | 5×7 |
| Witte Residence Hall | 164 sq ft | 6×9 |
Room measurements and policies published by University of Wisconsin-Madison, compiled August 2026. Always confirm with the housing office before buying.
Bedding
Bath
Desk & Study
Storage & Organization
Laundry
Tech & Power
Snacks & Kitchen
Health & Essentials
Decor & Comfort
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