Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to understand how the historic difficulties of finding housing at UW persist.
Students will be able to understand how factors beyond the number of housing units contribute to inequalities and the limited housing options for students.
Students will be able to understand how the challenges and problems associated with trying to secure housing impact their personal and academic lives.
Podcast Questions:
Were you surprised that housing in Madison within a 2.5-mile radius was so expensive? Why do you think it’s so high, especially compared with other parts of the city?
What is the role/responsibility of both the university and the city in helping solve the housing crisis?
Why is housing more than just a place to live, and how does finding housing and its location impact their ability to be successful as a college student?
What are the challenges and benefits of living on versus off campus? Consider all the elements that go into securing a safe housing situation.
What political and bureaucratic hurdles do both the university and students face when finding housing and building new housing? Think about Jeff Novak’s comments.
Recommended Readings:
Michael Patrick Rutter & Steven Mintz, “Reimagining in Loco Parentis Reinventing the college-student relationship in the era of helicopter parenting.” Inside Higher Education, May 20th, 2019. Read article here
Liam Beran, “Madison rents up 47% over the last five years: But vacancy rates are improving.” Isthmus, August 11th, 2025. Read article here
Claire Ried, “UW-Madison students face some of the most expensive rents in the Big Ten, new study says.” The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 29th, 2024. Read article here
Primary Sources:
Report by Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. “Madison, Wisconsin Student Housing Market and Affordability Analysis.” August 26th, 2024. Read report here
Other Resources:
Sifting and Reckoning Online Exhibit. “Housing.” View Website Here