Learning Objectives:
Students will understand that housing difficulties at UW-Madison are not ephemeral, but everlasting.
Students will understand that housing difficulties at UW concern both on and off-campus housing, with each having a unique set of challenges.
Students will understand how the needs of the university, its location, and Madison more broadly make for both shortages and challenges with housing.
Podcast Questions:
Why is it so challenging for students to find housing? Why do you think that this is not a new issue and rather a perennial one?
What are the various challenges with on versus off-campus housing, and how do they affect students’ ability to secure housing?
Jeff Novak mentioned that the freshman class grew from 6,500 to 8,500 students over the past decade, and no new buildings were constructed. Why do you think this is the case? How did/do they house these students?
Why do freshmen want to live in the dorms? Why is it important, and what are the challenges with simply adding more people to a room or converting social spaces in dorms to house more students?
How does UW-Madison’s location severely impact and influence the off-campus housing market?
What are some of the challenges that Kasie Strahl mentions with off-campus housing options that are close to campus versus those that are further away?
Recommended Readings:
Channel 3000 News Clip. “Affordable housing crisis impacts UW-Madison students aiming to live off-campus.” Watch video here
Ella Hanley, “New study reveals students struggle with rent costs and housing close to campus.” The Daily Cardinal, September 11th, 2024. Read article here
Sanjeev Anand, “Students face a lack of available and affordable housing as UW-Madison ponders solutions with private developers.” The Daily Cardinal, October 11th, 2023. Read article here
Francesca Pica, “Madison student housing provides a tough lesson in supply and demand.” The Capital Times, August 16, 2023. Read article here
Primary Sources:
N.A. “Madison Tenant Union.” Daily Cardinal, August 1969. Read article here.
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