UWM Apartments and Houses For Rent

About UW-Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) offers more than 195 degree programs across 15 schools and colleges, including Wisconsin’s only schools of Architecture, Freshwater Sciences, and Public Health. With over 22,000 students enrolled, UWM is one of the largest and most diverse campuses in the state.

Most UWM buildings are concentrated within a four-block radius, with E. Hartford Ave and N. Maryland Ave at the heart of campus. This compact layout makes commuting to classes, the Golda Meir Library, the Klotsche Center, and residence halls fast and convenient.

UWM has a residency requirement for first-year students: “Freshmen who are not veterans, married, or living with a parent or guardian are required to live in a university-operated residence hall when such accommodations are available.” Check out University Housing’s website for more information.

Renting Near UW-Milwaukee

Students have many options when it comes to off-campus housing, including houses, duplexes, and apartments. Before starting your search, consider:

·       Your ideal living situation (solo or with roommates)

·       Desired amenities

·       Budget

·       Preferred location

Start your housing search 2–3 months before your intended move-in date. Take your time during the search and never feel pressured to sign a lease on the spot. Signing a lease is a legally binding process—review it carefully!

Tip: Use Law for Learners for free lease reviews before signing.

The Off-Campus Resource Center (OCRC) is available to help UWM students with all their rental questions and concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the closest neighborhood to UWM?
The East Side/Murray Hill is the nearest and most student-populated neighborhood.

When should I look for housing?
Begin your search about three months before your desired move-in date. Start by completing the Preferred Tenant Program (PTP), a free Canvas course that teaches you in the ins and outs of renting off campus and as a bonus, you’ll receive 2% off monthly rent and/or $250 off your security deposit with participating landlords.

How do I find roommates?

Finding the right roommates can make all the difference in your off-campus living experience. Luckily, there are several ways to connect with other UWM students who are also looking for roommates:

·       Use the Roommate Tab on College Pads
College Pads has a built-in Roommate tab where you can create a post sharing details about yourself and what you're looking for in a roommate, or browse posts made by other UWM students. Be sure to include helpful information like your budget, preferred neighborhoods, and ideal move-in date.

·       Think Beyond the Listing
A good roommate match goes beyond just sharing rent. Consider key lifestyle factors such as:

o   Cleanliness and household habits

o   Sleep and class schedules

o   Social preferences and noise tolerance

o   Guests and visitors

·       Tap Into Your Network
Sometimes the best roommate match is already in your circle! Ask classmates, coworkers, or members of student organizations if they, or someone they know, are also looking for housing.

·       Attend Roommate Mixer Events
 Keep an eye out for OCRC-hosted roommate socials especially during peak leasing seasons. These events are a great way to meet potential roommates in person.

Finding someone you feel comfortable living with takes a little time, but it’s worth the effort to ensure a positive off-campus experience.

Good Neighbor Program

Choosing a good landlord is crucial. Make sure to ask:

·       Do they respond quickly to maintenance issues?

·       Do they use licensed professionals for repairs?

UWM encourages students to rent from landlords in the Good Neighbor Program. Landlords with the Good Neighbor badge meet higher-than-required standards for property care and tenant relations. Use filters on rental websites to search for these units.

Rent Prices Around UWM

Rent prices vary based on:

·       Living alone vs. with roommates

·       Type of unit (house vs. apartment)

·       Amenities and location

Here’s a general idea:

·       Studio/one-bedroom apartments: ~$850-$1200/month

·       Shared units: Save $400–$500/month with 1–2 roommates

Preferred Tenant Program Bonus
Participating properties may offer:

·       2% off monthly rent

·       Up to $250 off your security deposit

Filter listings by "Preferred Tenant Program" to find discounts.

Picture Credit: Libjbr

Jobs & Careers

To help cover expenses, many students work while attending UWM. Flexible on-campus and off-campus job listings can be found on Handshake, UWM’s student job portal.

Popular student jobs include:

·       OCRC Outreach Educator

·       Library Aide

·       Note-Taker

·       UREC Staff

·       Dining Services Staff

Use your Panther ID to log in and start applying.

Safety Tips

Milwaukee is a vibrant city but staying aware and prepared is key. Here are a few safety tips:

·       Consider sharing your location with roommates or friends

·       Download Rave Guardian and sign up for alerts on UWM’s safety travel app

·       Use B.O.S.S. (Be On the Safe Side) vans for free late-night rides

·       Know where blue light call boxes are located on campus

·       In case of emergency, contact UWM Police at (414) 229-4627 or visit on-campus at 3351 N. Downer Ave.

Parking at UWM

Parking is available on campus via daily, monthly, or semester permits from Transportation Services. However, spots are limited. Many students rely on street parking, which is often limited to 2-hour zones—pay close attention to time limits to avoid tickets.

New to campus? Start with the Transportation Services Guide to learn about permits and options.

Getting Around Milwaukee

Don’t have a car? No problem! Milwaukee offers plenty of transportation options:

·       Bus: UWM students ride free with the UPASS.

o   Use the UMO Mobility app to plan your route.

·       Biking:

o   Rent from the UWM Bike Shop or use Bublr Bikes ($8/year for students).

o   Bike racks are available on all MCTS buses.

·       The Hop: A free streetcar connecting downtown neighborhoods and hotspots.

·       Ride Shares: Apps like Uber and Lyft can be helpful for navigating the city. These rides add up so make sure to download both to compare rates.

Things to Do at UWM

Make the most of your time on campus by getting involved:

·       Recreation: Visit the University Recreation Center (UREC) for fitness classes, swimming, or intramurals

·       Arts: Attend performances and exhibits at the Peck School of the Arts

·       Athletics: Cheer on the Panthers— all students get free tickets for home games!

·       Student Orgs: With over 300 clubs, there's something for everyone.

Things to Do in Milwaukee

Milwaukee combines big-city excitement with Midwestern charm.

·       Foodie Paradise: Try the Milwaukee Public Market, Zócalo Food Truck Park, or 3rd St. Market Hall

·       Museums: Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World, or Harley-Davidson Museum

·       Theater District: Enjoy shows, concerts, and events downtown at Marcus Performing Arts, Pabst Theater, or so many others!

·       Professional Sports: Catch a Brewers game at American Family Field or see the Bucks at Fiserv Forum

And of course, root for the UWM Panthers at the Panther Arena!

Final Thoughts

Finding your first apartment is an exciting step. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone—the Off-Campus Resource Center is here to help every step of the way. Start early, ask questions, and take advantage of the many free resources available to you.

Visit the OCRC website, schedule an appointment, or stop by in person for one-on-one support! We’re open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.