UWM Winter Break + Things to Do in Milwaukee!

Winter break is fast approaching! Read ahead and we'll tell you about the procedures to follow if you're going home for break, and if you're staying in the city, we'll give you ideas on things to do!

First off, all University Housing buildings will be open for the duration of Winter Break.


If you're going home...

• We ask that you turn off all lights and unplug all electronics - save electricity!
• Make sure you lock your doors and windows! Have your blinds drawn.
• If you want your bathroom cleaned over break, make sure to remove all personal belongings! If not, you can be charged a $25 fee - and no one wants that!
• If you have control of your heat/thermostat, keep it turned on!
• Cambridge, Purin, and East - Clean out your refrigerator! 
• Sandburg North, South, West, and Riverview - Unplug, clean, and defrost your refrigerator. 

For instructions on defrosting a mini-fridge, click here.

If you're staying...

• Hours for buildings and shuttles during Winter Break are different. Be sure to check and plan ahead! Here's our current list of hours for UWM Campus Partners during Winter Break. 

• Your service/security desk will be staffed, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask them!

If you're looking for something to do, we've compiled a list of fun events in Milwaukee over the winter!

• The first Thursday of every month, the Milwaukee Art Museum is free! This is perfect for a snowy day.                                                                                                                                                                                                
• Milwaukee's Red Arrow Park is an outdoor skating rink located downtown! The rink is right next to Starbucks if you need a warm drink after.                                    
• If you'd rather watch someone else skate, check out a Milwaukee Admirals game. 

• If winter isn't your thing, check out the domes at Mitchell Park Conservatory with desert, tropical, and floral climates. Pro tip - you can get in for $5 with your student I.D.!                                                         
• If you're looking for a different indoor alternative, head to a movie at the Oriental Theatre or the Downer Theatre. Both of these are stunning buildings, and the Downer has a weekday student discount - also, their popcorn is said to be the best in town. For holiday specific performing arts events, check out this link to see some amazing options!

• If you're feeling festive, you can go downtown to the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.

• Don't forget your classics, such as sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing!

Before you go, your RA will hold a meeting, so if you have any questions make sure to let them, or us, know!

UWM 2018 Fall Welcome!

You've probably noticed the large posters covering your residence hall, and you may be wondering what exactly that's all about. Every year at UWM we kick off the year with Fall Welcome! There are so many amazing - and free - events for you to partake in, that you'll have an amazing time and make a ton of new friends. If you can't decide from all of the super fun options, I'll highlight some of the events below!

Here is a link to the full schedule!

On August 30th, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., there is an IKEA Trip! Buses will begin loading at the Union at 10:30 a.m.

On September 1st, you can participate in Escape Room in the Third Ward! This event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Also on September 1st is the Campus Campout! This runs from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on the Sandburg Lawn! With free s'mores, hammocks, and yard games, there's no way to go wrong! If you have a guitar, feel free to bring it with.

From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 2nd there's free boat tours! It's a perfect time to go out on the water with friends before it gets too cold to. These fill up fast, so make sure to get your spot! Registration starts a half hour before each tour.

To coincide with the IKEA Trip is a Target Trip! This is my personal favorite at Fall Welcome! Buses begin loading at 9:30 p.m. outside of Sandburg on September 2nd. Be sure to go and get discounts and free snacks! This is perfect if you forgot to bring something to college, thought of something else you need, or just want to look around.

On September 3rd, be sure to check out the Brewers game! Transportation is provided and it's free, so be sure to show up in your Brewers or MKE gear!

If sports aren't your thing, also on September 3rd is the trip to the Milwaukee Art Museum! This is one of my personal favorite spots in Milwaukee, and again, it's free! The buses depart from the Union at 1:00 p.m., so make sure to get there at 12:30 or earlier.

On September 7th is the Panther Street Festival! This is as fun as it sounds, with free food (are you noticing a trend?), activities, and more, and is followed by Pantherfest featuring Khalid!

Head to the Milwaukee Zoo on September 8th! Space is limited, so make sure to show up early!

This is only a small list of all the great things we have to offer during Fall Welcome! Make sure to check out the full list, and let us know your favorites!

UWM Move In Process

Your move-in date is quickly approaching, and you may be having a whirlwind of questions - but don't worry, read ahead and we will clear up as much as possible!

Most likely, your move-in date and time is on August 28th, 29th, or 30th. You can view your assigned move-in date and time by going into your myHousing portal, and viewing your housing assignment. To make the process run as smoothly as possible, we ask that you don't show up more than 15 minutes early, and no more than 45 minutes late.

Here at UWM, we take safety very seriously - I would like to point out that we do have a GuestPass system. The exception to this system will be when you move in. Your helpers/guests won't need a Guest Pass unless if they are entering the building past 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in pre-registering for a Guest Pass, here is the link!

I know the thought of move in can be very stressful for incoming students and their families, but I promise the process is extremely efficient! There are volunteers there to help you all along the way, directing you on where to go and there for you to ask any questions to.

If you are living in Cambridge Commons, here is a link to more detailed information to that move-in process. If you are living in Sandburg, you can access that information here. Both of these links will provide directions and more!

Below are some insider tips and tricks to help you out with move-in!

1. If possible, pack in things that can stack. We have yellow carts that are available for you to use, then a volunteer will use giant cling wrap to hold it together, thus minimizing the amount of trips you need to take!
2. If you have not yet ordered a loft but decide you want one once you have moved in, there is a table in the lobby of the building you can visit to request this loft. Otherwise, throughout the year you can request to have a loft given to you or taken away by filling out a work order. 
3. Due to our parking garages, trailers and extended pick-up trucks most likely will not fit. Each family is allotted two vehicle spaces in the parking garage - you are not charged for parking during move-in!
4. If you're worried about forgetting something - don't be! Someone can always bring and/or send any items you may have forgotten. We even have an awesome Target Trip and an IKEA Trip during Fall Welcome, which is another great option if you think of something else you need or want! You may even get a discount. 😉
5. Have fun! Be excited! You're moving onto college and into your new home!

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you might have! 

What to Pack & Measurements

As move in day approaches, you may be trying to make sure you have everything you need! Another prominent question may be what fits - and what doesn't? Below, I'll share a list of what to pack, along with measurements, to hopefully help you get ready for college!

What To Bring:

• Twin XL Sheets and Bedding
• Clothes Hangers
• Towels/Washcloths
• Toiletries/Toilet Paper (You are responsible for bringing your own!)
• Cleaning Supplies (You're responsible for cleaning the bathroom, too!)
• Hamper/Clothes Bag/Basket & Laundry Detergent
• Dishes
• An Umbrella (Trust me, you'll use it!)
• Room Decorations (It's your home for the next 9 months!)

What NOT To Bring:

• Microwave (Microwaves are only allowed in Cambridge Commons, and they must be 700 Watts or less!)
• Toaster/Pizza Oven/Sandwich Maker (These items are only allowed if you are in a suite with a full kitchen, such as a Cambridge Commons Upgrade, and they must stay in the kitchen!)
• Halogen Lamps/Lamps with Plastic Lampshades (These are a policy violation!)
• Candles
• Anything Combustible
• Pets (Except Fish)
• Alcohol (If Underage)
• Illegal drugs
• Weapons
• Space Heaters
• Appliances with Exposed Heating Elements

What You Could Bring, But You Don't Need To:

• Coaxial Cable (If you're bringing a TV)
• Throw Rugs
• Fan
• Hot Pot
• Coffee Maker
• Power Strip/Extension Cords
• Additional Seating (Bean bag chair, folding chair, etc.)
• String lights

Cambridge Commons Measurements:


Traditional Towers (North, South, and West) Measurements:


As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out!

The Wisconsin State Fair

Today, August 2nd, is the kick off to the Wisconsin State Fair! If you're in the Milwaukee area - or don't mind the drive - below, I'll highlight some of the great events you can check out!

The State Fair has a variety of free stages with entertainment, and with acts from comedians to jugglers, it's a great family-friendly option!

Make sure to check out the Main Stage that has some pretty amazing artists on the line-up - from Alice Cooper to Casting Crowns, and TLC to Foreigner, you're almost guaranteed to find someone you love!

There are more than 30 free stages of entertainment at the Wisconsin State Fair, and the Associated Bank Amphitheater is the Fair's largest free stage, and has some great acts as well - I'll be sure to go see Here Come the Mummies for a second time!

The Fair has a variety of attractions other than music - there's art displays for your inner creative genius, a variety of rides, and the Barnyard if you need your cute animal fix.

While you're there, make sure to grab some great fair food - there are more than 50 vendors with reduced prices. I'll be sure to stop by and grab some food on a stick, and a cream puff!

For more detailed information on the Wisconsin State Fair, don't hesitate to check out their website, and let us know what you're most excited about!

Lake Life

One of the (many) amazing things about going to UWM is how close you are to Lake Michigan! Some of our favorite beaches are all within walking distance - Atwater, Bradford, and McKinley.

Atwater Beach is located just north of UWM in Shorewood. Other than a beach, it offers beautiful views and a playground, and it's a little bit quieter than Bradford Beach, so it's a perfect choice if your family is visiting.

Bradford Beach is a great place to go and hang out with your friends - there's always something to do! Whether you want to go play volleyball, swim, eat lunch, or all three, you're sure to have a great time. Bradford even has a small restaurant serving burgers, ice cream, drinks, and more, so you're sure to have a good day! Each year, UWM students go and help to clean Bradford Beach - show your love and make sure to participate!

If you continue going south past Bradford, you'll find the slightly smaller McKinley Beach close to downtown! Here you can go out on a pier, use the picnic areas, or nearby you can rent jet skis and scooters.


No matter where you go, you'll have fun being so close to the lake!

Food Around UWM

Milwaukee is home to plenty of great restuarants, no matter what you're in the mood for! UWM is nestled between quite a few gems - here are just a few you should make sure to visit!

BelAir Cantina has two locations in Milwaukee, and is a perfect choice for $2 tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays! They also have a ton of different options, from burrito bowls to tamales. Not to mention, BelAir is a great environment to hang out with friends.


 If you're leaning towards Greek, check out Oakland Gyros - just a short walk from campus and open until 3 a.m., you can get a ton of great food here without spending too much money!




Maybe you prefer a classic diner - then Ma Fischer's is perfect for you! Open 24/7, this restaurant has a ton of comfort food if you're missing your parent's home-cooked meals. Or maybe you just got done seeing a movie at the beautiful Oriental Theater, and Ma Fischer's is just down the road. Either way, if you find your way here, you won't be disappointed with their large servings and variety of food to choose from.

     If you're on Downer, make sure to check out Cafe Hollander. As a grand cafe with award winning food, you're almost guaranteed to find something you love! With foods such as chocolate dipped waffles and jalapeno bbq burgers, I'd be surprised if you don't go back!

One of my personal favorites is Beans & Barley - just a few minutes walk from Cambridge (or, you can take the shuttle and get off at Kenilworth), they use local ingredients and also offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian options - it tastes good, and is good for you!

 If you're just looking for coffee, be sure to check out Colectivo! With locations all over the city, you're sure to find one to pick up your daily coffee or tea. They also have smoothies, baked goods, and food, and it's locally owned and operated!



Or, if  you're running out of money and looking for a great place that takes meal plan, be sure to check out Ian's Pizza! Your meal plan works for dine-in and delivery, so whether you want classic cheese or one of their famous specialty pizza's, you're in luck! Through the GET platform, you can access a full list of all restaurants that take your UWM Meal Plan or Gold Account - but remember, you won't get the 50% discount that you get at the Cafe's and Palm Gardens.


These are just a few of the amazing places to eat around UW - Milwaukee. Be sure to try them out, and let us know your favorites!

Move In!

Starting July 2nd, the UWM Move In Guide is available! This will be mailed to students, but is also available online. It will have tons of information about laundry, policies, maps, and more - not to mention all of the amazing events during Fall Welcome - such as an IKEA trip!

When you received your housing assignment, you should have also received a move in date and time! You can check this by logging back into your myHousing portal at uwm.edu/myhousing. In general, if you are living in Sandburg, your move in date/time will be on August 28th, 29th, or 30th. If you are living in Cambridge, it will be on August 29th or 30th. We ask that you don't show up more than 15 minutes early for your move in time, and no more than 45 minutes late. If there is an unavoidable conflict with your move in date/time, please complete this request form!

Just a reminder that here at UWM, we have a GuestPass system. For move in, your helpers will not have to swipe in until after 7:00 p.m., due to high traffic.

If you're worried about move in - don't be! The process is well-organized and efficient, with people helping you out all along the way. And once you're done, you'll have plenty of Fall Welcome activities to look forward to! Make sure to check back to learn even more about the move in process, see insider tips and tricks, and see what to pack - or not to.

As always, feel free to email or call with any questions you have!

Summerfest & Other Milwaukee Festivals

Summerfest is known as the "World's Largest Music Festival", and it's held right here in Milwaukee! The festival is held along the lakefront at the Henry Maier Festival Park, and runs from June 27th to July 1st, and July 3rd to July 8th, giving you plenty of time to check out all the fun! You can find out ticket information here. You can even get free admission from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 29th, if you're wearing your UWM t-shirt or hat, so make sure to show your Panther Pride! From noon to midnight, on 11 different stages, you can go see more than 800 bands, including at the 23,000 seat American Family Insurance Amphitheater. This year, Summerfest has some amazing performers, from Imagine Dragons to Blake Shelton, and Halsey to Def Leppard. You can view the full lineup here. But, it gets even better - Summerfest has an array of food and beverage vendors as well, including Milwaukee favorites like Belair Cantina and Chubby's Cheesesteaks. You can see the complete list here. 

Milwaukee is known as the City of Festivals for a reason - other than Summerfest, there's dozens of festivals you can go to! 

Throughout the summer, you can go to the NEWaukee Night Market! These free events are on one Wednesday each month, run from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., and are located downtown! There's tons of different foods you can try, as well as art vendors and live performers.

Every third Sunday of the month, there's the Milwaukee Maker's Market, located at the Bayview Colectivo. This is the perfect stop for anyone looking for artistic pieces or a new hobby, and to support your local makers! 

One of Milwaukee's most popular locations, Brady Street, has its own Brady St. Festival! On Saturday, July 28th, from 11:00 a.m. until midnight, you can go see four stages with live entertainment, all the while checking out your favorite stores and restaurants!

If you're looking for a weekly, casual event, look into Jazz in the Park! It's every Thursday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Cathedral Square Park.

We also have a variety of heritage festivals, such as Greek Fest, Polish Fest, Cuban Day, Festa Italiana, Irish Fest, India Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Armenian Fest, and more, that are definitely worth visiting and learning about the diversity of Milwaukee!

You can find a list of all the Milwaukee festivals here!

Between all these events - and, not to mention, the Wisconsin State Fair - there are tons of great opportunities to go and experience Milwaukee's summer festivals with friends and family! 

Sandburg vs. Cambridge Commons

At University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, first-year students can either live in the traditional towers at Sandburg (North, South, and West), or at one of our south-campus options, Cambridge Commons.

North, South, and West Towers at Sandburg Residence Hall were built in 1970. The towers are identical in floor/suite layout and house lounges. At Sandburg, residents have the option of a single, double, or triple room. Because of this, each suite will have four to five people, and each suite has its own bathroom, so residents are only sharing with their suitemates, and not their floor. Below are the different floor plans of Sandburg suites.

At Sandburg, there will be 13 LLC's, or Living Learning Communities, where everyone on the floor will have the same major or interest! For the upcoming 2018-2019 year, those LLC's will be: American Sign Language, Architecture II, Business Panthers, Community Engagement & Leadership, Cultures & Communities, Engineering, Health Professions, Honors House, JAMS, Local 2 Global, Performing Arts, Social Welfare, and the Transfer Community. You can read more about LLC's here.

A great thing about UWM is that our cafeterias are in our residence halls! Both Sandburg and Cambridge will have a cafeteria in the building, and both have a Restor (the campus convenience store), laundry, a computer lab, and a 24/7 workout facility. Sandburg also has Flicks (a movie theater), a Grind location (the campus coffee shop), and Palm Gardens as their late night dining option. Sandburg has patios and a sand volleyball court and basketball court, while Cambridge has music practice rooms and a fenced in courtyard.

Cambridge Commons was built in 2010, and is located 1.2 miles south of campus - but don't worry, there's a shuttle that runs every 5-10 minutes! Cambridge has many eco-friendly features (such as its two green roofs), and even has an LEED (Leader in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold Certification. At Cambridge, while each suite still has its own bathroom, there are only double rooms available. However, there is the option between a standard and an upgraded suite. The upgraded suite has a full kitchen, as well as a furnished living area.

Cambridge Commons will have five LLC's for the upcoming 2018-2019 academic year: Architecture I, Art & Design, Early Childhood Education, Film, Video, Animation, & New Genres, and Outdoor Recreation. 

Both residence halls have such amazing amenities and communities, making either the perfect place for you to call home!

Decoding Your Room Assignment

Beginning Friday June 8th, room assignments will start going live! Here are some tips to help you understand what everything means.

First, you have to log into your myHousing portal, (uwm.edu/myhousing) using your ePanther ID and password. On the bottom of your page, you can access your room assignment by clicking on the blue hyperlink.

Then, click on your room, and you'll be able to see your roommate(s) and suitemates! The person who has the same letter at the end of their room assignment is your roommate, and the other people are your suitemates. You can then contact your suitemates/roommates via email, to get to know them before move in. You can access any messages you may have by clicking on the link on the left that says My Messages.

To understand your room assignment -

If you are living in Cambridge Commons, your room number will start with CC. If you are living in Sandburg, the letter will correspond with which tower you are in. N is North, E is East, S is South, and W is West. The next one or two numbers would be the floor you live on. The final third and fourth numbers refers to your suite, and the letter at the end is your room within the suite. So, if your room assignment was CC281A, you would be living in Cambridge Commons, on the second floor, in room 281, room A. In the picture below, the assignment is E0130A. So this person's assignment would be East Tower, the 1st floor, suite 130, room A.

If you signed up for an LLC, you can see if you are in it! Go back to your Home Page, and then click the link on the left that says Living Learning Community. If you click it, you can then see what your LLC selection was (if any), and your status.

Finally, please be patient with myHousing! Since this is such an exciting time, there will be a lot of web traffic, and possibly some delays. Also keep in mind that not everyone's room assignment will be released in the first wave, but you will get your assignment soon! As always, feel free to call or email with any questions you have throughout this process!