University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI, USA

Reviews

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Chelsea from Bristol, WI

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
I have learned so much so far at UWM. My art classes are fantastic! The instructors are very knowledgeable in their fields, and push creativity and new thoughts into my head effortlessly. I can't wait to go back!
Am enjoying being here
I am definitely enjoying myself at UWM. The campus is the perfect size for me - lots of people on a smaller campus. There's always something to do whether it be hanging out with friends at the Union Grind or exploring the streets of Milwaukee. I think it's great that it is a commuter school - those who choose to live at home are given the option and not required to live in the dorms.
Bang for the buck
Any school will be more than most can afford, but compared to other schools the tuition is reasonable for me. The education you receive here is definitely worth the money.
Tips for prospective students
Take a tour of the campus. See if it is the right size for you. Don't only tour the campus, but have a look at the surrounding areas. You won't spend all of your time on campus, so make sure that there are enough activities for you to do that you'll enjoy. Think about living in the city and see if it's right for you. City-living isn't cut out for everyone. Also check into the commuter life, see if it's for you. Compare prices for driving, taking the bus or living on campus.
Great for these types of students
UWM is great for students who want to save money - if you live in the Greater Milwaukee area. It is also a great place for students who enjoy diversity. The lake and parks aren't far at all from campus, so if you enjoy being outdoors UWM is a great place to find it - even within the city!

Gabrielle from Franksville, WI

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
I am currently enrolled in the College of L&S, so all my classes are breadth requirement courses. I am, however, enjoying every single one of them. All of my professors definitely keep you engaged in the lecture, which is important in a lecture hall of 200+ students. They also genuinely want to see you succeed.
Am enjoying being here
I am a commuter student, which kind of sucks. It's not so much that I don't live on campus, but more of the fact that I get stuck in the rush hours. However, I was really nervous about commuting because I didn't think I was going to meet anyone or make friends, but I was wrong. You have a lot of opportunities to meet people, all you have to do is talk to them. There is almost always something going on on-campus. There are a TON of student organizations you can join, which I highly recommend. I personally really enjoy the campus because it's so different than my high school. There are so many different people here to meet and it's not cliquish at all.
Bang for the buck
I am only paying the tuition rate, which is somewhere around $8,000. When you pay your student fee, which I think is $200, you get a UPASS. This allows Milwaukee students to ride the buses for free anywhere in Milwaukee, even during Summerfest. We also get free concerts at the end of the week (Pantherfest) which is pretty cool.
Tips for prospective students
-Do not put off orientation until the last minute. It's when you schedule your classes and you do not want to get stuck with the last picks.
-Always rent your course books when you have the option.
-Don't get caught up in the fun. Professors don't care if you don't do your homework, but it seriously hurts your grade. You need at least a C to pass a class here, so don't slack off.
-Show up to class. Seriously, you will be so lost if you don't. This isn't high school where you get the homework the next day. And make sure you show up ON TIME. Some of my professors will count tardies as absences. If you have too many absences, it will knock points off your grades.
-Sit in the first few rows of the lecture hall. It sounds dorky, but it helps you pay attention.
-Actually pay attention in your lectures. Some of your professors will not be from America, meaning they have thick accents. If you don't pay attention, you will get lost.
-Take good notes.
-Join student organizations.
-Don't write people off before you get to know them.
Great for these types of students
This college is great if you are unsure of what you want to major in. They offer an Ed Psych course that runs once a week and it's purpose is to help you select a major. It's great for someone who likes the city and isn't freaked out by crowds of people. It's also decent for commuters.

Courtney from West Allis, WI

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
I love ALL of my classes. The teachers are very knowledgable. The best part is that if you are having trouble in your classes. We have free tutoring in the library! Also we have SI's (Supplemental Instruction students) They sit in your classes with you, they already know the material, so when you ask them a question, they reply with a brilliant answer. They can go as in depth as you want and they are free too. I find the harder classes easier to bear with their help. They have hours at least 4 times a week. They are amazing!
Am enjoying being here
There is sooo much to do on campus and surrounding campus.
-The union
- theres a theatre that plays discount movies
- at least 20 activities per week
- the adventure center. You can go on trips such as horse back riding, kayaking, fright fest, wall climbing and soo much more!
- The arts and crafts centre has soo many cheap and some free workshops such as henna tattooing, shirt tiedying, open clay. Get a free membership and use their sewing machine and anything and everything in the entire center.
- Two restaurants inside the union the Kenwood inn and the Gasthaus. Great food with games and more.
- Free concerts and bowling in the union bowling alley
- The klosche center get your work out on!! Huge basketball court and track in on the upper level surrounding the bball court. Various types of machines. Cardio and training rooms, Its huge!!
- Our MANY organizations such as sports, sororities, fraternities, Habitat for humanities and MANY other volunteer opportunities.
- Restaurants inside the union. (BK, Taco Bell, various sandwich shoppes, ice cream, Starbucks and the 8Th note Coffee house and more.
- Surrounding restaurants (Noodles, Jimmy Johns and more)
Bang for the buck
UWM is WAAAAAAY cheaper than other surrounding Universities. Cheap and beautiful! The campus is gorgeous! We have a water fountain running all summer. Well thought out and stylish buildings. We have various free events throughout the year. I definitely am happy I chose to go here!
Tips for prospective students
My tips would be to apply for as many scholarships as possible no matter how much they are worth, every little bit helps trust me!! Also apply for FAFSA asap!! Even when you are in school and you got your loans and whatnot. DON'T STOP applying for scholarships. It will help out in the long run.
Great for these types of students
UWM is amazing, small campus but a BIG heart. Many students, small campus because we build up, not out. You don't have to walk for 20 min. to get to your next class. When you class is all the way across campus, it shouldn't take more than 10-15 min to get there. We are very artsy despite the fact that we are not an art school. We do have a division for those interested in arts (Peck School of the Arts). We literally have something for everyone! Come check out campus and some of our events! You'll fall in love, I did! Also try to shadow a student before applying, you won't regret it!

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
There are a wide variety of classes offered and a huge list of majors to choose from. I am currently undecided, but creating a diverse schedule is helping me explore my options and decide what I would like to pursue. Advisers and counselors are very helpful and always willing to help make decisions about schedules and classes.
Am enjoying being here
Milwaukee has a large student population, but a reasonably small campus located in a safe community. Students receive a free bus pass that can easily take students around the Milwaukee area. Campus offers endless opportunities for things to do. The union provides a recreation center including a table tennis room, pool tables, video games and a bowling alley. The union provides a volunteer center, a cafeteria, fast food restaurants, two coffee shops, an emporium and an arts and crafts center. The library provides a comfortable place to study. There are two restaurants, one in the union and one in the Sandburg dorm area. There are also two laundry rooms in the Sandburg dorm area. Students also receive a gym membership to the Klotsche Center and the gym within the Sandburg dorm area.
Bang for the buck
Reasonably priced for an in-state school. Many perks included in the price for schooling. Students receive internet and cable within the dorms as well as a Milwaukee bus pass and Klotsche Center gym membership. Scholarships are offered for outstanding grades and many are offered through the Honors College.
Tips for prospective students
Many opportunities to get involved with extra-curricular activities; sports, clubs, volunteer opportunities and honors college. Many options for housing including triple, double and single rooms. Apartments also available through university housing. Dorms are set up in a suite style, providing a lot of privacy. Every two floors share a common area including couches, flat screen television and microwave.
Great for these types of students
Great for outgoing students looking for many social and extra curricular opportunities. Honors college helps students stay on track and maintain outstanding grades. Also great for students looking to be close to the city which provides many opportunities for jobs and entertainment.

Mike from Franklin, WI

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
Some of the classes are very fast paced and the information is pounded in your head. Professor to student interaction is limited with larger class sizes. Smaller classes, discussions, and labs are much more beneficial and more conducive to learning.
Am enjoying being here
It is okay. The campus is not too overwhelming for a first year student switching school settings, from smaller to larger. My classes are interesting, and the professors seem to be very knowledgeable about the subjects they teach. There is lots to do on campus each day, with events being held constantly every day, every week. Off campus in the nearby neighborhoods there is also much to do and see. Being a commuter student is a bit tougher, as you will spend time going back and forth between campus, and will also not be able to do much activities when you are not there.
Bang for the buck
UWM is cheaper than most schools. It is very affordable, especially those that have a limited source of income.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for as many scholarships as possible for school. Whether it is $100, or $1000, every little bit helps. Also, be sure to get your information and everything sent in by the deadlines so that you are not feeling like you are behind everyone else.
Great for these types of students
Students who like an urban setting will love the campus, as it is near many different places. Campus is only a few blocks from several different restaurants. A few blocks away is the lake, as well as a few parks and beaches.

Elizabeth

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
I am an art student and feel as though my professors genuinely care about the work I produce and give me feedback to help me improve in the future.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being here for the most part, but it is difficult sometimes to get to know people because the school is relatively big in size.
Bang for the buck
I believe college is expensive, regardless of where a student decides to go. However, this campus is a good state school that offers lower tuition compared to other private colleges.
Great for these types of students
The campus and city in general are very diverse and accepting of students of all cultures.

Julia - Roscoe, IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Professors will work with you
Academic Rigor
Studying and planning ahead will always serve you in the long run.
Dorm Life
Dorms are a tad expensive but the connections you make with those on your floor is worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
Professors will work with you as long as you’re honest and genuine. Review sessions are your best friend. Get involved as much as you can so you don’t regret anything!!
Campus Safety
We have apps, posts around campus for calling 911 (all you do is push a big blue button), escorts, etc. your safety is everyone’s number one priority.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Noodles and company is your best friend when you’re broke and need someplace to study.
Food and Dining
They have the healthiest and unhealthiest options. The best of both worlds.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club for literally everything here! Just ask a professor or anyone at the Help desk and they’ll point you in the right direction!
Bang for the buck
The connections I’ve made with fellow students and the professors was worth every penny.
Great for these types of students
The tennis court by Sandburg is perfect for those willing to hit a tennis ball around with friends!
What to do for fun
Visit the union! Join a club! Play on the fields!
Greek Life
They have great Greek yogurt here.

Selena from Brookfield, WI

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
It is a very fun atmosphere. There are a lot of cool people to meet when you come here. The advisors and resources on campus are just amazing.
Tips for prospective students
Sign up for classes as soon as your are allowed to. Widen your horizons and join clubs! If you ever need help in your classes don't be shy to head to PASS tutoring or SI sessions!
Academic Rigor
The teachers here do a lot to see you succeed and will help you if you reach out. Also the advisors will work with you to make educated decisions on continuing classes for that semester based off of your current grades in that certain class etc. so you aren't aiming in the dark.
Dorm Life
Living in the dorms is pretty fun. You meet a lot of new people constantly, and can give you a sense of living on your own. The halls always have some fun activities going on, and you have washers and dryers int he from, as well as workout rooms!
Food and Dining
Not gonna lie, the food is actually pretty good. The have different dinners each night, which can be amazing at times! and if there is nothing special you see, they always have yummy regulars like wraps and burgers!
What to do for fun
Each hall actually has games up at the front desk for free if you just ask! they have board games and outside games (like volleyball) as well. Also campus is super close to a lot of food restaurants so you could go out to eat with your friends. We also have basketball games that students get free admission to!
Bang for the buck
I think UW-Milwaukee is a pretty good low costing school that still gives you the great college experience. You can meet great people, and have fun experiences and make new memories, with not have to pay as much as private colleges.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One that comes to mind is the Fireside lounge. This is a place everyone should know about! It is located in the student union ride by the panther card office. It is this huge room with timed lights. It is usually quiet so students go in there so silently study, and some even go in there for a quick quiet nap, which sometimes is definitely needed!
Great for these types of students
If you love to meet all different types of people then this is the place for you. It has so much diversity and so many different things you may have not experienced or soon at your high school.
Clubs and Activities
There and so many different clubs and activities at thins school. If you are thinking of it, we probably have it. But if we didn't have it, all you need are 5-15 people to start a club!
Greek Life
We definitely have a lot of greek sororities! In he fall semester we have this big fair in the union courtyard with all the different clubs and sororities you can talk to and join.
Campus Safety
I would say this is pretty good. We have campus phones all over campus to ensure safety, and we always have campus police driving around. Not only the police, but we actually have a free B.O.S.S (Be On the Safe Side) van, that is like uber for around campus! Late at night they don't want students to have to walk around alone so you can easily request a ride and it will be there.

Madison - Milwaukee, WI

a current student here
Categories Comments
Food and Dining
They have a new, full menu everyday with lots of options!
What to do for fun
There's sporting events, student activities that the school puts on, and students get really cool deals downtown Milwaukee! There's tons of fun shops and food places to go try out!
Dorm Life
This is my second year living on campus and I really like it! The RA's are very helpful and I've had really great suite mates! Dorm life is fun and they have a lot for students to do!
Great for these types of students
I transferred from UW - Eau Claire to UW - Milwaukee and it was the best decision I made! On campus living is very up to date and the food is delicious! If you're looking for the city feel without being completely downtown, UWM is the school for you! The professors love their students and are very helpful and make it possible to succeed in college! There's so much to do and so much to get involved in, there's something for everyone here! They also do really fun student activities during finals weeks to relax students.

Alex Gill from West Bend, WI

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a world-class university. The faculty is top-notch and are well educated in their fields. They know their subjects well.
Tips for prospective students
As worried as one might be, apply to UW-Milwaukee. It is well worth the tuition. Take advantage of as many clubs and organizations as you can while prioritizing your academic success! Surprisingly, for a school of 30,000+ it still feels like a small, Midwestern school.
Academic Rigor
College is never easy and there is no shortage of that here at UWM.
Dorm Life
The culture is respectful and understanding of one's lodging needs.
Food and Dining
Although colleges have a bad reputation for food, the vast majority of UW-Milwaukee's food is made in house and/or produced locally. It is clear that they try to change the status quo of poor food quality.
What to do for fun
Join clubs, attend the campus' movie theater, catch a performance in Peck School of the Arts, take a walk, explore Milwaukee, explore Brady Street, take in the Milwaukee nightlife, the possibilities are endless!
Bang for the buck
You will get your money's worth at UWM. Join clubs and take advantage of opportunities and it will be worth more!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Cool traditions on campus include the beginning of the year event, PantherFest. PantherFest is a live concert, hosting 2 popular artists of the students' choice. Another tradition is the UWM Science Bag. The Science Bag is a 42 year strong tradition of science professors lecturing about fun topics to the public.
Great for these types of students
UWM is perfect for any student! Anyone will find their niche on campus!
Clubs and Activities
There are over 300 clubs and organizations one can be a part of. An office is dedicated to helping students choose what ones may be of interest and how to join.
Greek Life
Greek Life is not a major component of the culture at UWM, but there still are Fraternities and Sororities one can join.
Campus Safety
UWM has their own in-house police station monitoring the campus at all times. They also have B.O.S.S. (Be On The Safe Side), which offers rides for students, and people to walk with you on campus after hours.