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A Parent's Guide to Life at ōLiv Madison

Choosing off-campus housing is a big step. At ōLiv Madison, we’re obsessed with every detail of our resident experience with a hospitality-driven focus on convenience, connection, programming and proximity to campus. We’re here to make the leasing process as easy as possible for you and your student. This guide outlines what to expect at every stage, from leasing and budgeting to move-in and daily life at our community.

Lease Policies What's Included Student Success Move-In, Move-Out, and Logistics Transportation Parents and Guardians FAQ
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Our individual leases make off-campus housing more accessible for your family.

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What Is an Individual Lease?

With an individual lease, your student signs their own agreement for their specific bedroom and a share of the common spaces in the apartment. They are responsible for their own monthly installment only. If a roommate transfers, graduates early, or stops paying, your student’s financial obligation does not change.

Academic-Year Lease Structure

Leases at ōLiv Madison are structured around the academic calendar, which makes planning move-in, move-out, and payment timelines more predictable for families. Contact the ōLiv Madison leasing office for current lease term details, as these are subject to change.

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How the Guarantor Process Works

Most students do not yet have the independent income or credit history required to qualify for a lease on their own. ōLiv Madison allows a guarantor, typically a parent or guardian, to co-sign the lease. As a guarantor, you are agreeing to cover the financial responsibilities of the lease if your student cannot. Because ōLiv uses individual leases, that responsibility is limited to your student’s space only.

What Guarantors Are Responsible For

  • Monthly installment payments if the student cannot pay
  • Any damages or fees associated with the student’s lease
  • Not the financial obligations of any roommates

One of the most common questions from parents is exactly what comes with the apartment. Here is a clear breakdown.

Standard Apartment Features

  • Fully furnished unit with modern, custom-designed furniture
  • Bedroom: bed, desk, and chair
  • Common areas: sofa, coffee table, flat-screen TV, and bar stools
  • Premium stainless steel appliances: range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator
  • Designer cabinetry and architectural track lighting in kitchen available in select units
  • Full-size in-unit washer and dryer
  • High-speed WiFi throughout the building
  • Ethernet port in each bedroom
  • FOB front door entry and individually keyed bedrooms
  • Air conditioning

Optional Upgrade Packages

Students who want an elevated experience can choose from two upgrade tiers at an additional cost.

  • VIP: Top-floor unit with smart home technology, upgraded finishes, and premium in-unit features
  • Mansion: Everything in VIP, plus a private outdoor terrace with furniture and a private hot tub

Contact the ōLiv Madison leasing office for current pricing on upgrade packages, as rates are subject to change.

What Families Should Plan For

  • Monthly installments: Rates vary by floor plan and lease term. Contact the leasing office for current pricing.
  • Utilities: Utilities are not bundled into rent at ōLiv Madison. Residents are responsible for setting up and paying for electricity and other utility services separately.
  • Parking: Reserved on-site parking is available in the multi-level garage. Contact the leasing office for current rates.
  • Renter’s insurance: Required at ōLiv Madison. Students can either provide their own qualifying policy or enroll in the community’s liability insurance program. Contact the leasing office for current pricing.
  • Personal expenses: Groceries, household supplies, and personal items will vary based on individual lifestyle.

Where a student lives has a real impact on how they do academically and how they feel day to day. ōLiv Madison is designed to support both.

Academic and Study Spaces

  • Computer lab and meeting spaces throughout the community
  • Individually keyed bedrooms to minimize noise and distractions while studying
  • High-speed WiFi building-wide to support coursework and virtual learning
  • Ethernet port in each bedroom for a reliable wired connection

Fitness and Recreation

  • On-site fitness center with TRX and CrossFit equipment
  • Rooftop pool, hot tub, and sun deck
  • Spa center with sauna and steam room
  • Outdoor BBQ and lounge areas
  • Gaming and social lounge

On-Site Management and Support

  • On-site professional management team
  • 24/7 on-call maintenance for urgent issues
  • Resident portal for maintenance requests and rent payments
  • Concierge desk for resident assistance

Move-in weekend is a big moment, and a little preparation goes a long way toward making a smooth transition into your new Madison apartment.

Before Move-In Day

  • Review the lease together so both you and your student understand the financial responsibilities, policies, key dates, and what happens at move-out
  • Coordinate with roommates in advance to avoid duplicating shared items such as kitchen supplies
  • Since the apartment comes fully furnished, the packing list can stay focused on personal essentials: bedding, toiletries, cookware, school supplies, and decor

On Move-In Day

  • Walk through the apartment carefully on arrival and document the condition of everything, including furniture, appliances, and common areas
  • Report any issues or pre-existing damage to the management team right away
  • The on-site team will be available to help with questions and walk residents through the check-in process

Settling In

  • Personal touches like photos and familiar items help the space feel like home faster
  • Exploring the community early, finding the study rooms, fitness center, and rooftop, helps students build a daily routine
  • Welcome events at the start of the year are a low-pressure way for students to meet neighbors

Move-Out

Move-out timelines align with the academic calendar. Review the lease for specific checkout dates, key return procedures, and final account steps. The on-site team can walk students through the process.

ōLiv Madison is located at 339 W. Gorham St. at the corner of Gorham Street and Broom Street, putting it right at the edge of the UW-Madison campus and downtown Madison.

Campus Proximity

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison: 0.4 miles away, an 8-minute walk, depending on your student’s destination on campus
  • State Street: steps from the front door, connecting the building directly to campus and downtown dining, shopping, and entertainment
  • Downtown Madison: walkable from the property

Getting Around

  • Madison Metro Transit bus stop and a bike-share station are located right outside the building
  • Campus shuttles pass directly in front of the property
  • Indoor bike storage available on-site for students who ride or scooter to campus
  • Reserved parking in the on-site multi-level garage (optional, contact leasing office for current rates)
  • Highly walkable and bikeable neighborhood with direct access to campus routes

How the Process Works

  • Students are the primary point of contact for all account, maintenance, and lease matters
  • Federal privacy laws limit what information the management team can share with parents or guardians without the student’s consent
  • If you need to be involved in a specific conversation about your student’s account, they will need to be part of that exchange

How Families Can Stay Involved

  • Read through the lease with your student before signing so everyone understands the financial responsibilities, policies, and key dates
  • Encourage your student to stay current on notices, payment deadlines, and renewal timelines throughout the lease term
  • Talk through move-out expectations and the fee schedule early so there are no surprises at the end of the year

The on-site team at ōLiv Madison is happy to answer general questions about the community. For anything specific to a resident’s account, the student needs to be part of that conversation.

Your burning questions, answered.

What is a guarantor and why is one typically required at ōLiv Madison?

A guarantor is a person, typically a parent or guardian, who co-signs the lease and agrees to cover the resident’s financial obligations if the student cannot meet them. Guarantors are often required because most students do not yet have the independent income or credit history needed to qualify for a lease on their own. Because ōLiv Madison uses individual leases, a guarantor is only responsible for their student’s space, not any roommate’s portion.

What financial responsibilities does a guarantor have at ōLiv Madison?

A guarantor is responsible for the resident’s monthly installments and any charges or damages if the student cannot pay. Because leases are individual, the guarantor’s responsibility covers only that student’s space, not any roommate’s portion.

Are utilities included in rent at ōLiv Madison?

No, utilities are not included. Residents at ōLiv Madison are responsible for setting up and paying for electricity and other utility services separately. Contact the leasing office for information on any additional monthly charges, as these are subject to change.

Is renter’s insurance required at ōLiv Madison?

Yes, personal liability insurance is required at ōLiv Madison. Students can provide their own qualifying policy or enroll in the community’s liability insurance program. Contact the leasing office for current pricing on the community’s insurance option.

How does the roommate matching service work at ōLiv Madison?

ōLiv Madison offers a free roommate matching service for residents who request it. The team personally reviews resident profiles and matches students based on shared interests, study habits, sleep habits, noise preferences, cleanliness, and more. Students who already have roommates in mind can choose to live together instead.

How are maintenance requests handled at ōLiv Madison?

Residents can submit maintenance requests through the online resident portal, by calling the leasing office, or by visiting the front desk in person. The on-site team is on-call 24/7 for urgent issues. Residents are expected to submit their own maintenance requests.

How does move-in work at ōLiv Madison?

Move-in is scheduled ahead of the fall semester. Students receive information about key pickup, arrival procedures, and unit inspection in advance. The on-site team is present on move-in day to assist with questions and walk residents through the check-in process.

Can parents be listed on the lease or access account information?

Parents and guardians who serve as guarantors co-sign the lease. However, for day-to-day account matters, students are the primary point of contact. Federal privacy laws limit what information the management team can share with parents or guardians without the student’s consent. If you need to discuss account details, your student will need to be part of that conversation.

Is parking available at ōLiv Madison?

Yes, reserved parking in the on-site multi-level garage is available at an additional cost. Indoor bike storage is also available for students who ride or scooter to campus. Contact the leasing office for current parking availability and rates.

What upgrade options are available at ōLiv Madison?

ōLiv Madison offers two upgrade tiers, VIP and Mansion, that add premium finishes, smart home technology, upgraded features, and in the case of the Mansion package, a private outdoor terrace with a hot tub. All upgrades are add-ons to the standard apartment. Contact the leasing office for current availability and rates.