Many students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison struggle with rent costs and availability, according to a new study commissioned by the university and city of Madison. Funded by the city and university and conducted by Chicago-based consulting firm Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. (JLL), the study, released Aug. 26, consisted of a survey on UW-Madison students and a separate analysis of the Madison housing community. The university distributed the survey to 46,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and 4,401 students responded. Students face many challenges in the search for campus living. Factors like an increasing rate of non-student residents, competitive fall leasing periods and expensive rates put pressure on students. When looking for housing, students prioritize proximity to campus and cost. The average UW-Madison student pays approximately $1,723 per month for housing, but “affordable” student rent was defined at around $980 per month, according to the study.