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Dorm room shortage at Wisconsin colleges

Thousands of college students have been moving onto University of Wisconsin campuses across the state. But hundreds more canâ??t, due to housing crunches.

The UW-Eau Claire housed most of its student body on campus. But nearly 230 students, including 66 freshmen, will stay in two local hotels. Thatâ??s due to a higher than expected number of upper classmen returning to the dorms. UW-Eau Claire housing director Chuck Major says thereâ??ll still be dorm staff and services for the hotel students. Major says it really does resemble a residence hall on campus.

Meanwhile, Paul Evans of UW-Madison housing says theyâ??re in a crunch too, but expect relief soon. Evans says historically, the university has always had to turn away students in the hundreds it was unable to house. UW-Madison got approval in the state budget for two new residence halls that will include 560 beds. The first dorm is scheduled to open in 2012. (Eighth item.)