Yes, the textbook thing is correct and has been the policy at several UW’s for many years. I went to UWSP and still remember my tuition was $335/sem and included books. They’ll even give you a dictionary and a few other general books if you want. I’m not sure about the gym membership - maybe they meant there was an extra student fee to use it (and that fee was mandatory?)? It would be different if they had an a la carte pricing for student facilities, but maybe they are trying to keep the costs down fees ? Both my kids are at schools where everything is included in their student fees- sports, concerts, movies, rec center, museums on campus.
It’s not unusual for colleges to only have housing for freshman. Upper classmen often want to live off campus in apartments or co-ops or Greek housing. It’s usually cheaper (especially the meal plan).