Affordability
Don't just think about monthly rent. Add up pet fees, utility costs, cable and internet use, and any other recurring expenses.If you are paying for your own apartment, be sure to budget your rent into each paycheck.
Amenities
What "extras" come with your rent? Most apartments near UF campus throw in things like high-speed ethernet for their tenants. Others provide furnishing, cable, or paramount landscaping and maintenance. Do the amenities provided make it easier to conduct research for school? Is there a quiet common area or study?
Atmosphere
Is the community you're looking at known for its parties? Does it boast having mostly professional or graduate students? Are the tenants mostly students? Families? While there may not be a solid positive or negative atmosphere for a property, its important that it matches your personality and lifestyle. If you are studious, you probably won't want an apartment that has pool parties every day. If you are a party animal, why live in housing that is quiet and full of families?
Building Features
Is it spacious enough that you can get away if your roommates are entertaining? If you are living in a dorm or student housing option, does your building have a pool? Do you have to share a bathroom with 30+ people? These are important factors.
How close is the apartment to bus stops? Buses can be very time-consuming in Gainesville, don't add on by having to walk miles to the stop. Better yet, look for an apartment near UF campus so you can walk to the library, classes, midtown, and anywhere else.
Safety
Do all the doors and windows lock? Does each room have at least one operable window that you can use as an escape in case of fire? Are there smoke detectors and do they work? Is the lighting outside adequate? (Note: If you’re concerned about possible crime problems around an apartment community, contact the Gainesville Police Department at 352-334-2400 and ask whether they have records of criminal complaints and if so, how many reports have been filed against the Gainesville apartment you are considering.)
Appliances
Do the freezer and refrigerator get cold enough to safeguard your food? Do the stove and oven work? If there’s a dishwasher, does it work? Is the water heater large enough to provide hot water for several showers each morning? Is the air-conditioning unit large enough to adequately cook your rooms?
Does the staff seem friendly and helpful? Are there enough people to handle maintenance and repair? What do existing tenants think of the quality and speed of service provided by this Gainesville apartment community?
Pet Policies
Does the community accept pets? Places that don't accept pets usually have very luxurious designs and high-quality features that they don't want pets near. Some places will allow pets as long as they adhere to a weight or leash limitation.