UF Advice

UF housing options sound pretty complex, and it seems like all the incoming UF students have questions about housing, and rightfully so! This single decision (often made without much information, photos or advice from current University of Florida students), will have a huge impact on the new freshmen or graduate student's list. This page explores what I would consider to be the best UF Housing options for University of Florida students.


UF Housing Options FAQ:


FAQ#1 What's the best dorm for UF freshman?
It really depends on the student. There's no one UF freshman housing option that is the best fit for everyone. Most dorms don't offer any guarantees- you aren't guaranteed a/c, you aren't guaranteed the size room you ask for, you aren't guaranteed the building you request, you aren't guaranteed a good roommate-- but there are exceptions. Depending on your values, I'd consider checking out the luxury dorms for UF students webpage, which gives photos and virtual tours of dorms that fit well for the following desires:
* Don't want to share a bathroom with 40 people?: Windsor Hall or Hume
* Want a female-only dorm? Then consider Ivy House .
* Want to be guaranteed that you'll be placed in a Single Dorm room? There is no guarantee that you'll get a single dorm room at most UF dorms, but both Ivy House and Windsor Hall guarantee you will get the floorplan that you sign up for and reserve.


FAQ#2: I want the NICEST dorm I can get. Which one should I sign up for?
If you're looking for a luxury dorm with upscale amenities, Windsor Hall is definately the best choise-- and it won't break the bank either (their double dorm suites are less expensive than many standard dorms at UF). Windsor Hall offers 2 luxury dorm buildings. Both are newly built. One is female-only, and the other is co-ed. Features include attached private bathrooms for each dorm suite, attached kitchenettes for each room, double-sized closets for each tenant, laundry rooms on each wing of each floor, convenience elevators, assigned parking, on-site gym, large sparkling pool, and coded entry. Check out the photos on their website to get an idea of what it's really like-- or read their dorm reviews written by UF students.


FAQ#3: I want to live in student housing, near other UF students-- but can't stand dorms.
Most students want to live in a social atmosphere where they can easily meet other students with similar goals and interests, but dorm life isn't for everyone. Students typically know if they'll be happy living in the dorms or if sharing a bathroom with 35 or 40 other people will drive them up the wall. For students looking for student housing where they an meet other UF students (but have some privacy and space, too), I'd recommend The Courtyards student suites . Located across the street from UF and walking distance to libraries, classes, hang-outs, restaraunts, football games and nightlife, The Courtyards is a great alternative to the typical UF dorm setting. You get your own private bedroom suite in an apartment with other UF students. Each apartment has a living room, kitchen and dining room. The suites and apartments are fully furnished (basically, you move in your CDs, Ipod and clothes and they provide the rest). Utilities and cable and Ethernet are all turned on before you moved in and managed by the staff, so you can focus on school and socializing. It's a great place to meet other students, and it's the best alternative for students who just can't stand the idea of living in a dorm, but that want the full UF student experience.
* For UF students who want more privacy or can't stand dorms: The Courtyards Student Suites


FAQ#4: I'm an incoming Grad or transfer student. I want to live near UF but not in a dorm.
Grad housing (and housing for upper classmen who have been admitted as transfer students to UF) can be hard to get on campus, because many of the spaces in the dorms are reserved for UF freshmen-- plus, many of the older incoming students don't want to live in a dorm and share a bathroom with 40 other people or wear flip flops in the shower. For most incoming grad students and transfer students, the best bet is getting a studio apartment near UF and walking to UF classes and libraries. Especially if you will be TA'ing and spending lots of time on campus. If you know other people who'll be living in Gainesville, consider renting a larger apartment or a house and splitting the expenses. It's a trade off: you can maximize your living space and amenities while minimizing your expenses, but you'll have roommates. Whatever you decide, do use a service with a search for apartments near UF, so you can walk to class. Several options are available:
* For Grad Students: cheap studio near campus, unfurnished: University Park grad student housing
* For Grad Students who'd prefer an on campus private single dorm room at UF, but can't get one due to lack of availability for Fall or Spring 2008, try a furnished studio with utilities and furniture included: the Studios at Windsor Hall . You can also apply for on-campus housing, via the off-campus housing portal.
* For UF Transfer Student Housing, read this blog post on UF Transfer Student Dorm & Housing Options.


FAQ#5: I have questions about on-campus housing. How can I get those answered?
The on-campus housing FAQ is your best source for answers. You can find it here.