Best Dorms for Incoming Freshman

I have to complete the housing contract and I’m trying to figure out which are the best dorms for me.

I am already considering Windsor Hall and Ivy House, but idk about anything else really. And I can’t do Hume Hall.

I REALLY want a private bathroom but if not, then one of those bathrooms shared by a few people and not everyone.

I want to be in a dorm that is very social but not out of control.

Air conditioning is a must and I don’t really want to be on the outskirts of society.

Is there anything that will fit my needs?

Can you recommend dorms and tell me the pros and cons of each.

The price does not matter.

The typical Freshman dorms are Jennings, Broward and Beaty towers. The most social is Jennings and Broward (crazy social), while Beaty is the least, due to the “apartment” style rooms. If you’re thinking of joining a Sorority, these three are right next to the Sororities and make pledging much more convenient.

Otherwise, decide if you want an apartment style dorm (like Lakeside) or a traditional dorm (with shared bathrooms). The traditional dorms will be far more social and closer to classes (in general). Also look into the living learning communities (LLC).

http://www.housing.ufl.edu/undergrad/choices/living-learning-communities/

FYI: I think all of the dorms will have AC by the Fall.

@Gator88NE‌ Do those have communal bathrooms? How is the quality of the dorm? Are they big?

You have plenty of time to work this out. You don’t choose your actual dorm until May.

Most of the dorms the freshman choose are pretty typical–not particularly big, just two beds, two desks, two closets, with a commual bathroom down the hall. Having a communal bathroom is not that big a deal, and actually helps you get to know other students on the floor.

@lenny2 then what does the contract do? They said it’s due March 17.

It just reserves your place in housing. If you don’t do the contract now, there might not be space available later.

All th info is here: http://www.housing.ufl.edu/undergrad/apply/

And here: http://www.housing.ufl.edu/undergrad/room-signup/

You can also find floor plans for each dorm residence hall on the housing website.

If only housing and financial aid would actually answer the freaking phone! Got to say I have NOT been impressed with how UF handles communication. Just saying They don’t return calls and I have left countless messages to try to get information about how they will be handling the Florida Incentive Scholarships for housing deposits.

@saismom Honestly, the best way to communicate with UF is through twitter. They monitor that religiously.

I have also had immediate responses to emails–within minutes.

I suppose we have a unique situation and they don’t know the answer? Still waiting but still not impressed. All other schools have handled my questions promptly or found someone who could. I did email, BTW.

Other than distance ( I’ve heard that Broward is slightly closer to classes than Jennings) what differences are there between Broward and Jennings?

I live in Windsor now and really like it. There’s a bathroom attached to my room, so I only share with my roommate. II I I was thinking of living in Beaty, but they filled up really quickly last year so I wasn’t able to get a spot. I knew I would be guaranteed a place at Windsor and I wouldn’t have to worry about getting stuck in a dorm on the opposite side of campus. I’m also in a sorority and it takes about 5 minutes to walk to my chapter house for lunch and dinner, so it’s a good place to live if you’re thinking about rushing.

I called housing several times about a housing question- Florida Prepaid Plan. I filled out the housing contract and did did not pay the $175 fee. I received an email back from housing that my plan needed to be verified and housing would email me how to proceed. Very simple and no problems I think it best to complete the contract and just get your name on the waiting list. There is a spot to indicate your payment preference.

I think people make a little too much of the distance from classes sometimes. Other than Lakeside or Springs maybe its not a bad walk. My son is in Trusler. Old style dorm with long halls with rooms on both sides and a lounge. Communal bathroom. The Graham area is nice, with big shade trees, right next to the dining hall and the Graham Oasis is open late. A short walk to baseball, basketball, football. And Flavet Field is right out back. And the Hume garage is right across the street.