I was just recently accepted into UF (and I plan on attending in the Fall) and I was wondering which residence hall is the best for freshman? I am currently debating between Beaty and Broward. I know that Broward has the better social life, but rooms are smaller and the bathroom is communal. Can someone tell me if Beaty is much better? I plan on rushing and I like the idea of Broward being so social. I guess I’m just looking for additional information/comparisons between the two dorms. Also does anyone know anything about Cypress Hall?
Cypress Hall is very nice, brand new building, larger beds.
I’m a junior at UF and lived at Murphree, but I had a friends living at Beaty and Broward so I’ve seen the dorms. They’re very interesting… like at Beaty, the room set up is janky and crammed. My friends beds had to be positioned awkwardly because it was so tight. Broward is also super small and outdated. I used their communal bathrooms once and I witnessed some gross stuff… but you see that at most communal bathrooms.
I wouldn’t recommend either of those, and I only had one friend who lived at Cypress and they spent a lot of time out of their dorm because they didn’t like their environment.
If I could go back and change my freshman dorm experience, Windsor Hall would have been my choice. It’s not a traditional dorm, but it’s less expensive even though it’s “luxury.” I had a couple friends living there and they had their own bathroom and kitchenette so they didn’t have to share. I would definitely check that out! And congrats on becoming a gator!!! you’re going to love it at UF 
Here’s what we’ve heard repeatedly:
Beatty: The elevators sometimes break down and are slow. The halls and rooms often smell since they have kitchens and the smells build up. They are rather far from classes compared to other freshman dorms.
Broward: All but one male wing has been renovated, so I assume the post above @kjevelyn visited there before then. It has a reputation for being a very social dorm since it houses the most freshman. The new closet/wardrobes are very small and there are communal bathrooms. A plus: you don’t have to clean the bathrooms like in Beatty.
The Murphree Area: Is mainly upperclassmen. Murphree Hall is for the 2nd year Honors students and Returning Gators program. The rooms in all halls in this area are all different sizes and shapes.
Windsor and Ivy House: Be aware that you rent the room for fall/spring AND summer unlike on campus dorms.
We just got an email that the singles at Windsor are filled (for the guys at least).
@SouthFloridaMom9, thanks for the heads-up. As an international parent with an incoming Gator kid, which dorm would you think my kid should go through? The housing contract has been sent so we are in the processing of filling it out. Thanks again!
Weaver Hall houses a mix of international students and American students, You may be interested in that one.
@Greensat - unfortunately I know nothing about UF dorms. We didn’t even put in a housing deposit back in the fall, because I really didn’t think my homeschooler would get in. 
Good luck!
My Daughter lives at Social 28 right on 13th street across from tigert hall. She has been very happy as the places are brand new. It’s been convenient to walk or even take the busses. they have many options for rooms and bathrooms. My daughter lives in a master with her own bathroom and balcony. We looked at all the dorms and thought this was much better. it is however a year round lease. Utilities such as water, electric and internet are included. The places are nicely furnished as well.
@OrlandoGator - did she do that freshman year? Was it hard to meet other freshmen?
It’s so close to campus she had no trouble making friends. Most of her friends she found in her classes then it just blossomed. I bought her the on campus meal plan which has helped as well. The nearest dining hall is 2 blocks away so she doesn’t have to cook.