Is dorming REALLY necessary? Or should I just get an apartment?

People say that, “oh you NEED to dorm your first year” but I mean, it’s obviously pretty late now so I’m assuming the only dorms left are the shared bedroom ones (kinda wish I signed up for a private dorm earlier but they’re, you know…expensive), but the apartments close to campus are the same price and have private bedrooms and bathrooms…
People say dorms are worth it for your social life but I can’t tell if it’s just really social people who say that. I mean I’d like to network partly because I wanna start a band and all but I’m an introvert and I’m not good at socializing as I don’t have a lot in common with most people (for example most guys like sports, I don’t. It’s rare that I meet someone with a similar music taste, etc.) and even though they consider me a FTIC student, I’ll have transfer credit due to dual enrollment and being a moron I put off my math and science classes (I didn’t know they would be harder at ucf) so I’m gonna have to do them at UCF and I’m afraid I might be working hard and that’s gonna be a nightmare. Anyway, It just bothers me because I feel like I’ll be missing out on a one-time experience, but while sharing a bedroom with a dude who snores and a bathroom with a dude who might not flush definitely sounds like an experience, I’m not sure if it’s worth $2500…So yeah I should probably decide quick. Has anyone here been in a similar situation? Can you offer any input?

There are private bedroom (shared apartment style) still available in The Towers and possible the other areas. . . .but they will soon be gone.

Try it! If you hate it, cancel your Spring contract before the deadline (forfeit ~$100) and find an apartment. Read all of the fine print on the housing website.

I’m too poor for The Towers haha. I’ll see about getting an apartment I think.

Honestly, I stayed in an apartment style my first year and everyone told me im missing out on the shared experience! however, shortly later everyone was wishing they had my dorms style because sharing a tiny room sucks lol. The biggest thing ive learned since starting school is that everyone has their own unique “college experience”. just because its common to hear about the dorms doesn’t mean its the experience you need to have. Although living on campus was a great learning experience for me- im so excited to live off campus next year. The apartments have more amenities, are just as close to classes and are cheaper for more. Although I do recommend living on campus I don’t think I would recommend the shared rooms. too many issues these days. If places like towers are to expensive and you want an apartment try to get something off campus like knights circle or pointe ( they are through UCF so you will meet students and probably see people from classes). Good Luck!

While evaluating your housing options be warned that there has been a large increase in violent crimes committed at apartment complexes near UCF in East Orlando in the last year. Do your homework and find out for yourself but here is a blog that has several articles covering the topic. I recommend you pick a apartment complex that has armed security guards to decrease the risks. WARNING: most times you will not be released from your lease agreement even if you come home to your apartment complex crawling with police after a shooting or a rape. Again, do your homework on security.

http://pal-sec.com/2015/04/30/more-gun-violence-on-ucf-student-housing-apartment-complex-grounds/