<p>D is on track to go to UF in the honors program hopefully. Now we have to send in the dreaded housing request. Any observations about East dorms vs. West dorms? On line anyway, Hume and Lakeside look like the nicest places. I know Hume is honors but can freshmen also stay in Lakeside? </p>
<p>Also, do you guys recommend the Eastern Block of dorms? D is a runner/cyclist so a little trek is ok as long as it's not too bad. Haven't been to campus recently enough to remember the layout. We plan to go again in the spring, but the room request needs to go in this week. help!</p>
<p>I am a freshman in Broward (East side) and I find it extremely centralized. I have a friend that lives in Graham (West side in front of Hume) that comes by and chills almost every night. Its a 10 min walk and its not that big of a deal.</p>
<p>Lakeside is a whole diff story. It is FAR. You either must have a bike or find a bus route (extremely recommended).</p>
<p>And yes, there is a possibility to get into Hume if you are not in honors.</p>
<p>If your daughter is planning for next fall, you actually have plenty of time to make a dorm decision. I remember the UF instructions were not too clear about this, but all you are doing at this point is paying a fee to secure housing. This is when they assign you a number internally in their system. The people who wait may not get their housing preferences /or may be tripled after the earlier students get their choices (although Honors students are guaranteed the option of living in Hume). </p>
<p>After your daughter is admitted, you will be asked to complete the Housing contract online. It is at that point you request housing preferences and pay a deposit. Even after the contract is completed, you still have time to change your dorm preferences. For Fall, 2009, the preference change deadline was April 30, 2009.</p>
<p>If your daughter wants privacy, consider Lakeside. It may be close to the South West Rec Center, but it’s quite a distant from the Reitz and/or Century Tower since that is the heart of the campus. Bicycle/bus is the most practical way to survive when residing in Lakeside. Freshmen are allowed to reside in Lakeside. </p>
<p>If your daughter doesn’t mind having a roommate, consider Hume. It’s nearly 3-5 minute walk from the Reitz. </p>
<p>Also consider other alternatives: traditional dorms</p>
<p>Hume is completely overpriced for what you get. I would recommend Lakeside, it is by far the nicest dorm on campus. It is a bit far, but there are several buses that run right by lakeside. Plus, if your daughter is athletic the Southwest Rec Gym is right behind Lakeside, and the bike ride is not too bad. I wish I had stayed in Lakeside in hindsight
Oh, and if she has a car, Lakeside has parking for red 3 decal which is amazingly convenient.</p>
<p>I am a freshman living in Hume right now and I absolutely love it. Initially, I was a little hesitant to live here because of the stereotypical rumors I heard about the students who are in Hume. That being said, I could not have made a better decision to live here. I love my roommate, most of the kids in my building, the facilities are new and beautiful, the spacious rooms will be the envy of all of your daughter’s friends, and the walk is definitely doable. I enjoy the walk when its nice weather and for exercise but there is also a bus stop directly outside Hume that takes you right to the center of campus near all of the classes. I would strongly advise her to live in Hume, living in Lakeside with mostly upperclassmen won’t truly be the freshman experience.</p>
