<p>Hi! I will (hopefully) be an incoming student in the Fall of 2012. I'll be considered a freshman, but my actual standing is that of a junior. Long story, but it is because of Dual Enrollment. Anyway, I was considering living off-campus with a good friend of mine who will be attending Santa Fe College, also in Gainesville, and we would split the cost of the apartment, etc.. I have a few questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How do you feel about living off-campus versus on-campus?</p></li>
<li><p>Are there any specific places I should look at in particular to live that are both close to campus and not very costly? (We both have jobs and are currently putting money away every time we get a paycheck, but the little bit we make will not suffice for a costly apartment.)</p></li>
<li><p>Though this is an off-topic question, would anyone happen to know if I would have to attend a freshman orientation course if I am techncially not really a freshman? I was told that, although I will have my AA upon attending UF, I will still be considered a freshman, solely for scholarship purposes.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Standing of a Junior, not a Sophomore? You have how many credits?
Some of my comments are dependent on your age.
Dependinrg on your intended major you may or may not take full advantage of your credits. Do you want to jump into Calc 3 or French 4 or Organic Chem 2 (for example) at UF dependent on what you earned on a test elsewhere? Many don’t. But a lot of those credits do serve for basic requirements or electives. This may not be your scenario but just a thought.
I don’t know about the various apartments. Living on campus is great as a freshman–you’re close to everything and it’s easier to adapt I think. The usual argument for it is the opportunity to make friends. You’ll have to decide that since you already have a friend going to Santa Fe with whom you want to room. Are you going to stay on that track for the next couple years?
But (I’m a parent by the way so my viewpoint is “different”), consider football games, clubs, gyms, social stuff that your friend may not be able to do with you. How independent are you from your friend?
good luck!</p>
<p>Yes, upon graduating high school, I will have 80+ college credits, so I was told that I would be of a junior standing. I will be continuing to work on my Bachelor’s by the time I get to UF. Currently, my best friend and I are “joined at the hip,” but I am a VERY independent person and constantly need alone time and time to be with others. I plan on majoring in English and perhaps minoring in Psychology, if this helps at all. I would love to be involved in on-campus activities. My only quandry is that I am very peculiar about who is a part of my personal space, and I don’t do well with living in close quarters with people I don’t know well. That being said, if I were to live on campus, I know I would choose to live in the suite-style or whichever style allows for the most privacy. I would definitely not be able to deal with the community style - I suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and sharing a bathroom with 40 girls is terrifying to me. </p>
<p>I’m open-minded, though, and am willing to consider any suggestions. :)</p>
<p>Room with your friend. It’ll be great and probably solve future problems before they happen. There are many apartments close to campus with bus service that would be great for you. I don’t know prices etc but I’m sure it will be easy enough to find out. Some apartments have roommate services so the two of you could maybe sign up together to get an apartment for 4 for economy (don’t know your situation).
good luck!
did you consider New College?</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice! The bus service will definitely be helpful. I was considering bringing my car, but only using it for emergencies, or if I have a job off-campus that is a bit far away. </p>
<p>I did consider New College. I received a lot of information in the mail and applied there. I was accepted by New College, and also by USF and UCF. Just waiting on UF’s decision. :D</p>
<p>Great! If you are interested in New College at all you must visit first. Go on a full tour (don’t just drop by). The campus is low key (with High Key parties!) and their system of grading etc is very different than most. All of these campuses have very different atmospheres so choose the right one for you.</p>
<p>If this helps, I am a freshman and I lived at Lakeside for about 3 weeks. I hated living on-campus; therefore, I cancelled my housing contract and moved to some nearby apartments. Off-campus is so much better. I have a larger bed, my own bathroom, and space. Living on campus is more convenient but I only live 10 minutes away from campus. The “On-campus Experience” wasn’t for me. It all depends on preferences. Also, OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING IS MUCH CHEAPER. I WAS GOING TO PAY 2900+ PER SEMESTER AT LAKESIDE AND MY APT IS ONLY 415/MONTH.</p>
<p>I am in a similar situation by which I am undecided on if to live on-campus or off-campus. I plan on finishing my AA the summer after I finish high-school, which I assume would mean that I would transfer in and start as a Junior? I was just reading and wanted to give you kudos on getting so many college credits.</p>
<p>I am also a fellow AA recipient and student at UF.</p>
<p>Contrary to what you may think or any impression… but despite having such advanced standing, you are a FRESHMAN. If accepted, you will attend a hybrid orientation session for fellow AA admits. (More information will be mailed once accepted). At orientation you will meet with your specific advisor to create a customized plan to address any missing credits (even I had 1 class to complete) and help you make the most of your time at UF.</p>
<p>Check out Windsor Hall next to UF. It’s technically “off-campus” but it’s private dorm-style living, and there is a bathroom and kitchenette attached to each room. You don’t have to be a UF student to live there but most people are.</p>
Currently, my best friend and I are “joined at the hip,” but I am a VERY independent person and constantly need alone time and time to be with others. I plan on majoring in English and perhaps minoring in Psychology, if this helps at all. I would love to be involved in on-campus activities. My only quandry is that I am very peculiar about who is a part of my personal space, and I don’t do well with living in close quarters with people I don’t know well. That being said, if I were to live on campus, I know I would choose to live in the suite-style or whichever style allows for the most privacy. I would definitely not be able to deal with the community style - I suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and sharing a bathroom with 40 girls is terrifying to me. </p>