Off Campus + RTS + Meal plan

I am about to start my senior year at high school as a full time dual enrollment student. I will have my AA by December, so I would be a junior at UF a year from now. Unfortunately, living on campus is not an option for me and I will not have my own car. I wanted to know about anyone’s experience living off campus and using the bus to get to and from school. Would it be better to get an apartment walking distance from the school or is the bus not a problem? Also, I know UF offers a commuter meal plan but do not understand how the “blocks” work. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

The bus is not a problem and it’s free (i.e…covered by your tuition and fees). Most students live off campus and commute using RTS.

If you’re living off campus, I would not recommend a meal plan, unless you’re in walking distance of campus. If you don’t have a car, think about getting an apartment near a publics, etc (or near campus for a meal plan).

I lived off campus and biked every day. Nothing easier. Come and go whenever you want. Park right at the building!

Some people don’t mind taking the bus but I am not a huge fan. My friend lived in a house off campus where he had to take the bus. He had a night exam at 8:20PM and was planning on taking the bus but didn’t realize the schedule was different at night. He ended up missing the exam and having to drop the class. I feel like your safest bet is to live within walking distance to campus. There are tons of options that are literally steps away from Norman like University Heights and Ashton Lane. If I were you I wouldn’t risk having to rely on the bus system!