<p>I'm applying for housing at the University of Florida right now, and just wanted some input. I'm from out of state so I don't know too much about the dorms.</p>
<p>Which on campus dorms do you recommend, and why? I'm wanting to be in very social dorms, but no community bathrooms. The east side of campus would be nice. Also, I'm also going into the communications program if that matters.</p>
<p>Also, are off campus dorms a better deal? I don't want to spend over what I would for on campus, but if they are the same price what should I look into?</p>
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I'm wanting to be in very social dorms, but no community bathrooms. The east side of campus would be nice.
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<p>The most social dorms will be the dorms with the community bathrooms. The only dorms on the east side w/o community bathrooms is Beaty and to some degree Murphree (+ the few apartments in Sledd and Fletcher). </p>
<p>Your dorm needs sound kinda like mine did (even the communications aspect)-- But I'm in Beaty right now, and I have to say, I love it! Classes are within a 10-15 walking distance, and it's close to the other dorms/most of the important campus stuff. Yes, the rooms are smaller than the traditional style dorms, but the common room/kitchenette compensates for that (which is great if you're like me and stay up late/don't want to wake your roommate). Plus you only share a bathroom with 3 other people.
As for social needs: My actual room is really social; we eat dinner together/leave our doors open/etc. Our floor? Not so much. It really depends on the floor, as I've gone down to friends on other floors which were much friendlier. If social is your priority, go with the traditional, but I honestly don't feel like I've been missing out on meeting anybody.</p>
<p>As for off-campus housing: A few of my friends live off campus and they don't pay significantly more than me (I've even heard it could be cheaper), it depends on the apartment. But if you're looking for social, it's a risk. Assuming you're not moving in with a friend, the roommate matching is a real crapshoot. And while the bus system here is pretty legit, I kinda like the ability to walk to class (although I will most definitely move off-campus next year). But as a freshman, it's just so much easier being on campus, especially as you're trying to get involved/break into a routine.
RECOMMENDATION: Beaty</p>