Gainesville, FL is a large college town surrounding the University of Florida and some of the best off-campus student housing in the nation. If you've been accepted as a Gator, getting to know the city will be one of the best parts of your four years. The college lifestyle is all about the balance between social and academic pursuits. Luckily, UF off-campus housing specializes in creating an immersive experience for students. You'll be able to take advantage of luxury amenities, convenient locations nearby campus, and a community of fellow Gators.

UF Off Campus Varies Based on Location

The most popular off-campus housing for UF students is typically nearby campus in the Midtown area or South & Sorority Row. Living in a midtown rental can make it easy to walk to Ben Hill Griffin stadium on game day and quickly head back and forth from campus. You can save time on your morning commute and take advantage of the city's walkability. Step outside and enjoy walking trails, the UF Student Rec Center, and local restaurants right outside. If you're in Greek life or studying in the school of education, then your spot may be the South & Sorority Row neighborhood. Here you can quickly get to chapter for dinner with your sisters or meet friends for a game of pickup soccer at Norman Field. Living nearby campus can plug you into the college lifestyle, but if you're on a budget, it may be better to save and have a little bit of a commute. For students who want more bang for their buck, try looking for off-campus housing in the Archer Road neighborhood. This is a booming area of Gainesville with every kind of food, shopping, and convenience just around the corner. Plus, communities are directly connected to the RTS bus route, making getting to campus super easy.

Decorate Your New Off Campus Living Space

When you move into your UF off campus housing it's important to feel at home. As a college student, you'll be busy with class and likely on a budget. If you're wondering how to decorate your new home, here's some tips. Explore the Gainesville resources for secondhand furniture and décor. Check out the Repurpose Project, a nonprofit that helps to eliminate unnecessary landfill waste. Here you can find cheap vintage furniture, arts supplies for a DIY project and more. Put your notifications on for certain Facebook Marketplace searches. With students constantly coming in and out of Gainesville, there is constant opportunity to find gently used furniture on the low. There are plenty of thrift stores near UF like Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity that you can find great deals at. Just be sure to give everything a thorough clean and to reimagine your finds to your personal style. 

Just remember that the University of Florida off campus housing you choose will shape your college experience. Try to take a minute to understand what kind of environment you like to live in, figure out a budget, and understand the different neighborhoods of Gainesville before you decide. Once, you've found the right Gainesville rental for you, then you can make it welcoming and cozy.