Cabana Beach often runs deals, check out their listing to see current specials and remaining availability.
Short answer? Sign now, and this is why.
Year after year the same thing happens in Gainesville: UF students wait until summer hoping for last-minute apartment deals, only to end up stressed, scrambling and in worst cases stuck with a lease they're not totally happy with. The smartest move is to lock in your Fall 2025 apartment now.
Why shouldn't I wait for last-minute deals?
Waiting for potential deals might seem tempting, but the trade-offs and potential consequences usually aren't worth it. The closer we get to fall, the fewer options you'll have, which may lead you into issues like:
- Limited Floor Plans: Let's say you have your heart set on a studio apartment off University Ave. If you wait for summer, it's very likely to be gone. This goes for any floor plan. You have no way to predict which floor plans will sell the fastest, so if you're looking for a specific layout, claim it as soon as possible.
- Roommate Chaos: Most units in Gainesville are leased by the bed, not the entire apartment. This means a place that matches your budget and lifestyle may only have one or two bedrooms left in your preferred floor plan. Signing late can make it really hard for you and your preferred roommates to get in the same unit or even the same apartment community depending on how competitive the market is.
- Location Problems: Do not underestimate how fast apartments in prime locations will go. Midtown and Sorority Row/South Gainesville in particular are highly sought after by students. Location is super important to consider, especially when it comes to commuting to UF.
- Budget Surprises: Apartments still available in summer aren't always budget-friendly. You might find the only place left that matches your other criteria is out of your price range.
So where do I find the best current deals?
Right now, many communities in Gainesville are offering really solid incentives for students who sign now, and we've made it easy for you to find them. Head to our Deals Page on SwampRentals to see the latest offers that include perks like:
- Gift card rewards for securing your lease
- Discounts on specific floor plans
These deals are all legit and a great way to save money without having to wait and risk missing out. It's important to remember that many apartments run periodic deals year-round. Our deals page is always up-to-date, so you can find incredible deals and sign your lease earlier.
What if I'm not sure where I want to live yet?
No worries, we have a tool to help with that too. You can search apartments near UF by price, location, amenities, and even things like pet policies or bus routes. Once you've narrowed down your search, check out each place's deal on our Deals Page and schedule a tour ASAP.
Think of it like this: signing early gives you more choices, better deals, and less stress. You don't want to be the person panic-signing a lease in July because everything you initially wanted is already fully leased.
Take a quick scroll through the deals, talk to your future roommates, and schedule a few tours. Future you will be glad you did.