Are you a University of Florida student searching for off-campus housing options? As a student, deciding where to live can be a tough decision, especially when considering the benefits of living in a sorority house or an
apartment in Gainesville. As a UF out-of-state student, I joined a sorority to meet new friends but chose to live in an apartment off-campus near sorority row, and it has been a great experience for me.
If you are in a dilemma about where to live, here are some benefits of living in apartments near UF and sorority houses around campus that you can consider to help you decide which option is the best fit for you.
Benefits of Living in UF Off-Campus Housing
Personal Space
Living in an apartment provides you with your own personal space where you can have some alone time whenever you need it. In most apartment communities, you'll have your own bedroom and sometimes
your own bathroom, which is much better than the communal living in most sorority houses. Living in an apartment typically means sharing common areas with only a few people, which can cause fewer distractions and make it easier to focus on your studies.
Ability to Cook
Apartments usually come with a kitchen where you can grocery shop and make your own meals whenever you want, unlike sorority houses that don't have an open kitchen for girls to use on the weekends when meals are served.
Choosing Roommates
Living in an apartment goes hand in hand with choosing your own roommates, whether they're in your sorority or not. You have the option to live with your sorority sisters or expand your network by meeting other students outside your sorority using
roommate matching programs at apartments near UF.
Amenities
Most Gainesville apartments come with great amenities like a pool,
fitness center, and study room that make your living experience much better. These assets give you the chance to work out or study without having to leave the community.
Proximity to Sorority Houses
Apartments near sorority row like
The Courtyards and
Lyons Corner are usually within walking distance of your chapter's house. This makes it easy for you to stop by and study or have lunch with your sisters anytime you want without having to deal with the downsides of being at the house full time.
Avoiding Communal Living Rules
Living off-campus means you don't have to follow the strict regulations set in the sorority house. Being in an apartment gives you the freedom to come and go as you please, without worrying about any dorm-like restrictions.
Benefits of Living in Your Sorority House
Dining and Cleaning Benefits
Living in your sorority house gives you quick access to homemade meals from the chef with the meal plan. In addition, housekeepers clean up the communal spaces such as bathrooms and living rooms, giving you more time to focus on your studies and socializing with your sisters.
Sometimes Less Expensive Than an Apartment
Depending on the chapter, living in a sorority house can be less expensive than living in an apartment, as many chapters have meal plans and cleaning services included in the cost of living in the house.
In conclusion, choosing where to live as a University of Florida student can be a tough decision. However, by weighing the benefits of living in apartments near UF and sorority houses around campus, you'll be able to make a decision that's best for you.