Of course! Living in apartments near UCF rather than the dorms can be nerve-wracking and might seem scary, but it very well could be more suited to your preferences than living in on-campus housing. Dorms are typically small, and you could end up having to share the space with someone else. There are pros and cons for each option, but if you've already made up your mind about living off-campus, I do have some advice for you so keep reading.
Focus On Building Friendships
Oftentimes freshmen make friends with those who live in their room, suite, or hall. These friends are made from convenience and might not always be the friends you can count on after your first year. If you want to make good friends your first year, join extracurricular activities that you're interested in. At meetings and events make a point to talk to people and plan get-togethers outside of those activities. The same goes for your classes. Don't be shy! Speaking of get-togethers, check out UCF apartments with clubhouses. A community clubhouse might be the perfect place to meet up with friends.
Study Hard
Even though you won't be as close to the university libraries as an on-campus student might be, it's still important to spend time studying and doing homework. The libraries on campus are a great resource. It's likely that study group sessions will be held there, which will be immensely helpful for preparing for tests. If you'd rather study a little closer to your University of Central Florida apartment there are plenty of quiet complexes perfect for studying.
Make the Most Out of Living Off-Campus
Living in an apartment versus a dormitory can be beneficial to your college experience. For example, some UCF apartments have movie rooms, game rooms, pools, and more. Undoubtedly, you'll be able to find a place that meets your needs and makes your college experience more fun. If you don't believe me, check out this article about why you should live off-campus.
Don't Forget to Eat
If you're living off-campus, it's most likely that you'll have a kitchen. My biggest advice is to use it! Many students living on-campus will not have this luxury and will depend on a meal plan. Personally, I prefer making my own meals. Plus, cooking can be a fun way to hang out with your friends. Hosting dinner parties and baking late-night cookies will be some of your best college memories so cherish them and don't take your kitchen for granted.
So, there you have it. I hope these quick tips were helpful to you. Through my time in college, I've loved living in off-campus apartments, but through my experience, I know that there are differences that students should be aware of such as distance from the library and the ability to swim in the complex's pool or cook your own food. Starting college is exciting but might be scary. Follow these tips and I promise you'll get through it just fine.