We're super excited for all of the new development surrounding Creative Village, and especially
UCF's Downtown Campus! Scheduled to open in Fall 2019, UCF's Downtown Campus will be a center for student innovation boasting a walkable lifestyle where students can learn, explore, shop, and dine in the new Creative Village neighborhood in Downtown Orlando. When it comes time to choose an apartment near UCF's Downtown Campus, you have a few options. Rest easy, we've evaluated the pros and cons, so here are your options:
Choose a Dormitory at UnionWest
Perhaps the most obvious option for student living near UCF Downtown is the new UnionWest dormitories. These dorms will be exclusive to students attending the University of Central Florida or Valencia College and will include 4-bedroom options in a 15-story building with retail and student services on the first floors. The dorms offer a variety of four bedroom options, with both classic dorms (single and double occupancy) and more apartment-style dorms where residents will have a private bathroom and kitchenette.
Pros: Brand new, student-exclusive, get immersed in UCF culture at Creative Village, walk to class, pay for housing directly with financial aid
Con's: More expensive than other student options, small spaces
Live in a Classic Student Apartment near UCF's Main Campus
You might find that you only have a couple of classes to attend at the University of Central Florida's Downtown Campus with your other classes on the main campus. If this is the case, it might be beneficial to choose an apartment close to main campus. There are 15+
UCF apartment options near the main campus that offer student friendly features such as roommate matching, individual leases, and student-focused amenities. There will be a UCF shuttle that will take students from the main campus to Downtown Campus, so it should be easy to commute from your apartment to the new downtown campus. There are also a lot of benefits that come with living close to The University of Central Florida's main campus, study at the library, use your student ID to use on-campus gym facilities, get involved with greek life, join a club, and even participate in the intramural sports program.
Pros: Larger student body in this area, take advantage of main campus facilities, cheaper apartment options, student-friendly lease options
Con's: 25 minute commute to UCF's Downtown Campus
Apartment Options in Creative Village
The new Creative Village development also includes brand new apartment development. Keep in mind, the new
apartments in Creative Village do not include student lease options so you'll need to find your own roommate if renting anything larger than a 1 bedroom. These apartments are within walking distance to classes at UCF Downtown and all that Creative Village offers. A few of the apartments near Creative Village will offer both market rate and affordable apartments reserved for those who qualify for affordable housing programs. Be sure to ask good questions before you tour to make sure you qualify!
Pros: Brand new, walking distance to UCF Downtown, get immersed in Creative Village culture, larger square footage than dormitory options
Con's: Not student-exclusive, no student lease options, find your own roommate
Apartments in Nearby Neighborhoods
Orlando's suburbs are full of apartment options and there are a couple of neighborhoods that are less than 15 minutes from UCF's Downtown Campus. You might find that apartments in surrounding areas a bit more budget-friendly than brand new apartments within walking distance to The University of Central Florida's Downtown Campus. We recommend checking out
apartments near Full Sail in Winter Park, with the University in this neighborhood many of the apartments have student friendly policies for qualifying and will allow you to have a guarantor if you do not meet income requirements. Additionally,
College Park apartments provide options that are very close to UCF Downtown (although not walking distance) and you can take advantage of College Park's ecclectic vibe and walkable shops/dining.
Pros: Expanded options, cheaper options
Con's: Commute to UCF Downtown