The University of South Florida does not require their students to live in a dormitory on campus. However, there are some strict requirements that do force certain students to live on the South Florida campus during their first year at the University. These students eligible to live on campus during their freshmen year are those not residing in Hillsborough, Pasco, or Pinellas counties.
USF apartments on campus are actually quite nice. These units allow students to live with their future classmates in an apartment setting with a shared kitchen and living room, and their own private bathrooms in a four-bedroom floor plan. Due to USF's recent expansion, these properties are practically brand new. There are several lounges and restaurants open until 2am just within your building. Additionally, there are several community areas in the middle of your complex that feature flat screen TV's, couches, and laundry facilities.
On campus in the middle of the resident living area is a local convenient store with gas station type foods, and your basic amenities such as soft drinks, medicines, snacks and groceries.
A short walk from the on campus USF apartments is the USF burger King, Subway, Moe's, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, Beef O'Brady's and more. There is also a full access gym to be used in the early and late night hours. Aside from the three pool on campus near your living quarter, the gym also includes a pool, basketball courts, yoga rooms, zumba, spinning, pilates, and more.
There are apartments near USF that are off campus, for those who are not required to live on the properties of USF. These units can be as close as just a minute away from campus to up to 30 minutes from class. Homes in these areas can be relatively inexpensive and are strategically designed to cater to its student residents. Many of these areas offer social pool parties and gatherings in to enhance the student community. Similar to on campus housing, some of these buildings offer roommate selection and rent by room leasing options. Some of these flexible leases allow you to rent yearly, monthly or even by semester.
Units off campus can range from $300-$1200 per month on average. The versatility in prices gives you the option to choose from luxury living to fully-furnished units or barely-there basics. Another added benefit to choosing to live off campus is having the option to bring your pet to live with you. Although each complex may have regulations according to what type of pets you may bring on board, you can always check with your leasing manager to ensure whether or not you pet will make a suitable roommate.
Although the student living areas at USF are quite exceptional, you do not have to live in a dorm on campus. There are plenty of on and off campus living areas throughout the USF neighborhood that allow you to find the perfect living arrangement for you.