Despite the advantages of on-campus life, most students wish to get an apartment at some time during college. A large number of new apartment complexes give students even more opportunities to meet their needs. Some students begin their searches as early as November, but business is heaviest now. If location and price are students' major concerns, Ricardo said she recommends they begin looking as soon as possible. Students are forced to sign leases so far in advance because of competition from other students.
Prices can increase and time to explore options decreases the longer a student waits.
Liberal arts junior Jennifer Wangerien is expecting to graduate next year, which is her motivation for finding an apartment. UF sophomore and dormitory resident Candice Mills said she has many fears about moving into an apartment. I'm scared of going to an apartment with someone I don't know. UF sophomore Sara Lyle has added pressure to the task of finding housing for next Fall. Lyle said she is applying to be a resident assistant in the dormitories, but final decisions have not been announced yet.