Moving to Orlando to Attend UCF: ADVICE & INFO NEEDED PLEASE (Miami: apartment complex, foreclosures)

[GorgeousK]

Hi everyone,
In a couple of months I'll be moving to Orlando to attend UCF. As of now me and my boyfriend will be moving together. I would like to know if anyone could tell me anygood areas, apartments, or townhouses to move into that are not too far from campus and also are in a safe area. I also would like to know how students who attend UCF feel about the university {Im attending the school of business}. Thanks so much

[ngrome]

UCF is an up and coming university that has experienced tremendous growth synonymous with Orlando's growth the past 10 years. It is I believe top 5 in total student enrollment nationwide, with only the UF or FSU having just as many students.

Given that, being established in 1966, it's still a faily young institution. It has made great strides in recent years with expanding the campus, including housing, and getting it's own football stadium, while trying to build up the sports program. But I don't think it will be in the same tier as UF and FSU, or even Miami, yet despite its efforts as far as sports is concerned. But I heard that one of Michael Jordan's sons is going there next year to play basketball, so it will get further exposure.

Academically, it's pretty solid and has a very good partnership with surrounding industry for research. Engineering and business programs seem to have good reputations. But nationally, I don't think it still has that recognition as the other Florida insitutions as well as others nationwide.

UCF is pretty much synonymous with Orlando, other than Disney. Put it this way, as a UCF student and future graduate you would be proud, particularly in Orlando that you go there, but nationally, I don't think people have really heard of it compared to let's say you graduated from University of Florida or Florida State University. It also had the reputation that you ended up in UCF because you couldn't get into any of the other Florida flagship schools.

As far as housing, I would recommend you try and rent one of the many rental homes available in the area rather than get into an apartment. There have been safety issues with regards to living in surrounding apartment complexes but part of the reason is some of these kids are being careless with staying out late (I know, college kids do), but going back to their rooms by themselves instead of finding an escort. I would find something towards the back of campus towards the Oviedo or East Orlando side, such as University Estates or surrounding subdivisions, rather than towards 50 and Alafaya, or along all those apartments along Alafaya or towards the west, as traffic is crazy there, and safety is a concern. I know some may not have a choice, but I really can't recommend apartment living for college students, I would recommend the dorms or off-campus rental houses.

[ngrome]

Also, I don't know if you've seen this, but here's a compilation of crime statistics that's posted by UCF's own police department, as they are required to do so under Florida "sunshine" laws, or public access records. If you look, they break it down by the university-partnered apartment complexes that are around the campus. Hopefully you find this info useful in your research:

UCF Police Department

Good luck!

[douknownam]

Originally Posted by ngrome

It also had the reputation that you ended up in UCF because you couldn't get into any of the other Florida flagship schools.

This might be true in certain majors, but UCF's engineering and comp. science college tops other major FL universities. When people think of the major public FL universities, it's UF - medical -- FSU - law -- UCF - IT/engineering...

[ngrome]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ngrome
It also had the reputation that you ended up in UCF because you couldn't get into any of the other Florida flagship schools.

Originally Posted by douknownam

This might be true in certain majors, but UCF's engineering and comp. science college tops other major FL universities. When people think of the major public FL universities, it's UF - medical -- FSU - law -- UCF - IT/engineering...

I actually agree with you, I stated that UCF's engineering program has a good reputation, but it's probably through the perception of the whole school in general because in recent years UF and FSU have been more selective in enrollment, having to deny students admission, while UCF has not (i.e., letting anyone in, which could account for the huge growth). That may be changing these days because of the state budget situation and how it's affecting all Florida educational institutions, and therefore that perception may change.

Oh, and don't forget UCF is establishing its own medical school!

[GLS2010]

i agree that renting a house in a subdivision would be a better idea, look into waterford lakes, oveido, lake pickett/tanner road area.

[rfletcher]

Originally Posted by ngrome

Quote:
Originally Posted by ngrome
It also had the reputation that you ended up in UCF because you couldn't get into any of the other Florida flagship schools.



I actually agree with you, I stated that UCF's engineering program has a good reputation, but it's probably through the perception of the whole school in general because in recent years UF and FSU have been more selective in enrollment, having to deny students admission, while UCF has not (i.e., letting anyone in, which could account for the huge growth). That may be changing these days because of the state budget situation and how it's affecting all Florida educational institutions, and therefore that perception may change.

Oh, and don't forget UCF is establishing its own medical school!

Actually, based on % of applicants accepted, I believe UCF is currently more selective then FSU, though FSU does still have slightly higher average SAT/ACT scores, so they're obviously not just letting anyone in.

[jbphillips]

I think this may have been said already, but you should stay away from the places that are on Alafaya Trail between hwy 50/colonial drive and University. Once you are south of colonial drive, or north of university, the areas are safer.

[orlando_gal09]

I live in one of the complexes that markets to students in the UCF area (The Lofts) - and I am a grad student at UCF. I would echo what everyone else has said concerning the student housing - you'd probably be better off avoiding it. Definitely avoid between 50 and the University. I've heard stories of rapes, assaults, and there has been lots of theft. A month or two ago someone tried to break into our apartment during the day.

And this is one of the nicer complexes in the area. (A caveat: the staff is great, they've done a lot to try to make things safer - with security patrols and such - it has gotten better over the past year, but I still had to deal with an attempted break in - which rattled me.)

I think you'd be better off renting a house somewhere in Avalon or in Oviedo. Stay away from any apartment complex that has the word "Pegasus" in it - (Pegasus Pointe, Pegasus Landing) those are notorious for crime and poor service. Some students have rented in other areas close by - I've heard bad things about 50 headed towards Dean road, but when I've spoken to friends who've lived there, they haven't had much trouble. However, I have heard of issues in those areas, so it can be a bit touch and go.

You might want to try contacting a realtor in the area and working with them - or coming down and driving the neighborhoods in the area - seeing which you like best - then contacting a realtor.

In terms of UCF - one of the big jokes here is that UCF stands for "U Can't Finish." But I don't think that is true - a lot just depends on the motivation level of the individual. UCF's reputation varies depending on the program - but it is generally lower than UF and Florida State. (I think that UF is considered to be a public ivy.) In any event, the thing that I've absolutely loved about UCF is that they push research at the undergraduate and graduate levels. They want to have a better reputation and if you can contribute to that - you'll most likely be granted opportunities that you won't get at larger or more prestigious universities. If you are thinking about grad school in the future, having that research experience is key. And not having to compete really hard to get it is invaluable. I've also found the professors to be uniformly helpful (at least the ones I've spoken to). You'll have to do just about everything online, which can be a pain, but once you get used to it, it isn't that bad. Overall, I think you get a good education for the price tag. The one piece of advice I'd give you is to really take advantage of every opportunity - every internship, coop, research opportunity, etc. Even if you don't go to grad school, those are golden opportunities.

If you are coming from out of state - try to establish your residency at least 365 days before school starts next year so that you'll qualify for in-state tuition (if you are planning to stay here of course). Check with the college for residency qualification requirements - things like getting a drivers license, utilities in your name, a signed lease, etc. can really help you and will lower your tuition costs for the next year because you'll be an in-state resident.

I wish you all the very best concerning your education at UCF!

[RobRCR]

I basically agree with the gist of what everyone else said about the school. UCF has become much more selective in its enrollment and the technical majors and business majors are top notch. I am a College of Business grad and found an excellent job through their career office after graduation.

As far as housing, there is a neighborhood called Hickory Cove that has newer homes and cheap rent due to the mass of foreclosures right now. It is less than 2 miles from campus on off of Lokanatosa Trail.