UCF
UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, sprawling and sun-soaked on the east side of Orlando. It's heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms for most of the year, so the rooms stay cool and your wardrobe stays light.
What to wear in Orlando, month by month
The national lists assume everyone needs a winter coat. Here the real questions are heat, sun, and rain — plus clothes for buildings kept ice-cold against it.
| Move-in (Aug) | 90–95°F | Hot, very humid, daily afternoon storms; peak hurricane season. AC provided. |
| Sept–Oct | 85–90°F | Hot and humid, storms continue. Shorts, tees, a poncho. |
| Nov–Dec | 65–80°F | Warm, pleasant, drier. Light layers. |
| Jan–Feb | 50s–70s | Mild winter, occasional cool snap. A light jacket for a few weeks. |
| Mar–May | 80–90°F | Warming, humid again. |
What UCF lets you bring
- AC is provided
- Microwave up to 1000W; fridge up to 5 cu ft
- Twin XL bedding (confirm your specific hall)
- UL/ETL power strip with a built-in circuit breaker — not a bare extension cord
- Damage-free wall hangings like Command strips — no nails or screws
- Low-draw LED desk and task lamps
- A fan, a reusable water bottle, and UL-listed electronics
- Open-coil / open-flame cooking: toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, hot plates, electric grills, sandwich makers
- Candles, incense, wax warmers, and anything with an open flame
- Halogen lamps
- Extension cords without a breaker; outlet splitters and multi-plug adapters
- Space heaters and personal A/C units (unless your school provides/approves them)
- Hoverboards, e-scooters, e-bikes, and other e-mobility devices
- Weapons of any kind — including decorative — and fireworks
- Toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills (no ventilation)
- Personal A/C units
These come from UCF's official housing pages and cover the essentials plus the genuinely local rules. Double-check the current official guidance before you buy — policies and renovations change every year.
Getting your room at UCF
- 01First decision
Pick your agreement type
Academic (2-semester) housing is aimed at first-years — you leave for winter break and get weekly cleaning service. Annual (3-semester) housing is apartment-style and you keep the room over breaks. Most freshmen choose Academic.
- 02Apply + prepay
Submit your application and prepayment
First-year students get preference for housing on the main Orlando campus. Apply and pay your prepayment within the window to be considered for your preferred community and room type. Main-campus housing fills well before fall — apply early.
- 03In the portal
Set your profile & roommate preferences
Log into the Housing Portal and update your profile — this drives roommate matching. You can also opt into Open Housing and answer the matching questions here.
- 04Optional
Request a Living-Learning Community
LLCs like EXCEL/COMPASS, Nursing @ Nike, or Honors connect you to a smaller community with shared programming. All except Honors live in Academic-agreement communities; Honors lives in Tower III (requires a Towers agreement).
- 05Room selection
Choose your room
In Room Selection you can review buildings and floor plans to pick rooms near the features and landmarks you care about. Then watch for your move-in details by community.
Where you'll live at UCF
Apollo Community
The oldest and smallest first-year community (~418 residents), built in 1967. Cement-and-cinderblock character, but unbeatable location — closest to the library, Reflection Pond, and Student Union, near the 63 South dining hall. The cheapest on-campus option.
Four- and five-person suites; you share a bedroom with one roommate and a bathroom/common area with three or four suitemates. Central and affordable.
Libra Community
Large first-year residence halls from 1980 on the southeast side, near the Student Health Center and 63 South dining. The biggest first-year community (~1,000 residents), close to the Recreation and Wellness Center.
Double-occupancy, suite-style — four students share a bathroom. Furthest of the academic-year communities from the heart of campus, but right by the gym.
Academic Village — Nike & Hercules
Separate but identical communities built side-by-side (2001–02), each with apartment buildings and residence halls that mainly house first-years. On the south end of campus.
Residence-hall suites: two shared bedrooms, one bathroom per four-person suite. Apartments: four private bedrooms, two baths, a living room and full kitchen. Home to the Nursing @ Nike LLC.
Neptune Community
The third Academic Village community, next to Nike and Hercules. Apartment-style with a little extra storage built in.
Four bedrooms, two baths, with a pantry area built next to the bathrooms — more storage than most. Apartment living with a freshman-friendly community around it.
Lake Claire & The Towers
Apartment-style options. Lake Claire (1993) sits dead-center on campus near the Lake Claire recreation area. The Towers at Knights Plaza (2007) are the most-wanted apartments — singles, full kitchens, ringed by eateries and the football stadium — though mainly upperclassmen, athletes, and honors students.
Older 4-bed/2-bath apartments, smack in the middle of campus — roll out of bed to class. Full kitchen, no meal plan required.
Fully-furnished singles in 4/2 or 4/4 layouts with full kitchens. Steps from Subway, Domino's, Starbucks, the arena, and the stadium. The priciest on-campus option — and worth it to many. Tower III houses the Honors LLC.
The UCF move-in checklist
Bedding6
Bath5
Laundry4
Storage & organization6
Desk & study4
Electronics6
Cleaning5
Kitchen — within the rules5
Health & meds4
Clothing — see the seasonal guide7
Move-in day go-bag5
Orlando logistics, sorted
Hurricane season is real
Power-strip spec
Bring an Ethernet cable
Orlando & around
The Pegasus Seal
Never step on the Pegasus seal in the Student Union — legend says you won't graduate. You'll see students carefully walking around it whenever the velvet ropes are down.
Waterford Lakes Town Center
The big nearby open-air shopping, dining, and movie complex (~3 miles south) where students and visiting families run errands and grab meals.
Restaurants at the Towers
An on-campus retail strip by the stadium — Subway, Domino's, Starbucks, Jimmy John's, Gringos Locos, and Knightro's all-you-can-eat. Easy for a quick bite during a visit.
Downtown Orlando & theme parks
UCF's newest housing (UnionWest) is downtown near the Amway Center and theaters, ~14 miles away. And of course the Orlando theme parks are a short drive for a family weekend add-on.
Where to stay near UCF
The Celeste Hotel
At the campus entranceA Marriott Tribute Portfolio boutique hotel right at the UCF entrance, with a celestial/space theme and the Aurora restaurant. Walkable to Family Weekend events and move-in — the most convenient stay.
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East–UCF
On Alafaya TrailA 4-star option right on Alafaya Trail at the main entrance, with shuttle service to simplify the commute. A favorite for visiting families and prospective students.
Residence Inn / Homewood Suites — UCF Area
East OrlandoExtended-stay suites with separate living areas and full kitchenettes — ideal for multi-day move-in or graduation stays. Residence Inn even offers complimentary grocery delivery.
UCF gear & gifts
UCF — links & contacts
- Housing & Residence Life: Housing@ucf.edu
- Phone: 407-823-4663