Summer Times 2007

BY KAYLA HUMESTON

Before arriving at Beaty Towers at the University of Florida, I had no clue what I was in for. Many have told me that college dorms were repulsive. I had no idea how I was going to be able to survive.

While checking in I realized that college dorms were not as bad as I had pictured. On the first floor there is a recreational place where you can watch TV, hang out with friends and even shoot some pool.

Unlike the other dorms at UF such as Broward, dorms in Beaty Towers have individual bathrooms. Beaty dorms have showers and a common area, and every room is designed for 4 people. In the common area there is a sink, a stove, and a refrigerator- to make your freshman fifteen easier to gain. The dorm has two bedrooms each with two beds, closet area and a desk. One major advantage at Beaty is that it has air conditioning, unlike Thomas and Buckman. Beaty is the only high-rise housing residence on campus; this is a plus for students who are having trouble finding their way around campus.

Beaty West has 14 floors and Beaty East has 13 floors. “I enjoyed staying at Beaty last year, but the elevators break often, so you will definitely get your exercise walking up the stairs to the top floors,” says Kelley Nugent. It is located right across the street from a pool, the Broward beach, tennis courts and a skateboarding ramp.

At the University of Florida there are about twenty- four on- campus housing residences. There are a few residences, such as Lakeside, that are not located on the main campus, so you have to take a bus to campus.

Students are not required to live on campus, but it is highly recommended. Senior at UF, Laura Suarez- Murias says, “Living in the dorms my freshman year was the best decision that I made because I was easily able to make new friends.”

At the beginning of each semester there is a two week housing freeze. The housing freeze means you cannot move out of your dorm or get a roommate switch until after the first two weeks, so that you get to know your roommate and not judge them by first impressions.