Stay at home, embrace dorm life or move off campus? How Florida students decide

For many college students in Florida, one of the biggest challenges is finding and paying for a place to live. Rising rents, limited availability and the high cost of living have turned housing into a decisive factor shaping the college experience, almost as much as tuition itself.

Mia Florian, an FIU student, chose to live on campus for the convenience of being just steps away from class. For her, avoiding long commutes and traffic is a key advantage, even if it means stretching her budget.

“I decided to live on campus because it just makes my life way easier,” said Florian. “I’m from Broward County and driving here every day with traffic was very difficult.”

Nicolas Giliberti, a student at UCF, took a different path. After living in the dorms, he decided to move off campus. Although the price is similar, he now enjoys more space and comfort.

“Compared to living on campus, I prefer off-campus because I have my own bedroom and kitchen,” said Giliberti.

Meanwhile, many students across the state face the reality of living in some of the most expensive rental markets in the country. In Miami, for example, residents often spend more than half of their income on rent.

For FIU student Mario Ojeda, independence feels out of reach. He prefers to stay with parents and focus on studies without the burden of a monthly rent payment.

“I wouldn’t be as comfortable as I am today, being able to take on internships that have been granted, school trips,” said Ojeda.

The Miami Herald is teaming up with FIU Caplin News, along with other local media outlets, to produce a series of stories that put a spotlight on South Florida’s housing crisis.