Best Student Housing In Orlando

Orlando student housing: compare & review cheap student apartments

Are you looking for Orlando student housing that fits your budget and class schedule? StudentCrowd lists verified properties near the University of Central Florida (UCF), with real-time availability and student-written reviews. Whether you're comparing apartments near the Alafaya Trail corridor, considering cheap off-campus housing further out in Waterford Lakes, or just calculating average UCF housing costs, this page will give you the information you need. It covers costs, popular student neighborhoods, and the full move-in process so you can make an informed decision.

Is Orlando student housing cheap? Average rent by room type

Student housing near UCF is relatively affordable in comparison to other colleges. Rent is usually in the range of $524–$1,112 per month, depending on room type, distance from campus, and amenities.

• Shared rooms: $524–$1,112/month—with a shared bathroom and kitchen, the widest price range on the market, from older complexes further out to newer purpose-built buildings close to campus.
• Rooms with private bathrooms: $596–$1,200/month—include a shared kitchen, the most common setup for UCF-area student apartments.

If you're specifically looking for cheap UCF off-campus housing, shared rooms further from the Alafaya Trail corridor consistently cost less than rooms with private bathrooms near the campus. You can use the price and room-type filters on the listings above to rank all currently available properties near UCF from the lowest to the highest rent.

The best neighborhoods for student apartments near UCF

UCF's East Orlando campus is situated in a large, car-dependent metro. This means that where you choose to live affects your commute more than it would in a smaller college town. Here's how the main areas compare:

• University area (Alafaya Trail / University Boulevard corridor)—the densest concentration of student housing near UCF, mostly within a mile or two of the main campus entrance. With the highest rents and shortest commutes, most of these purpose-built complexes feature pools, gyms, and campus shuttles.
• Waterford Lakes—just over three miles south of the campus, a well-planned community with newer apartments, shops, and entertainment. A solid middle ground on price and distance.
• Oviedo—about five miles north of campus, quieter and more residential. Popular with graduate students and upperclassmen who want distance from the undergrad scene.
• Winter Park—approximately 10 miles west of UCF, a more upscale, established city with its own restaurant and retail scene. Rents run higher here than in the university area.
• Downtown Orlando—20–30 minutes from campus by car, for students who want city life rather than campus-adjacent living. It's also the home of Orlando's pro sports scene, with the Orlando Magic's downtown arena right at the core.

There's no single best option for student housing in Orlando. It's a trade-off between a lower rent, a quicker commute, and city living.

Cost of living for students in Orlando

Rent is only part of the budget. Here's a realistic monthly cost of living for a student sharing an apartment near UCF:

• Rent (shared apartment, private bedroom): $700–$1,100
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $100–$160—Florida's climate means year-round A/C costs, so budget toward the higher end in summer
• Groceries: $300–$400
• Transportation (LYNX bus pass, gas, or campus shuttle where included): $50–$100
• Phone plan: $40–$60
• Renters insurance: $10–$20
• Entertainment, dining out, and extras: $150–$220

Estimated total: roughly $1,350–$2,060 per month. Actual costs depend heavily on how close you live to campus. University-area apartments cost more but cut transportation costs, while Waterford Lakes or Oviedo trade a longer commute for lower rent.

What’s included in Orlando student housing rent?

Most purpose-built student housing near UCF is furnished and includes at least gym and pool access and Wi-Fi in the rent. Always check what is included in the lease before you sign, because it varies more by property in Orlando than in other areas.

Individual-lease apartments—where each roommate signs their own contract rather than one joint lease—are common in the University area. They can be a good idea because they limit your liability to your own rent and damages. Many complexes near UCF also run a free shuttle to campus.

On-campus vs. off-campus housing in Orlando

UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, and its on-campus housing fills up fast. We recommend that you apply as early as the university allows if you want to live on campus. Off-campus housing near UCF gives you more independence, but you'll need to budget for a deposit, utilities, and renters insurance on top of rent.

We suggest that you start your search five to six months before you move in. The University-area corridor along Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard is the most competitive. The best cheap UCF off-campus housing in Waterford Lakes and Oviedo tends to get booked early too, so start your search in plenty of time.

FAQs about Orlando student housing

How much does student housing near UCF cost?

Shared rooms start around $131/week, while rooms with private bathrooms can cost $149–$275/week. Properties further from the Alafaya Trail corridor—in Waterford Lakes or Oviedo—tend to be cheaper than those right on campus.

Is Orlando student housing cheap?

It can be cheap when compared to other Florida colleges. Choosing a shared room or looking slightly further out in Waterford Lakes or Oviedo can reduce costs. 

What are the best neighborhoods for student apartments near UCF?

The University area along Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard is closest to campus and has the highest concentration of student housing. Waterford Lakes and Oviedo are quieter, more affordable alternatives a few miles out. Winter Park suits students who want a more upscale, established area and don't mind the commute.

What is the cost of living for a student in Orlando?

In addition to rent, expect to spend roughly $650–$960 per month on utilities, groceries, transportation, phone, insurance, and entertainment. This means total monthly costs, including a shared room, are somewhere in the $1,350–$2,060 range.

When should I start searching for student housing in Orlando?

We advise you to start looking five to six months before move-in. UCF is one of the largest universities in the US, and the University-area corridor around campus fills up quickly.

Are Orlando student housing units usually furnished?

Most purpose-built student housing near UCF comes furnished. If you're renting from a private landlord, you should always confirm the furnishing status before signing.

Can I tour Orlando student housing before booking?

Yes, most properties near UCF offer in-person tours. It's also worth checking whether a complex offers a campus shuttle before you commit.

How much is a security deposit for Orlando student housing?

Most properties near UCF ask for a deposit equal to one month's rent, which is refundable at move-out if there's no damage. It’s a good idea to confirm the exact amount and return timeline in writing before you sign.

Do Orlando student apartments require a cosigner for international students?

Most properties require a guarantor. International students without a US-based cosigner can usually qualify instead through a larger deposit, prepaid rent, or a third-party guarantor service. It’s worth asking about this directly because policies vary by property.

Can I rent Orlando student housing for one semester only?

Some properties near UCF offer semester-length or short-stay leases alongside standard nine- to twelve-month terms. You can use the tenancy-length filter on the listings above to see which currently available properties offer flexible terms.

Is Orlando student housing pet-friendly?

It depends on the building. Check the pet-friendly filter on the listings above before you apply. Also confirm any pet deposit or monthly pet rent directly with the property.

Does Orlando student housing include parking?

It varies by property. Some include free parking, some charge extra, and some don't offer on-site parking at all. Check the transport filter above before applying if you plan to take a car.

What do parents need to know about signing an Orlando student housing lease?

Most properties near UCF require a US-based guarantor, and cosigning means taking on legal responsibility for the full lease term. Individual leases limit liability for your student's own share of the rent, so ask the leasing office about an individual vs. joint lease. Always confirm the deposit amount and payment schedule in writing before signing.

Does Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship cover UCF housing costs?

No. Bright Futures pays tuition and mandatory fees only. It doesn’t cover housing or living expenses. If your total financial aid exceeds what you owe in tuition and fees, your school can refund the difference. You can then use this money for rent, but there's no dedicated housing line item in the award itself.