With amber, you can compare verified listings, filter by budget, and secure the best apartments near UCF with ease.
Options include shared apartments, private studios, and premium off-campus housing near UCF.
Rents average $900-$1,400/month for Orlando student housing, depending on apartment type and location.
Living in off-campus apartments near UCF offers independence, flexibility, and modern amenities while staying close to campus.
The best Orlando student apartments are in Popular areas like Alafaya, Waterford Lakes, Union Park, Downtown Orlando, and Lake Nona.
Yes, neighborhoods like Alafaya and Northgate Lakes offer walkable or shuttle-connected apartments near UCF.
Most apartments near University of Central Florida listed on amber are fully furnished, often with utilities included.
Very convenient, UCF shuttles, LYNX buses, and bike-friendly routes make commuting easy.
Neighborhoods like Alafaya and Waterford Lakes are student-friendly, with secure housing options.
Yes, amber provides perks like free airport pickup, welcome kits, and amberplus exclusive student discounts.
Finding the right apartments near University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the most important steps for students moving to Orlando. With plenty of choices, ranging from shared and private apartments to premium studios, students can find housing that fits their lifestyle and budget. Living close to campus saves commuting time, helps you stay connected to UCF’s lively campus life, and lets you enjoy the city’s cultural mix. Options include affordable student housing near UCF as well as modern student housing in Orlando with premium amenities.
With amber, securing UCF off-campus housing is simple. Students can explore verified listings like Northgate Lakes, Lark Central Florida, and The Lofts Orlando. All of these properties are fully furnished, offer flexible leases, and provide community spaces that make student life easier. Amber’s platform allows you to compare prices, filter by budget, and book trusted apartments for rent near UCF from PMGs like American Campus Communities, & many more.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. It’s one of the largest universities in the US by enrollment and is recognized for its strong academic programs, research facilities, and student community. Know more about UCF’s tuition, rankings, and programs here.
1. Student Population: UCF enrolls nearly 70,000+ students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
2. Acceptance Rate: UCF has an acceptance rate of around 45%, making it moderately selective.
3. Location: The main campus is in East Orlando (Alafaya area), with additional campuses across Central Florida, including Lake Nona for health sciences.
4. Programs: Key areas of study include Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing, Hospitality Management, and Optics & Photonics.
5. Student-Faculty Ratio: Around 30:1, ensuring students have access to faculty while benefiting from large-scale resources.
6. Tuition Fees: Tuition averages $6,368/year (in-state) and $22,467/year (out-of-state), excluding housing and living expenses.
7. Scholarships: UCF provides merit-based aid, need-based support, and research grants. Students can also apply for amberscholar for additional funding.
8. Notable Alumni: Graduates include astronaut Nicole Stott, NFL quarterback Blake Bortles, and business leaders across tech, healthcare, and hospitality.
When it comes to the best student apartments near UCF, affordability, comfort, and location are top priorities. With amber, students can find trusted and verified housing options equipped with modern amenities and flexible leases.
1. The Quad – from $999/month
2. Aperture – from $1,089/month
3. The Accolade Collegiate Village East – from $1,099/month
4. The Accolade Collegiate Village West – from $1,144/month
5. College Station Orlando – from $910/month
Students looking for apartments near UCF have access to lively and student-friendly neighborhoods that rank among the best places to live in Orlando. Each area offers a unique atmosphere, balancing convenience with affordability.
1. Alafaya: Located right next to campus, Alafaya is the most popular choice among UCF students. It offers easy access to classes, supermarkets, and restaurants. Average rent ranges from $900-$1,400/month.
2. Waterford Lakes: A residential area with a family-friendly vibe, malls, and entertainment centers. Rent here averages $1,000-$1,500/month, and it’s perfect for students who prefer a quiet lifestyle.
3. Union Park: A diverse neighborhood close to downtown and connected by bus routes to campus. Students benefit from affordable living with rents between $850-$1,200/month.
4. Downtown Orlando: For students who enjoy city energy, nightlife, and cultural activities, downtown offers a mix of modern apartments and entertainment options. Rents average $1,200-$1,800/month.
5. Lake Nona: Especially ideal for health sciences students, Lake Nona is home to medical facilities and research hubs. Rent averages $1,100-$1,600/month, making it a great choice for graduate students.
Living in Orlando is relatively affordable compared to other major U.S. cities. On average, the cost of living in Orlando is around $1,500-$2,200/month, depending on housing and lifestyle.
1. Rent: $900-$1,400/month
2. Groceries: $200-$300/month
3. Utilities: $100-$150/month
4. Phone: $40-$80/month
5. Transportation: $50-$120/month
6. Leisure/Entertainment: $100-$200/month.
Getting around Orlando as a UCF student is straightforward with a mix of public and student-focused transport options:
1. Lynx Bus Service - The primary public bus system in Orlando connects UCF to downtown, shopping centers, and nearby neighborhoods. A single ride costs about $2, while a monthly pass is $50-$60, making it budget-friendly for daily commuting.
2. UCF Shuttle Service - Free for students, this shuttle runs across campus and to nearby off-campus apartments. It’s one of the most reliable and convenient options, especially for those living in popular student housing complexes.
3. Biking & Scooters - UCF has bike-friendly pathways and racks all around campus. Students also use e-scooter rental services like Lime or Spin, which cost around $1 to unlock and 30 cents per minute. It’s perfect for quick trips between classes or nearby cafes.
4. Carpooling & Ride-Sharing - Services like Uber, Lyft, and UCF’s carpool program are popular. While Uber/Lyft rides can add up ($10-$25 depending on distance), splitting costs with friends makes it manageable.
5. SunRail & Intercity Travel - For students planning weekend getaways, SunRail connects Orlando with nearby cities, and long-distance buses (Greyhound, Megabus) are accessible from downtown. Tickets vary but usually start from $5-$10.
Student life at UCF is diverse, welcoming, and full of opportunities. With over 650 student organizations, lively nightlife, and Orlando, Florida’s attractions nearby, there’s always something happening. Dining options include Knightstop and Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders, while local pubs such as The Study Bar and Grille and Knights Out Pub & Eatery are weekend favorites. For nightlife, students enjoy La Carambola Night Club and Tier Nightclub. Cafes like Purple Ocean and Café Bustelo are perfect for studying.
Nature lovers can relax at the UCF Arboretum or Crabbendam Lake, while academic needs are met at the UCF John C. Hitt Library and Alafaya Branch Library. Shopping is easy at Alafaya Commons, with entertainment options like Regal Waterford Lakes nearby. Essentials are accessible at ALDI, healthcare at UCF Health Student Health Services Pharmacy, and emergency care at AdventHealth Winter Park. Students also enjoy cultural spots like The Bunker and Baroda Museum.
Orlando is often called the entertainment capital of the world, and students at UCF get front-row access to it all. Beyond the city’s reputation for theme parks, Orlando offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and lively neighborhoods that make weekends and breaks exciting. Whether you want to explore world-class attractions, dive into local arts, or just enjoy Florida’s sunny outdoors, the city has something for every mood.
1. Walt Disney World Resort
2. Universal Orlando Resort
3. Kennedy Space Center
4. Orlando Science Center
5. Lake Eola Park
6. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
7. ICON Park
The University of Central Florida is one of the largest universities in the U.S., which means its academic offerings are incredibly diverse. What sets UCF apart is its ability to combine breadth with depth, from career-focused professional programs to research-driven sciences. The university also has strong ties with Orlando’s tech, tourism, and healthcare industries, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
1. Computer Science
2. Hospitality Management
3. Engineering
4. Business Administration
5. Health Sciences & Nursing