The Florida Institute of Technology, also known as Florida Tech, is a private research university located in Melbourne, Florida. It is known for its strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and attracts students from all over the world. For many students, living on campus is an important part of the college experience. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the dorms at Florida Tech and what students can expect from their on-campus living arrangements.
Dorms at Florida Institute of Technology
Location of the Dorms
The dorms at Florida Tech are located in two main areas: Southgate and Columbia Village. Southgate is the older of the two areas and is located on the east side of the campus. It consists of four-story buildings and is home to mainly upperclassmen. The rooms in Southgate are mostly doubles, with a few singles and triples available. Columbia Village, on the other hand, is located on the west side of the campus and is newer than Southgate.
It is a series of apartment-style buildings, with each apartment having a full kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Columbia Village is home to mainly freshmen and sophomores, although upperclassmen can also live there if they choose.
Room Options
As mentioned, Southgate offers mostly double rooms, with a few singles and triples available. The doubles are spacious, with two beds, two desks, and two closets. The triples are slightly smaller than the doubles, but still offer enough space for each student to have their own bed, desk, and closet. The singles are the smallest of the three options but still offer enough space for one student to live comfortably.
In Columbia Village, there are four types of apartments available: studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and four-bedroom. The studio apartments are the smallest, with a single room that combines the living area, bedroom, and kitchenette. The one-bedroom apartments have a separate bedroom and living area, while the two and four-bedroom apartments offer separate bedrooms for each student. All of the apartments come furnished with a couch, chair, coffee table, dining table, and chairs.
Amenities
One of the perks of living in the dorms at Florida Tech is the amenities that are available to students. In Southgate, there is a game room with a pool table, ping pong table, and video games. There is also a large common area where students can hang out, study, or watch TV. Additionally, each floor has a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink. In Columbia Village, each building has a common area with a TV and couches. There is also a large outdoor area with a pool, volleyball court, and picnic tables. The apartments themselves come with air conditioning, cable TV, and high-speed internet. The laundry facilities in both Southgate and Columbia Village are free to use for residents.
Dorm Life
Living in the dorms at Florida Tech is an excellent way to get involved in campus life and meet new people. There are many events and activities that are organized by the residence life staff, including movie nights, game nights, and cookouts. The residence life staff also offers a variety of resources to help students adjust to college life, including counseling services, academic support, and peer mentoring. Living in the dorms also allows students to take advantage of the many resources that Florida Tech has to offer, such as the fitness center, library, and academic support center.
Cost
The cost of living in the dorms at Florida Tech varies depending on the type of room or apartment that a student chooses. In Southgate, a double room costs $3,882 per semester, while a triple room costs $3,361 per semester. A single room in Southgate costs $4,534 per semester. In Columbia Village, a studio apartment costs $4,963 per semester, a one-bedroom apartment costs $6,275 per semester, a two-bedroom apartment costs $5,265 per semester per student, and a four-bedroom apartment costs $4,499 per semester per student.
It is important to note that these costs do not include meal plans, which are mandatory for all students living in the dorms. The meal plans range in price from $1,827 per semester to $2,343 per semester, depending on the plan that a student chooses.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of students living in the dorms at Florida Tech is a top priority for the university. Each building is equipped with a security system that requires a student ID to access. Additionally, there are security guards on duty 24/7 to ensure the safety of all residents. The residence life staff also provides students with resources to help them stay safe, including safety tips and emergency procedures. In the event of an emergency, students can contact the campus police department, which is available 24/7.
Roommate Assignments
For many students, one of the biggest concerns when living in the dorms is who their roommate will be. Florida Tech has a system in place to help match roommates based on a variety of factors, including interests, habits, and living preferences. Students can also request a specific roommate if they have someone in mind. Roommate conflicts are inevitable, but the residence life staff is available to help mediate any issues that arise.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the dorms at Florida Tech offer students a safe and comfortable living environment that is conducive to academic and personal growth. With a variety of room options, amenities, and resources available, students can find the living arrangement that works best for them. Living on campus also allows students to take advantage of all that Florida Tech has to offer, both academically and socially. As with any college experience, dorm life has its ups and downs, but the memories and friendships that students make in the dorms can last a lifetime.
