Freshman Experience FAQs

• What is the Freshman Experience?
  The Freshman Experience — living and learning at UNF — ensures that you get plugged in to a robust residential life, forge relationships with a diverse group of peers and build a strong academic foundation.
• Who is required to live on campus?
  UNF does not require students to live in campus housing. However, many students want to live on campus, finding it beneficial both academically and socially. Students who live on campus tend to be more successful during their time at UNF, are more involved in campus life and graduate sooner.
• What specific research supports the benefits of living on campus?

  UNF has compiled a report of several studies that document the beneficial effects of campus living on students’ academic and social performance. Some include:

  • “Crossing the Finish Line: Completing College at America’s Public Universities” by Bowen, William G., Chingos, Matthew M., McPherson, M.S. Princeton University Press, 2009
  • “Measuring Outcomes of Living-Learning Programs: Examining College Environments and Student Learning and Development” by Inkelas, Karen Kurotsuchi, Vogt, Kristen E., Longerbeam, Susan D., Owen, Julie E. The Journal of General Education, Volume 55, Number 1, 2006, pp. 40-76
  • “What matters to student success: A review of the literature” by
  • Kuh, G. D., Kinzie, J., Buckley, J., Bridges, B., and Hayek, J. C. Bloomington: Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research, 2006
  • “Student Involvement: A Developmental Theory for Higher Education” by Alexander W. Astin (1984). Journal of College Student Personnel, 25(3), 297-308
  • “The Other Curriculum: Out-of-Class Experiences Associated with Student Learning and Personal Development” by Kuh, G. D. (1995). Journal of Higher Education, 66(2), 123-155
  • “Predictors of Academic Success for Freshmen Residence Hall Students” by Zheng, J. Lily; Saunders, Kevin P.; Shelley, Mack C., II; Whalen, Donald F. Journal of College Student Development, Vol 43(2), Mar-Apr 2002, 267-283
  • “The Impact of College Residence on the Development of Critical Thinking Skills in College Freshmen by Patricia Inman, Ernest Pascarella Journal of College Student Development, v39 n6 p557-68 Nov-Dec 1998
  • “Contributors to Student Satisfaction With Special Program (Fresh Start) Residence Halls” by Donald F Whalen. Journal of College Student Development. Washington: Mar/Apr 2005. Vol. 46, Iss. 2; pg. 176, 17 pgs
  • “The Effects of Residential Learning Communities and Traditional Residential Living Arrangements on Educational Gains During the First Year of College” by Pike, Gary R. Journal of College Student Development, Vol 40(3), May-Jun 1999, 269-284
• What are the costs?
  There is a wide range of housing options to suit most students’ needs. Housing plans start at about $2,250 per semester (based on fall or spring; summer rates are lower). When living in campus housing during the first year, students must also purchase an on-campus meal membership. There are several different meal memberships to choose from depending on the student’s individual needs. The minimal plan provides for 10 meals per week and costs about $1,632 per semester (based on fall or spring; summer rates are lower).
• How do I sign up to live on campus?
  Signing up to live on campus is easy. Simply visit www.unf.edu/housing to sign into the myHousing (the link is located near the top right of the screen). Housing contracts are available online and accessible through this link. In myHousing, students can also search for and identify compatible roommates, update housing preferences, complete room selection (when available), complete and access the room condition form and apply for a Living-Learning Community or Theme Housing (when available).
• How do I sign up for a meal membership?
  Meal membership options can be found on the Meal Services website.
• What if I have a medical condition?
  Our residence halls offer options for certain medical situations. Contact the Housing and Residence Life office for more details.
• How am I expected to pay to live on campus?
  UNF will do everything it its power to help you finance this investment in your future. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Financial Aid staff members will evaluate each student’s needs and make awards according to state and federal guidelines. We recommend filing your FAFSA as early as possible. For more information, please click visit the One-Stop Student Services website.
• What is UNF offering to make the Freshman Experience unique?
  The Freshman Experience offers many benefits to students. Ask any student to describe their favorite experiences and living on campus will probably be their answer, particularly in Living and Learning Communities. When students live on campus they have better access to robust programming in the residence halls that provide excellent co- and extra-curricular activities to enhance the academic experience. Life in the residence halls offers students a chance to participate in many long-standing UNF traditions such as Midnight Buffets during midterms and finals, Swoop the Loop, Service Splash, Battle of the Hall Stars, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Haunted Halls, Spring Fling, Challenge on the Knoll and various competitions between each of the halls, not to mention individual programming in each of the residence halls and on the different floors.
• What is there to do for fun on campus?
  You’ll have access to all our campus has to offer including our miles of nature trails, the new Student Union with game rooms, the new student wellness complex complete with state-of-the-art work out equipment, a plethora of concerts in Coxwell Amphitheater, numerous Division I athletics events or just hanging out on one of Florida’s best nature preserves.
• Can I bring my car to campus?
  Yes, you may. Each residence hall complex has adjacent or other designated parking. Visit the Parking Services website for details about parking decals.
• Can I pick my roommate?
  You may make a roommate request and every attempt will be made to honor it.
• What is the minimum meal plan required for students living on campus?
  When living on campus, students must purchase an on-campus meal membership. (This includes those students who elect to live on campus during the summer term.) We have a variety of meal memberhips to meet your needs. The minimum number of meals offered per week is 10. Please click visit the Food Services website for more information.
• What if I have dietary or religious restrictions?
  Every effort is made to offer meals that are healthy and well balanced. If you have a dietary or religious restriction, please contact Chartwells on campus. Chartwells Dining Services can accommodate many religious and health requirements. Students are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with Dining Services staff in advance of submitting an exemption request. If you are concerned that your needs will not be met, you may request an exemption from the mandatory meal membership policy.