Exploring Housing Options at UCF: A Guide to Towers and Residence Halls

The University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, offers a diverse range of housing options to cater to the varying needs and preferences of its student population. Administered by the Department of Housing and Residence Life, the residence hall system is designed to provide a supportive and engaging living environment for students. From traditional residence halls to apartment-style communities, UCF's housing aims to create a home away from home for its students.

On-Campus Housing Communities

UCF's main campus houses five distinct residential communities, each with its unique character and amenities. These communities include Apollo, the oldest, and UnionWest at Creative Village, the newest, located in downtown Orlando. The Residence Hall Association (RHA) serves as the governing body for these on-campus residences, advocating for student needs and organizing community-building activities.

Residence Hall Style Suites

For students seeking a more traditional residence hall experience, suite-style accommodations are available in the Libra, Apollo, and Academic Village (Neptune, Hercules, and Nike) communities. A key feature of these suites is the bathroom shared between two or three rooms, offering a balance of privacy and community living.

Apartment Style Housing

Students desiring a more independent living arrangement can opt for apartment-style housing, found in the Academic Village (Nike, Hercules, and Neptune) communities, the Towers at Knights Plaza (Tower I, II, III, and IV), the Lake Claire Courtyard Apartments Community, and NorthView. These apartments typically include amenities such as kitchens and living areas, providing a greater sense of self-sufficiency.

Rosen College Apartments Community

Located on the Rosen College of Hospitality Management campus, this community offers 400 beds specifically for students in that college. It features an outdoor pool, community center, and key-card access, ensuring a secure and comfortable living environment. Shuttle services are available to transport students to the main campus for classes.

Read also: Student Housing: Gayley Towers

Resident Support and Staff

To ensure a smooth and supportive living experience, many communities have resident assistants (RAs), graduate assistants, and area coordinators. On average, there is at least one RA for every 40-70 residents, providing guidance, resources, and community-building initiatives.

The Towers at Knights Plaza

Constructed in 2007, the Towers at Knights Plaza, often referred to as "The Towers," is a prominent feature of UCF's athletic village. This complex includes the CFE Arena, FBC Mortgage Stadium, and a vibrant mix of retail and restaurant spaces spanning 183,000 square feet (17,000 m2).

Dining and Retail Options

Residents of The Towers enjoy convenient access to a variety of retailers and restaurants, including Barnes & Noble, Domino's, Subway, Burger U (formerly Tailgaters Bar and Grill), Jimmy John's, Starbucks, Gringos Locos, and Knightros, an all-you-can-eat restaurant named after the university's mascot.

Apartment Floor Plans

The Towers offer apartments in three different floor plans: 1 bedroom/1 bathroom and 4 bedroom/4 bathroom, with the majority being 4 bedroom/2 bathroom. Each Tower houses approximately 500 residents, creating a lively and engaging community.

Tower Agreements

The Towers at Knight Plaza feature 11.5-month agreements for fall, spring, and summer, beginning each fall. These apartments feature kitchens with dishwashers, single bedrooms with full-size beds, and optional parking. The typical apartment layout has four bedrooms sharing two bathrooms. The Towers are located next to the UCF Arena, the Bright House Networks Stadium, restaurants, and retail shops. The Towers are a perfect option for first-year students who want their own room. Students living in the Towers range from first-year to graduate students.

Read also: Comprehensive Guide to UCF Housing

University Affiliated-Housing

To address the high demand for on-campus housing, UCF has partnered with two off-campus housing communities, Knights Circle and The Pointe at Central, to create "University Affiliated-Housing." These communities offer approximately 3,750 beds, expanding the university's housing capacity.

Greek Housing

Greek life is an integral part of the UCF experience, with housing available in the Greek Park community on the main campus. This community houses over 450 students, with nine sororities and four fraternities represented.

Greek Park Expansion

In May 2008, an existing fraternity house was demolished to make way for two new houses and a Greek Life Center, further enhancing the Greek Park community.

NorthView

Completed in 2013, NorthView is a luxury student housing community located directly north of UCF's main campus, within walking distance of Spectrum Stadium. This community houses 600 students and features two faith-based community centers: the Hillel Jewish Student Center and the Catholic Campus Ministry center.

Amenities

NorthView offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, rooftop tiki deck, study room, dry sauna, beach volleyball area, human-size chess board, indoor gym, entertainment lounge, and same-floor parking in the attached garage.

Law Enforcement Jurisdiction

Due to its location across county lines, NorthView falls under the law enforcement jurisdiction of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

UnionWest at Creative Village

Opened in fall 2019, UnionWest at Creative Village is UCF Housing's newest community, located 14 miles away from the main campus in downtown Orlando. This 15-story structure combines academic classrooms (floors 1 through 5) and residential spaces (floors 6 through 15).

Location and Features

UnionWest is within walking distance of the Amway Center, Camping World, and the Bob Carr Theatre. The community houses 600 residents, has a connected parking garage, and features retail space on the first floor. Both UCF and Valencia College students can apply to live there.

Roth Tower Expansion

The new Roth Tower will enhance the gameday experience and serve as a premier event space in east Orange County. The tower will increase premium capacity, expand suite offerings, and provide unique event opportunities year-round, attracting more fans, visitors, and events.

Project Timeline

SPRING 2023: Tower vision unveiled in Mission XII Initiative
SUMMER 2023: UCF presentations to Orange County Tourist Development Council and County Commissioners
OCTOBER 2023: UCF receives approval from Orange County for \$90M in TDT funding for the Roth Tower Expansion
SPRING 2024: UCF Athletics receives UCF Board of Trustees approval to move forward with funding plan and tower development project
JUNE 2024: Florida Board of Governors approved Tower project and funding plan
DECEMBER 2024: UCF holds groundbreaking ceremony for the new Roth Tower.
AUGUST 2025: UCF holds topping off ceremony as the final steel beam was raised atop the exterior structure of the new tower. The original structure remained in place for the 2025 football season.
NOVEMBER 2025: UCF plays its final game of the 2025 season in late November. The Promenade will lead fans from the entrance of the Hagle Football Gateway past the future Taylor A.

Roth Tower Features

Increases from 4,400 sq ft to almost 16,000 sq ft.
11,000 sq ft of conditioned space.
All-inclusive premium food and non-alcoholic beverages.
All inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages (pre stocked Coca Cola products in your suite).
Options to pre-order limited menu items.
Upscale cash bar with premium mixologists and multiple televisions.
Conditioned private suite for 22 ppl.
Customizable upscale food menu.
Option for pre stocked alcoholic products in your suite.
Access to upscale cash bars on suite level and club level.
Complementary food and drink options include: pre-stocked Coca Cola products, ice, snack mixes, fruit trays, veggie trays, mobile candy carts, mobile dessert/ice cream carts, cocktail carts, etc.
Your premium seat purchase includes access to year-round programming in the Roth Tower.
Parking included for Suites.

tags: #ucf #towers #floor #plan