Apartment Hunters: Instagram

Here are five pictures that I took while out in the field apartment hunting! Enjoy!

West 20: 

In my first day in the field for UF Apartment Hunters, I visited my friend @_dan__z_ at @live_west20 and enjoyed the great sites that this complex had to offer! #TheJourneyBegins #West20 #ResidentAmentitiesAreOnPoint

A photo posted by Gonzo (@gonzo5182) on Apr 20, 2016 at 5:26pm PDT

The Enclave: 

Upon leaving #West20, I headed next to #TheEnclave and visited my friend @jkil15! We had a good time catching up as he showed me around his place. It was a very big apartment complex that was connected to Gainesville Place. #BeautifulSites #Poolside #BusRoutesOnPoint

A photo posted by Gonzo (@gonzo5182) on Apr 20, 2016 at 5:32pm PDT

The Bartram: 

After gassing up my car, I left from #TheEnclave to #TheBartram and visited my friends @anthonyboullosa and @jon_shuba. Of course it took me a while to see them as I had to drive up six floors to find guest parking in their never ending parking garage! Unfortunately I missed their roommate @kylehaynes2180 as he may have been out studying while I was visiting. While there, I was able to visit their pool and snap some pictures of the courtyard. I promise you this place is like a hotel! #NightSwimming #ParkingIsAlwaysSuchAProcess #SecurityHereIsOnPointThoWithAllTheGates

A photo posted by Gonzo (@gonzo5182) on Apr 20, 2016 at 5:33pm PDT

Before heading into the Bartram, I took some time to stand and just take in the sites of the Swamp and O-Dome from so far away. That should give you an idea of how tall this parking garage is. #TheBartram #BeautifulView #Sunset

A photo posted by Gonzo (@gonzo5182) on Feb 21, 2016 at 2:00pm PST

Campus Lodge: 

Concluding my journey for the day, I returned to @campuslodgegainesville and took some pics of my very own apartment and our nice state of the art gym! #LiveLifeInTheLodge #Home #CampusLodgeForTheWin #TheJourneyEnds

A photo posted by Gonzo (@gonzo5182) on Apr 20, 2016 at 5:37pm PDT

Apartment Hunters: Valentine's Day

Apartment Hunters: Introduction

Hello everybody! My name is Zachary E. Gonzalez. I am currently a junior here at the University of Florida who is majoring in Telecommunications. During my first two years at UF, I lived in the on-campus residence halls of Jennings and Simpson, respectively. Although I had some great times and memories at both these dorms, I knew that by my junior year I had to get off campus and finally get my own bedroom and a bathroom not shared by 50 other guys.

Fortunately, my dream came true as I have been living at Campus Lodge apartments for the last six months with three of my best friends! Living off-campus has definitely been an adjustment for me, but I have quickly realized how much more beneficial it is compared to dorm life. More privacy, less noise, easier parking, and no mandatory floor meetings are just some of the many perks that come with off-campus living. On the flip side though, higher rent costs, alternate means of getting to campus (whether it be bus, car, biking, or further walking), and even a sense of isolation from your campus/collegiate peers are some negatives associated with off-campus living as well.

A beautiful view of the pool at Campus Lodge.

With this blog, I hope to serve as a real estate agent of sorts as I discuss the variety of apartments options for college students in Gainesville. I want to let prospective residents know important information like prices, amenities, and campus proximity while also getting the opinions of residents who already live at these locations. Potentially my blog can help a UF or Santa Fe student find the apartment of his or her dreams come Fall of 2016!

*Photo accredited to ApartmentRatings.com