Best Student Accommodation in Gainesville, USA

It varies depending on students’ lifestyle choices, but overall, keeping your Gainesville - FL, student housing rent apart, some additional expenses around food expenses, transportation costs, and US$140 - US$440 are overlooked. We have curated a list of such necessary items along with some tips to help you reduce the cost of living in Gainesville - FL, as a student:

1. Food Expenses:  US$200-300/month on average. 

   • We suggest buying groceries that cost around  US$300/month and cooking your own meals. 

   • Shop at grocery stores such as those that offer student discounts on groceries, such as.

     • Trader Joe's: a store available in Gainesville - FL that frequently has sales and special offers, making it easy to score good deals on essentials like produce, frozen food, and pantry staples.

     • Target store: Store available in Gainesville - FL, which runs weekly sales and promotions on groceries alongside other household essentials, including food, and also offers RedCard for additional discounts.

     • Aldi: Store available in Gainesville - FL, which is popular for rock-bottom prices on grocery items.

     • Walmart: Store available in Gainesville - FL, and it offers student-focused Walmart Student programme for free shipping on grocery orders over US$35 and access to exclusive discounts.

     • Costco: Store available in Gainesville - FL, which offers student membership-based discounts on bulk buying groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples.

     • Gainesville - FL Food Banks: Offers groceries/food for free or at the lowest prices possible. To find such local food banks and their eligibility criteria, visit Feeding America's website or call 211.

2. Transportation Expenses: US$90 /month on average. Tips to save some money on daily transportation in Gainesville - FL, while living as a college student. According to your preferences and the university distance from your residence, you may choose whichever option suits you.

• Rent Bicycles: A few companies offer docked bike sharing and dockless bike sharing at discounted prices for students. Also, the students can look for campus bike rental programmes offered by their university. Search for such companies near your student accommodation.

• Buses & Metro Passes: Many transit agencies offer student discounts on transportation fares. Generally, you can visit PassFinder or American Public Transportation Association (ATA) website to find student discount passes and their Terms and Conditions.. 

• Trains: Amtrak Intercity trains connect major cities across the country, and can be a good option for weekend tours. It offers student discounts for people aged between 12-25 years.

• Ridesharing: As an alternative to taxis, companies like Uber and Lyft offer student discounts. Just ensure if their services are available in Gainesville - FL

• Carpooling: Some universities and colleges offer carpool matching programmes for students.

• Electric Scooters: These are a flexible option for short trips within the city. Many companies, such as Bird, Lime, Spin, Lyft, Skip, Voi, Tier, Bolt, and Neuron, offer student discounts or reduced fares for certain plans. Just ensure that their services are available in Gainesville - FL.

3. Kitchen Essentials: cost you between US$140 - US$440 approximately. However, it depends on your student room, regardless of on-campus and off-campus apartments, if kitchen essentials are included in the rent or not. Checking the property page you are interested in is recommended. The cost may vary according to the city.

   • Basic cookware set (pots, pans, and skillet): $30-$100

   • Utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks, knives): $20-$50

   • Plates, bowls, and mugs: $20-$40

   • Cutting board, knives: $20-$50

   • Small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker): $50-$200

   • Tips for international students to save money on Kitchen essentials

     • Thrift stores and consignment shops

     • Reuse utensils of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their utensils or lend them to you.

     • Online marketplaces are helpful for buying items at affordable prices and buying second hand items. Ensuring to personally check the item is recommended.

     • Check if your university has any college campus rental programmes for kitchen utensils.

     • Search for appliance rental companies nearby in the city to rent out kitchen essentials.

     • Cook in groups: If you are a group of students moving together, divide the selected rental utensil bill with them. It will reduce the cost way more than expected.

4. Bedding, bathroom, and cleaning essentials: would cost you around US$250 - US$1000 approximately.

   • Bedding essentials would cost you around US$220 - US$850 approximately.

including

• Mattress and box spring: $150-$500 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended.)

• Comforter: $30-$200 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended.)

• Sheets: $20-$50

• Pillows: $10-$50

• Blanket: $10-$50

• Bathroom essentials would cost you around US$36 - US$160 approximately.

Including

• Toothbrush: $2-$10

• Toothpaste: $2-$10

• Bar soap: $1-$5

• Body wash: $3-$15

• Shampoo and conditioner: $5-$20

• Razor: $5-$15

• Shaving cream: $3-$10

• Towel: $5-$20

• Bathrobe: $10-$50

• Cleaning Essentials: would cost you around US$30 - US$80 approximately.

Including the items shared below. Generally, cleaning essentials are required for living in studio apartments and private rooms.

• Dish soap: $1-$5

• Sponges: $1-$5 for a pack of 2-3

• Trash bags: $5-$10 for a large roll

• Laundry detergent: $5-$15 for a small bottle

• Cleaning wipes: $2-$5 for a pack

• All-purpose cleaner: $3-$10

• Toilet bowl cleaner: $2-$5

• Mop and bucket: $10-$20

• Tips for international students to save money on Bedding & Bathroom essentials

  • Shop during sales and promotions on special occasions

  • Buy in bulk from the stores that offer student discounts.

  • Reuse the bedding essentials of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their bedding essentials.