Courtesy of USF
By Brianna Bush
On Sept. 14, The Florida Board of Governors unanimously approved the first-ever student housing at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus with efforts to “transform the college experience for students.”
The 100,000-square-foot multi-story building, which is set to open in the fall of 2024, will be located along Seagate Drive with the ability to house up to 200 students.
Founded in 1975, the campus is home to the smallest population among the three USF campuses and is the last to implement an on-campus housing option.
“The new housing and student center is crucial to supporting the growth of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus,” USF President Rhea Law said a in a press release. “This new project will allow the campus to strengthen the overall student experience as it continues expanding its academic program offerings in high-demand fields.”
Student housing will be located on the upper floors of the building. The 68,000-square-foot space will have 70 double-occupancy bedrooms and 60 single bedrooms. Floor plans will include one, two and four-bedroom apartments with shared bathrooms, living areas and kitchens or kitchenettes.
“A residential hall will boost Sarasota-Manatee students’ access to the classic college experience,” said Ivelina Kirilova, the Campus Council chair of the Sarasota-Manatee Student Government Association. “I believe our campus culture will see a drastic change with the addition of on-campus housing.”
In addition to housing, the 32,000-square-foot ground floor will include a new bookstore, dining, lounges, and meeting areas. Currently, the campus offers one dining option, a fitness center and a campus bookstore.
“The additional spaces included in the student center will serve as a way to accommodate the projected growth of the Sarasota-Manatee student population with the addition of a residential hall,” Kirilova said. “Student and university organizations will have larger spaces, more prominently displayed to students.”
Student Government officials believe the new building will be a “game-changer” for the campus, with surplus benefits specifically for commuter students.
“I believe the increased student presence on campus will lead to more student-led activities, in-person classes, and on-campus events,” Kirilova said. “This will provide commuter students with a more vibrant and eventful experience when they are on campus.”
Evelyn De Oliveira, the Sarasota-Manatee Student Governor, said the new building will help students form relationships and get more involved on campus.
The news spaces are also expected to increase the quality of life for all students and support the growth of the campus.
Kirlova said she anticipates that the additional spaces will be a productive place for organizations to hold meetings and give students access to resources including a space to hold recreational activities and events.
“Since the Sarasota and Manatee County area spans over 103 towns/cities, a residential hall will not only make the Sarasota-Manatee campus more attractive to prospective students wishing to stay local, but also accommodate students who cannot travel to and from campus frequently,” Kirlova said.
The new student housing is a project that is highly predicted to change the landscape for the Sarasota-Manatee campus community.
“I believe the residential hall will facilitate interconnectedness and engagement between students who choose to live on campus.”
