The End of an Era: A Tribute to Hecht & Stanford

The New Kid on the Block: Centennial Village

• Modern Rooms & Amenities: Forget the old-school dorm rooms. Centennial Village offers a mix of double & single rooms, with a focus on more private living. The bathrooms are a HUGE upgrade – instead of one large communal bathroom, there are multiple private "pods" with a shower, toilet, & sink that can be locked for individual use. This is a major step up in comfort & privacy.
• A Focus on Community: Even with more privacy, the village is designed to foster connection. There are tons of common spaces, including study lounges, recreation & gaming rooms, meditation rooms, & even a 600-seat dining facility. The goal is to create a "live-learn" environment where you can hang out, study, & socialize all in one place.
• The Residential College System: Centennial Village continues UM’s commitment to the Residential College system. This means you’ll have live-in faculty & staff who are there to support you, organize events, & help you navigate your first year of college. It's like having a built-in support system.
• Location, Location, Location: Situated along the beautiful Lake Osceola, Centennial Village is right in the heart of campus. You’ll be close to classes, the student center, & all the action.

The Upperclassman Hub: Mahoney & Pearson Residential Colleges

• Suite-Style Living: This is the biggest difference from the traditional freshman dorms. In Mahoney & Pearson, you'll be in a suite with two double rooms connected by a "jack-and-jill" bathroom. This means you & your roommate will share a bathroom with two other suitemates. It’s a nice middle ground between a communal bathroom & a private one. You will have to clean it yourselves, though, so make sure you & your suitemates are on the same page about cleanliness!
• A More Chill Social Scene: Compared to the freshman-only dorms, Mahoney & Pearson are a bit quieter. The social scene is more "groupy," with people tending to stick to their own friend groups. It's not as in-your-face as Hecht & Stanford were, but there are still plenty of opportunities to socialize, especially with the lounges & common areas.
• Great Location: Mahoney & Pearson are located on the northeast side of campus, close to the University Center & many academic buildings. They also have their own dining hall, which is a huge plus.
• Amenities: You'll find study lounges, laundry rooms on alternating floors, & even kitchens on some of the upper floors of Mahoney. One thing to note is that the AC is set to a specific range, so some students recommend bringing a fan for extra comfort.

The Quiet Achiever: Eaton Residential College

• Suite-Style Rooms: Like Mahoney & Pearson, Eaton has suite-style rooms with two double rooms sharing a bathroom. It also has some single rooms with private bathrooms.
• A Quieter Vibe: Eaton houses the fewest students of all the residential colleges, which contributes to its quieter reputation. If you're someone who needs a peaceful place to study, Eaton could be a great fit.
• Central Location: Eaton is located on the eastern side of Lake Osceola, putting it in a great central spot on campus. It doesn't have its own dining hall, but it's not a far walk to the dining halls at Mahoney-Pearson or Centennial Village.
• Amenities on Every Floor: One of the perks of Eaton is that it has lounges & laundry rooms on every floor, which is super convenient.

The Apartment Experience: University Village

• Apartment-Style Living: This is the biggest draw. You can get anything from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment to a four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment. Each apartment comes with a full kitchen, a living/dining area, & a washer & dryer in the unit. This is a HUGE perk, especially if you're tired of dining hall food & communal laundry rooms.
• More Independence: Living in University Village feels a lot like living in a regular apartment complex. You have more freedom & responsibility, but you still have the support of Community Assistants (CAs) & the university.
• A Bit of a Walk: The one downside of University Village is that it's a bit of a walk to the main part of campus (about 15-20 minutes). However, there are campus shuttles that run regularly to get you to and from your classes.
• Parking: If you have a car, University Village has its own parking garages, which is a major convenience. Speaking of parking, finding a good spot on campus can be a real headache. If you're bringing a car to UM, you might find that the on-campus parking options are limited & expensive. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Prked connects you with homeowners near campus who are renting out their private driveways & garages for parking. It’s a great way to find a convenient & affordable parking spot without the stress of fighting for a spot in a crowded campus lot.

What is the "Residential College" System, Anyway?

• Live-In Faculty & Staff: Each residential college has faculty members who live in the building. They’re there to be a resource for you, whether you need help with a class, advice on your major, or just want to chat. It makes professors feel more approachable & helps you build connections outside of the classroom.
• Resident Assistants (RAs) & First-Year Fellows (FYFs): RAs are upperclassman students who live on your floor & are your go-to person for any questions or concerns. For freshmen, there are also FYFs, who are academic peer mentors there to help you with the transition to college-level academics.
• Programming & Events: The residential colleges host a ton of events throughout the year, from study breaks & movie nights to workshops & guest lectures. It’s a great way to meet people in your building & get involved in the campus community.

What to Pack for Your UM Dorm

• Lightweight Clothing: Miami is hot & humid year-round, so pack plenty of shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, & sundresses.
• Rain Gear: It rains a LOT in Miami, especially during hurricane season. A sturdy umbrella, a good raincoat, & waterproof shoes are a must.
• Dehumidifier: This is a pro-tip from students who’ve been there. A dehumidifier can make a huge difference in your comfort level & help prevent that damp, musty feeling in your room.
• Fan: Even with AC, a fan can be a lifesaver on those extra hot & humid nights.
• Mattress Pad: Let's be real, college mattresses aren't exactly luxury. A good mattress pad will make your bed much more comfortable. Make sure to get a Twin XL size!
• Storage Solutions: Dorm rooms are small, so you'll need to be smart about storage. Under-the-bed storage containers, a shoe rack, & slim velvet hangers can help you maximize your space. Sometimes, you just have more stuff than you have room for. If you find yourself with extra belongings that won't fit in your dorm, Prked can also be a great solution for affordable, local storage. You can rent out space in someone's nearby garage, attic, or basement to store your extra things safely & conveniently.

Move-In Day Tips

• "Cruise Ship Move-In": For freshmen moving into the residential colleges, UM offers a "Cruise Ship Move-In" service. This means that volunteers will unload your car & bring all your belongings to your room for you! It's a huge help, so take advantage of it.
• Arrive at Your Assigned Time: You'll be given a specific move-in time. Stick to it! Arriving early won't get you in any faster & can actually cause more traffic & congestion.
• Pack Smart: Pack in a way that makes unpacking easier. Label your boxes, pack like items together, & keep your essentials in a separate bag that you can access right away.
• Talk to Your Roommate: Coordinate with your roommate beforehand so you don't both bring a microwave, a mini-fridge, & a giant TV.