USFSM proposes student housing

The potential expansion should help solve several student concerns.

Fiorella Recchioni

Both current and future students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) can expect to eventually have the option of on-campus living, after Manatee County decided to donate land to USFSM in a board meeting Feb. 11.

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to donate nine acres of land from the Powel Crosley Estate to the university, as both already share a partnership. Current plans for the land include two buildings for student housing, a hospitality school and three to four acres of conservation land. The land transfer has yet to be finalized and approved by the board of trustees.

By introducing student housing plans, many USFSM students are relieved to hear that their concerns about the lack of dormitories will be addressed, as commuting to the campus is a struggle for some.

“It’s good that people wouldn’t have to drive back and forth from school to wherever they live, and it would help save gas,” sophomore Rosemarie Lubben said. “Those who don’t have easy modes of transportation would be able to access the school easily.”

When looking into apartments in areas surrounding the USFSM campus, aspiring students found that the cost of living was overwhelming. Karissa Bolden, a State College of Florida student, wanted to attend USFSM but could not due to the cost of nearby housing.

“Most students can’t get the good jobs that can afford apartments around here,” Bolden said in an interview with WTSP news. “You either live in a not-so-good area and sacrifice your safety, or you live in an apartment you can’t afford.”

Having dorms at USFSM is something that many believe will add to the college experience.

“When you’re in-campus, everything is already there, so it’s like that stereotypical college experience that people see in movies,” sophomore Cristina Ramirez said. “Like having a roommate and then going to eat in the common area - it’s little things like that.”

Because the plans for expansion address several issues, they are expected to result in higher enrollment rates and potentially attract out-of-state and international students. Currently, USFSM has a yearly average of 2,000 students enrolled.

“I just can dream of so many things that are going to happen as a result of your investment here and it really is very exciting,” Commissioner Misty Servia said during the board meeting. “I know housing is the key, student housing, so I’m really glad that it’s finally coming to fruition.”