Moving from California to Melbourne FIT area (University: apartments, dorms)

[shofiss]

Hello all,
I will soon be moving to Melbourne to do my Master at FIT. However, after some research, it seems that FIT might not be in the best of neighborhoods. I will be moving from California all the way to Florida soon and I would like to know which side of FIT is the safest and which side should I avoid?

I've heard that University Blvd is kind of shady but beyond that, I have no idea what I am looking for when searching for a place to live. Any suggestions? What about the range of rent/lease prices? How does public transportation work there?

Last but not least (for now), weathers wise, what is it like each season? What are winters like? Do I need my big puffy jackets or should I just leave them at home? Another of my worries regarding the weather is hurricane season. How bad is it? What should I expect? When should I expect it?

[Rabflmom]

You will be fine in the dorms at FIT. If getting an apartment and have a car orr bike there is no reason to live on University or in the direct vicinity. Lots of students live in apartments on Babcock and walk to classes also. You just need to use the same precautions as in any city. Keep your doors locked. Don't walk around in the middle of the night by yourself. Use the buddy system. If ya don't do drugs etc you should be just fine. FIT is a great school. You could even live on the beach and get to FIT within 15-20 minutes so lots of options.

We do get some temps in the 40s and maybe lower in Jan, F eb. but usually layering works. Lightweight jackets with sweaters or sweatshirts will be about all you need. It usually warms up to high 60s by noon. I rarely wear long pants or jeans anywhere but to work. Only real shoes I have are for work, sandals and flipflops for everything else-even with jeans on cold days.

As for hurricanes . We usually do not get direct hits. Usually come in South of Brevard County and then come up after landfall. We have had damage over the years but the last ones were 10 years ago so not an every year occurrence. One thing about hurricanes- you can prepare.

[shofiss]

Originally Posted by Rabflmom

You will be fine in the dorms at FIT. If getting an apartment and have a car orr bike there is no reason to live on University or in the direct vicinity. Lots of students live in apartments on Babcock and walk to classes also. You just need to use the same precautions as in any city. Keep your doors locked. Don't walk around in the middle of the night by yourself. Use the buddy system. If ya don't do drugs etc you should be just fine. FIT is a great school. You could even live on the beach and get to FIT within 15-20 minutes so lots of options.

We do get some temps in the 40s and maybe lower in Jan, F eb. but usually layering works. Lightweight jackets with sweaters or sweatshirts will be about all you need. It usually warms up to high 60s by noon. I rarely wear long pants or jeans anywhere but to work. Only real shoes I have are for work, sandals and flipflops for everything else-even with jeans on cold days.

As for hurricanes . We usually do not get direct hits. Usually come in South of Brevard County and then come up after landfall. We have had damage over the years but the last ones were 10 years ago so not an every year occurrence. One thing about hurricanes- you can prepare.

Thank you rabflmom! That was very informational. Do you have any advise on where I should stay away from?