dsamuels wrote:So where have you guys thought about living? Like what neighborhoods?
+1 to the above but just fyi if you're looking to not spend too much, aka under a 1000 you'll probably need a roommate basically anywhere in Miami. With that said, the cheapest area to rent alone would be South Miami. Look at the Dadeland area, I know some Miami law kids living there. It's near a mall/grocery stores/few bars but isn't too happening. It's about a 10 min commute with no traffic, but I've been stuck in traffic there for 30+ mins.
The gables is really nice, and you could probably find a house/room in a house for cheaper. Commute should be a lot shorter since you don't have to get on US1.
Grove is fine and cute, lots to do but I don't think it's a grad hang out place at all, it's very undergrad. But again, you could probs find a room in a house for cheaper.
Brickell is awesome/fun/tons going on on, but the commute isn't worth it imo. You have to take US1 to school and depending on the time of day, you could definitely be stuck there 45+ mins. No traffic, 15ish mins. I don't think any 1L would even think of living in South Beach. You could probs find something for not a killer price BUT your commute is horrible. No traffic, 30 mins, traffic, 1hr+. The distractions alone are not worth it. If you get a job in Miami over 1L summer, get a short term rental then if you really want it.
If I was going to UM I would look at Dadeland. Enough going on not to get bored and commute not horrible. Besides that there are a few building right near campus if you don't want to buy a parking pass and just take the bus from a nearby campus stop. Red Road Commons is there. It's pretty and nice but the staff is meant to be annoying and you're looking at 1'500+ for a 1 bedrooms I think. There's a few others but I don't remember.
Just try to limit your time on US1. Miami drivers are horrendous and I don't think anyone would want to deal with that 2+ times a day.