Everything about Coastal Village

• •South Fort Myers around Skidmore Way is a suburban, low-rise area rather than a dense city district, so expect wide roads, retail plazas and a fair bit of driving rather than a walkable town centre.
• •Green space is a genuine feature here, with the property's own lakeside hammocks and nearby conservation land giving a proper stretch of nature without leaving the immediate area.
• •You're surrounded mostly by other FGCU students living in the cluster of purpose-built communities along this same corridor, alongside longer-term Fort Myers residents further from campus.
• •Lighting and visibility around the property and its parking areas are generally decent given the suburban layout, though as with any Florida community it's sensible to stick to well-lit routes after dark and lock cars and doors.

• •Supermarkets: Publix locations sit within a short drive along the main retail corridors of south Fort Myers, with larger chains further out for a bigger weekly shop.
• •Cafes and student-friendly eats: The property's own coffee bar covers quick mornings, with casual chains and local restaurants clustered along the nearby retail plazas a short drive away.
• •Library: FGCU's own library sits on campus, with the Lee County Library System's South County Regional branch a reasonable drive for a change of scene.
• •Gym: The property's own fitness centre covers day to day training, with larger commercial gyms available a short drive away in south Fort Myers for anyone wanting more equipment.

Provided by property: Furnished bedroom and living space, kitchen appliances including a dishwasher, in-unit washer and dryer, and access to the pool, fitness centre, clubhouse and study rooms from day one.

Bring or buy: Bedding, towels, kitchen basics like pots and cutlery, a shower curtain if needed, cleaning supplies, and sun protection given how much time gets spent by the pool.

Day 1: Collect your keys from the leasing office, photograph any existing damage during your walk-through, meet your roommates if you haven't already, and check the shuttle timetable for your route to FGCU.

Day 2: Do your first Publix shop, set up internet and streaming logins if not already bundled, and take a test ride on the shuttle so you know the real timing for your first lecture.

Total Cost: Rent runs from roughly $830 to $870 per bed per month depending on room tier, so always check the live rate and any promotional pricing before booking.

What's included: Electricity, water and a tech fee are bundled into the rent, alongside full amenity access including the pool, fitness centre, clubhouse and study rooms. Valet trash is available for an additional fee.

Instalments: Rent is billed monthly and due at the start of each month, with a late fee typically applying after a short grace period, so setting up autopay is worth doing early.

Deposit: A security deposit is standard at application, with the exact amount depending on your application outcome and any promotional offer running at the time.

Cooling off: Florida leases don't carry a mandatory cooling-off window once signed, so read the full lease and ask the leasing team to clarify anything unclear before you commit.

Visa Safety Net: The property doesn't publish a formal no-visa no-pay style policy, so international applicants should confirm directly with the leasing office what protection exists if enrolment plans change before move-in, and get it in writing.

1. •Florida Gulf Coast University, the clear primary fit, reachable by the dedicated property shuttle, car or bike.
2. •Florida SouthWestern State College, a further drive rather than a daily hop, more realistic for students with flexible schedules or a car of their own.

What you should know before your child signs:

• •Individual liability. Each roommate typically signs their own lease for their own bed, so your child isn't financially responsible for a roommate who falls behind on rent.
• •Distance from campus. At 4.85 miles, this is a shuttle, drive or bike commute rather than a walk, so factor in how your child will handle early lectures.
• •Shuttle reliability matters. Since walking isn't realistic, confirm the current shuttle schedule for your child's specific class times before committing to a lease.
• •Valet trash has a fee. It's a convenient service but adds to the monthly cost, so factor it into the total budget rather than assuming it's free.
• •Guarantor requirement. Most applicants without independent US income will need a qualifying guarantor, or an additional deposit in place of one, so check this early.

Arrival: Landing near Fort Myers, Southwest Florida International Airport is the nearest major gateway, a short drive from the property. Plan your grocery run, a phone plan and a first shuttle ride within the first couple of days, since orientation week moves fast and the basics need sorting early.

No US Guarantor: If you don't have a US-based guarantor, the property typically allows an additional security deposit in lieu of one, so budget for this upfront cost rather than assuming a guarantor is mandatory for every applicant type.

Visa Safety Net: There's no formally published visa refusal protection on this property, so confirm directly with the leasing team what happens to your deposit and lease if your visa or enrolment falls through before arrival, and request written confirmation.

Setup: Once you've moved in, prioritise a US bank account, a local phone number, and your Social Security Number or ITIN application if you'll be working on campus, since several of these take a few weeks to process fully.

Home Food: South Fort Myers has a reasonable spread of international grocery options within a drive, including Latin American and Asian markets scattered around the wider Fort Myers area, well worth a weekend trip once you've settled into the routine here.