College athletics are undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts of the college experience…but UMiami does it a little differently…come join the gameday takes on this week’s episode of 20’s Unfiltered
Let’s bring back white girl music
I am sick and tired of being at the club and hearing music without any words. How on earth do people enjoy dancing to straight beats over and over again?
The truth is, we have traded art and emotion for bass drops. Music at the club should be about connection, not just noise. It should make people feel something — joy, nostalgia, the urge to sing your heart out with your friends at 1 a.m.
EDM and house music dominate Miami nightlife, from Club Space to UM frat parties. But lately, more people are craving a return to nostalgic, lyrical hits that get the crowd singing instead of just jumping in place.While electronic music is popular in Miami, it’s time for clubs to mix in early 2000s bops that bring back the fun, emotion and energy that lyrics create.
Festivals like Ultra can be credited with the rise of Miami’s EDM scene, where DJs such as Tiësto, David Guetta and Calvin Harris have shaped what is considered “club music.” The heavy drops, pulsing lights and wordless beats are designed for spectacle. Hearing that same sound over and over again begins to feel repetitive and boring.
“I think early 2000s songs are more fun because everyone knows them,” said Sameera Wadhwani, a University of Miami senior. “It brings the whole room together. The new EDM and house wave is cool, but I don’t understand why anyone would want to dance to music without any words.”
That is the key difference: connection. When the DJ plays Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ or Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella,’ the crowd doesn’t just dance — they sing, shout and laugh together. Songs from the early 2000s and the mid-2010s gave people something to scream and sing with lyrics, melody and hooks that stick in your head the next morning.
Early 2000s music remains unmatched because it delivered the perfect blend of catchy hooks, emotional depth and cultural relevance. This era produced chart-topping pop, R&B and hip-hop tracks that balanced strong vocals with memorable lyrics — songs people could sing, scream or cry along to.
Chase Winston, also a UM senior, agreed. “The lyrics are familiar and the hooks are super catchy, which creates a vibe that instantly brings people together,” she said. “EDM can be fun in certain settings, but it doesn’t hit the same way early 2000s music does.”
It’s not just nostalgia. Studies show that songs tied to formative years activate emotional memory, triggering a dopamine response that makes people feel happier and more connected. That is why the first few notes of ‘Party in the U.S.A’. or ‘No hands’ can light up a room in seconds.
Even students who enjoy house music admit that something is missing. “I think people crave that sense of connection you get from singing along to lyrics together,” said Kayla Collins, another UM senior. “From what I’ve seen, people don’t really dance to EDM beyond some side-to-side movements, or doing the typical frat boy flick, but with pop or hip-hop, you see everyone actually dancing, jumping and having fun together.”
Still, some argue that house and EDM define Miami’s nightlife; that the beat-driven, high-energy atmosphere is what sets the city apart. They are not wrong. Miami thrives on that pulsing, festival-ready vibe. But when every bar and club have the same beats on repeat, the energy starts to fade and the overall hype in the club tends to die down.
Winston put it best: “When every venue plays similar high-tempo beats, it can sound repetitive and boring. We need music with words.”
It is time to bring back the bangers, the ones that made us lose our voices and dance like we meant it. The club doesn’t need another average remix. It needs lyrics.
Takeaways from No. 13 Miami’s victory over Virginia Tech
Though it might not have been the 30-point blowout Miami fans wanted, the No. 13 Hurricanes (9-2, 5-2 ACC) took down the Virginia Tech Hokies (3-8, 2-5 ACC) in a dominant wire-to-wire victory. Now with one more week left in the regular season, Miami is back to playing fun and exciting football as it makes its case to make the College Football Playoff.
Who Needs Style Points
As much as ESPN wants to call this game “a scare” for Miami, it was a wire-to-wire, 17-point win where Miami shut the door every time the Hokies tried to open it. The game was 20-3 at the half, with the Hurricanes having a 17-point lead, and ended with the Hurricanes winning 34-17, a 17-point lead.
This was Virginia Tech’s biggest game of the year, showcasing its new hire, James Franklin, on senior night, and with that momentum they played its hardest. But, Miami was the better team. Despite playing its worst game of the season against the run, Miami’s defense held Virginia Tech to 3-12 on 3rd down, sacked Kyron Drones and William Watson Jr. five times, and forced two fumbles.
The Hurricanes were the victims of a fourth-down stop that was overturned because of a late review call which allowed the Hokies to score on the next play. Still, they held on every time Virginia Tech tried to get something going.
On offense Miami went 5-5 in the red zone, scoring on six of its eight drives, and held the ball for 15 more minutes than VT. The game was never in doubt against a rival on the road in the Northeast.
Malachi Toney (That’s It)
Malachi Toney once again put on a show for the Hurricanes. With the ground game solid but not outstanding, the Hurricanes needed to move the ball through the air, and the Virginia Tech defense could not stick with Toney.
The superstar freshman posted 146 yards and one touchdown, had three carries for 16 yards, and also completed a 15-yard pass in what is now a weekly occurrence. Toney dominated and diced up the Virginia Tech defense, leading to the Miami win. With a combination of route running, electric run-after-the-catch ability, and a maturity and feel for the game beyond his years, he is one of the best receivers in all of college football.
With that being said, credit has to be given to Carson Beck, who in this three-game win streak for Miami has started to play some of his best football in his six-year career. Completing 79% of his passes, Beck has thrown for eight touchdowns to zero interceptions and has a touchdown grab.
Between NC State and VT, Beck set a program record with 24 straight completions between the two games. He’s playing his best football of the year, and against a feisty Pitt team and into the postseason, Miami is going to need his best football to round out the year. With that connection to Toney thriving, he is more than likely to do that.
Just Win
With one game left in the season, the Hurricanes need to leave it all on the field regardless of the odds. The ACC championship is unlikely, but with Georgia Tech dropping a game to Pitt on Saturday, Miami has a slim but possible chance of making it.
As an at-large bid, Miami needs to jump multiple teams to get into the Top-10 and secure a spot. But that can only happen if Miami wins. The Panthers (8-3, 6-1 ACC) are fighting for their own chance to make the ACC championship, and the Hurricanes need to take them as seriously as anyone this year. The Panthers have taken down one top-tier ACC team and can definitely do it again. In a year with Miami dropping two games it needed to win, Miami cannot lose focus and must keep their eyes on the game next Saturday.
The Hurricanes will face Pitt after their upset against Georgia Tech riding high on a five-game win streak. With any and all hopes for meaningful postseason play on the line, the Hurricanes will need to play one more dominant and consistent game. Kickoff is set for noon next Saturday on ABC.
‘Canes Takes down Davidson 66-58 in 2025 WBCA Showcase
The Hurricanes (4-0) defeated Davidson (4-2) 66-58 on Thursday night in game one of the 2025 WBCA Showcase in Orlando, Fla.
Once again for Miami, Gal Raviv and Ra Shaya Kyle set the tone for the Hurricanes as they led both sides in points and rebounds respectively. And while UM was able to pull away in the end, it was an extremely close matchup between the ACC and A-10 teams.
The ’Canes and Wildcats were neck and neck during the first quarter. Kyle set the pace early, winning the jump ball and scoring the first layup of the game. Both Kyle and Raviv scored four points a piece, but the Wildcats pulled ahead to close the first quarter with a 17-10 lead.
Entering the second quarter, Miami came out strong, going on a 10-2 scoring run in the first four minutes to take a 20-19 lead. Although Davidson forced seven turnovers and briefly regained their lead, Raviv dominated offensively, scoring eight points in the quarter to put Miami ahead 32-31 heading into halftime.
After a slow start in the third quarter, Kyle and Raviv continued to dominate the floor, each adding to their total points, Kyle reaching twelve and Raviv fourteen. Defensively, the ’Canes intensified, forcing four turnovers on Davidson, and closing the quarter with a 48-45 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Raviv and Vittoria Blasigh led Miami, each scoring six points. With Kyle leading the way, Miami outrebounded the Wildcats 10-8 and secured their largest lead of the game 60-50 with three minutes remaining. Miami maintained their momentum, extending their win streak to four.
Raviv led Miami with 22 points, a new season high, shooting 10-of-16 from the field while adding three assists, and four rebounds. Kyle contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds, recording her second double-double of the season. Blasigh set her own season high with 11 points and was responsible for 11 of Miami’s off the bench points.
Despite having a total of 13 turnovers and hitting just 18 percent from the three-point range, the Hurricanes shot 51.9 percent from the field and were 55% from in the paint, scoring 36 points from inside. Miami also out-rebounded the Wildcats 35-30.
Miami is now 4-0 in the ACC and is set to face No. 19 Iowa in Orlando in the WBCA Showcase on Saturday night.
No. 13 Miami picks up crucial 34-17 road victory against Virginia Tech
A pristine November afternoon in Blacksburg, Va. set the scene for a duel between the Miami Hurricanes and the Virginia Tech Hokies. Despite a late-game comeback from the Hokies, Miami escaped with a 34-17 win.
With less than three minutes in the game and down by ten, Virginia Tech went for an onside kick and with a lucky bounce picked the ball up. And in the witching hours of the game, all the momentum seemed to be on the Hokies side.
But on second down in UM territory, Miami’s defense stood strong as Akheem Mesidor forced a fumble which Zechariah Poyser recovered and ’Canes fans around the country breathed a side of relief.
Mesidor’s strip sack was the biggest of one of his best performances of the season. The sixth-year redshirt senior finished the game with five total tackles, sack, and two forced fumbles.
And with just about two minutes to go, the Hurricanes drove it down field and iced the game with a spectacular 20-yard grab in the right corner of the endzone by true freshman Malachi Toney.
Toney had his fingerprints on the Miami offense all afternoon, making his presence felt on nearly every play. The 18-year old finished the day with 12 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown — only 90 yards away from breaking Ahmonn Richard’s freshman receiving yards record set in 2016.
The electrifying tunes of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica did not faze sixth-year redshirt senior quarterback Carson Beck in the hostile Blacksburg crowd. Beck finished the game completing 27 of 32 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns.
He opened the game completing his first 11 passes which included a methodical opening drive down the field on eight plays that was capped off on a 20-yard touchdown pass over the middle of the field to sophomore tight end Elija Lofton – his second score in as many games.
“We continued to get better offensively for the last several weeks and I think it was just carry over from that,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said.
The Hokies responded quickly with an eight play, 48-yard drive that was capped off with a 30-yard field goal by John Love.
It was the ground game that got the Hokies going, as redshirt junior running back Marcellous Hawkins ran up the left side for a 33-yard pickup.
Miami rebounded on a long 14-play 75-yard drive that was primarily in an effort from Beck and freshman wideout Malachi Toney. On the drive, Toney had five receptions for 46 yards but putting it in the endzone was junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr. who caught a three yard rollout pass — marking his first receiving touchdown of his career.
“Just felt super comfortable out there,” Beck said. “I thought the gameplan was really really good going into the week.”
Miami’s defense remained poised during the second quarter, not allowing Virginia Tech to score as the half ended, with Miami leading 20-3.
Virginia Tech came out of the locker room firing, and the running game continued to be effective. After 80 rushing yards in the second quarter, freshman running back Jeffery Overton Jr. took it to the house on a 38-yard run, moving the score within 10.
The Hokies run game was strong against a stout Miami defense that allowed just 81.8 rushing yards per game.
Overton and Hawkins combined for 141 rushing yards, while the entire team amassed 194 yards on the ground.
Penalties started to be an issue on both sides of the ball for the Hurricanes. They had three penalties for 28 yards in the third quarter and finished the game with nine for 88 yards.
Despite only 82 rushing yards for Miami, freshman Girard Pringle Jr. continued to shine. Picking up 49 rushing yards, he became the second back to catch a touchdown pass. Midway through the third, Beck found him wide open on a wheel route for a 16-yard touchdown to move the game to 27-10.
But despite the 17-point lead, a weakness that has plagued this Hurricane team all year has been the ability to finish the game strong.
With both defenses holding strong midway through the fourth quarter, Virginia Tech had some momentum going as sophomore backup quarterback William Watson Jr. went in the game and heaved a deep ball to junior wide receiver Ayden Greene for a 39-yard gain. Just three yards from the endzone, Watson ran it in to push the score to 27-17 with a little over three minutes to play.
A recovered onside kick followed for the Hokies, but Miami was able to calm the storm thanks to Mesidor’s forced fumble. Toney’s late touchdown added some style points on a game that nearly got out of hand, as the Hurricanes managed to escape in Blacksburg.
After the 34-17 win, the Hurricanes (9-2, 5-2 ACC) will stay in the Northeast as they are set to play Pittsburgh next Saturday at Acrisure stadium with a trip to the College Football Playoff on the line.
Miami swim secures sixth-place finish at Hawkeye Invitational
Over the course of the four-day event hosted by the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, Miami swim finished sixth in Iowa City with 743 points. Without its diving counterparts, UM’s finish reflected a swim-only roster competing against full squads.
Starting off strong, Leah Treglia, Zofia Sobczak, Isabelle Videment and Addy Vonderahe finished second in the 200-yard medley relay (1:39.03).
There were several impressive relay and individual performances throughout the meet. Freshman star Sophie Lenze, hailing from Heideilber, scored valuable points with a fifth-place finish in the 500-yard freestyle (4:51.68), while freshman Phoebe Mayo took fifth in the ‘C’ final of the 200-yard IM (2:04.41).
Videment scored again later in the ‘A’ final of the 50-yard freestyle, placing sixth (22.92). Redshirt senior Savanna Barr finished just behind her teammate in seventh (22.93).
In the 200-yard freestyle relay, Barr, Videment, Vonderahe and freshman Inès Mahmoudi took third place (1:31.22). Videment continued her standout weekend with a fourth-place finish in the ‘A’ final of the 100-yard butterfly (53.82).
Barr also delivered a strong showing in Iowa, taking second in the 200-yard freestyle (1:47.03) after recording the top qualifying time earlier that day.
Treglia added to Miami’s total with a third-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke (53.58). Coming off that bronze, Treglia, along with Lenze, Videment and freshman Brooke Murphy, combined for a second-place finish in the 400-yard medley relay (3:38.64).
Both Mayo (1:57.74) and Sarah Sensenbrenner (1:59.07) placed in the ‘A’ final of the 200-yard backstroke.
Dec. 3-6, Miami will travel to Austin, Texas, for the U.S. Open Championships. With such strong performances so far this season, Barr, Videment and Vonderahe are expected to continue their momentum.
Miami volleyball sweeps Duke on Senior Night
On a beautiful Friday night at a packed Knight Sports Complex, the Miami Hurricanes volleyball team swept the Duke Blue Devils in three sets. The No. 14 Hurricanes came in ready for another win as they honored their seniors.
The first set started off strong, led by senior Flomarie Heredia Colon. Duke’s defense pushed back and forth, but the ‘Canes held their momentum and closed out the set 25–20.
In the second set, the Blue Devils’ defense was highly competitive, tying the score multiple times throughout. But Miami, led by Ariana Rodriguez, Naylani Feliciano, Dalia Wilson, and Jazmine Vergara, stayed composed. Heredia Colon sealed the set with the final kill, giving the ‘Canes a 25–22 win.
In the third set, the Hurricanes showed no mercy, dominating from start to finish with a commanding 25–14 victory. Duke couldn’t find any rhythm, and Miami secured the sweep.
Heredia Colon has made a massive impact on this Hurricanes squad on season long. The Dominican Republic native has recorded 624 kills, 164 digs, 52 blocks, and 704 points this season. Not only that—last night, Heredia Colon officially broke the program record for all-time kills.
Following her lead, Ariana Rodriguez has also been impressive with 89 kills, 1,038 assists, 206 digs, and 53 blocks. Rodriguez also secured a new career-high double-double with 31 assists and 10 digs. The returning sophomore has been outstanding all season.
This match was extra special as NFL legend Tom Brady was in attendance cheering on the ‘Canes and congratulating the team during the postgame press session.
Fans were loud from start to finish and later celebrated the seniors during the postgame ceremony. It was a night to remember, and the Hurricanes volleyball team isn’t slowing down anytime soon as they prepare to host No. 15 North Carolina this Sunday.
Miami MBB cruises to 99-72 victory over Elon
Miami cruised to its fourth win of the season Thursday night, taking down Elon 99-72 at the Watsco Center. All of the Hurricanes were getting in on the action, as all five starters tallied double digit point totals in the win
Elon hung tough through the first half, keeping the score at 41-48 entering the break. They were led by junior guard Randall Pettus II, who finished the game with 17 points.
But after the break, the ‘Canes came out firing. They started the second half hot, going on a 13-3 run where they landed three three-pointers, two at the hands of Dante Allen and another from Tru Washington. Those two combined for over 30 points and five threes. Washington also registered his third career double-double, with 10 boards on the night.
Some more key players for the ‘Canes were true freshman Shelton Henderson and senior Tre Donaldson, who ended the game with 16 and 18 points, respectively.
The deep ball was hitting all night for the Hurricanes, who hit a season-high nine shots from downtown, for 38% beyond the arc. Miami’s defense was on point as well, as they forced a season-high 18 turnovers and outrebounded Elon 38-22, showcasing their physicality.
After a loss to Florida, this was a strong bounceback game for the ‘Canes, who will look to continue their momentum Sunday at 1 p.m. as they take on Delaware State at the Watsco Center.
Hokies host No. 13 Hurricanes in home finale: What to know about Virginia Tech
Collegiate Times Sports Staff Writer Brody Bryan previews Virginia Tech football before its Saturday matchup against Miami
In the final stretch of a tumultuous season headlined by coach firings and hirings alike, Virginia Tech will host No. 13 Miami on Saturday at noon E.T. in its final game at Lane Stadium this fall.
The Hokies and Hurricanes last met in 2024 in Coral Gables, when then-No. 7 Miami narrowly evaded Tech’s upset bid, 38-34. Kyron Drones’ Hail Mary to Da’Quan Felton was initially ruled a touchdown, but was overturned after video review, denying Tech its first top-ten win since 2021.
The Hurricanes currently sit at 8-2 but are fifth in the ACC after conference losses to Louisville and SMU. In all likelihood, Miami will have to win its final two games to keep any hopes of an ACC Championship or a College Football Playoff appearance alive.
Meanwhile, the Hokies have dropped back-to-back games for the second time in five weeks, and are 3-7 heading into the end of the season. Barring an upset against Miami or No. 19 Virginia, Tech will finish with its lowest winning percentage since 1992.
“(The season) has been super weird,” said senior linebacker Jaden Keller. “No one expected this type of season, but I still wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. The guys that I’ve met here, the coaches that have coached me, and the guys that I’ve been blessed around to be with, it’s a lifestyle I would never change and I’d do it a hundred times again.”
Miami’s offense is led by fifth-year senior quarterback Carson Beck, a previous two-year starter at Georgia. Through his first ten games, Beck has averaged just under 285 passing yards per game and has accounted for 19 total touchdowns this season. Hauling in the majority of his passes are freshman Malachi Toney, BYU transfer Keelan Marion, and senior CJ Daniels, who have combined for 12 touchdowns and over 1,200 receiving yards so far this year.
The Hokies’ offense has primarily depended on its rushing attack through its first 10 games. Senior running back Marcellous Hawkins is coming off his second 100-plus yard performance in his past three games, and Bowling Green transfer Terion Stewart has proven to be another reliable option in the backfield.
The running backs aren’t the only ones making a difference in the run game. The offensive line has “started to gel,” according to interim head coach Philip Montgomery.
“They’ve fought through some injuries, they’ve fought through some other things,” Montgomery said. “But they’ve stayed hungry throughout the process, and you’re seeing some really good growth.”
“I feel like I’m finally getting to play with the same group for the last three or four weeks, which has been really nice,” said Hokies offensive line coach Matt Moore. “We were just shuffling people around the first six or seven games. It was a different lineup every week… …It was difficult.”
Continuing that growth and success against the Hurricanes won’t be easy.
Miami currently ranks third in the nation in total rushing defense, led by likely future top-five pick Rueben Bain Jr. The Hurricanes have allowed just 818 rushing yards this season and 2.72 per attempt.
Tech has 1,876 rushing yards so far this season, averaging almost five per carry.
Unfortunately for the Hokies, their air attack hasn’t been as impressive. Quarterback Kyron Drones has thrown for over 200 yards just three times this season, and hasn’t done so since a 38-6 victory over Wofford in mid-September.
The passing offense will also be without senior wide receiver Donavon Greene, who is no longer with the team as of last week’s contest against Florida State.
Greene had 16 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns on the season, but hadn’t caught a pass in three weeks before his departure.
Tech was also without several players last week due to injury, including safety Quentin Reddish, who has an interception this year.
“You’ve got some of those guys that it’s going to be tough to get them back,” Montgomery said. You’ve got other guys that have the potential of getting back… …Everybody’s playing hurt right now. Everybody’s got bumps and bruises.”
Tech looks for its first win over the Hurricanes since 2010 — it’s yet another challenge in a season defined by adversity.
Sebastian celebrates his 67th Birthday party at the Watsco Center
The University of Miami’s famous mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, celebrated his 67th birthday on Thursday, Nov. 20th, at the Watsco Center during the men’s basketball game against the Elon Phoenix.
The ibis was selected as the unofficial mascot in 1926, when the school yearbook adopted the name “ibis”. The ibis was chosen as it is the last animal to take shelter before a hurricane, and the last to reappear after the storm, reflecting the grit of the Miami Hurricanes community.
Sebastian was created in 1957, by the former Director of the Student Union at Miami, Norman A. Whitten. The following year, for the first time, a student wore a homemade ibis costume and performed in it at a football game as part of the homecoming celebration.
On June 17, 2025, Sebastian was inducted to the Mascot Hall of Fame, joining Blitz the Seahawk, Fredbird, S.J. Sharkie, and TORO.
To celebrate Sebastian’s 67th birthday, a birthday party was thrown during the men’s basketball game vs. Elon. Sebastian was joined by many of his mascot friends including his fiancee, Gigi the Ibis, the UM Maniac, the Miami Heat’s Burnie, and the Miami Marlins’ mascots Billy and Miami, among others.
During a first-half stoppage, Sebastian and his mascot friends faced off in a heated match of musical chairs. In the midst of a timeout, Sebastian pulled the chair out from under Mia the Rooster for himself. Then, with three remaining – Sebastian, Burnie & Gigi – Burnie had claimed the last chair in the final round. But, Sebastian chased Burnie down the court, chair in hand, stole it, and gave it to Gigi so she could win the game. A truly romantic act for the soon to be husband and wife!
Later, in the second half, Sebastian was formally honored with a cake. The whole stadium sang happy birthday to Sebastian for his 67th along with the area team mascots. In the end, Sebastian got his birthday wish: a Miami Hurricanes win. Canes pulled out against Elon with a 99-72 win behind a signature Malik Reneau double-double. It was truly a heartwarming and entertaining night for the U, celebrating our very own, Sebastian.
Did Miami Get Its Swagger Back? + Updated Playoff Picture and Virginia Tech Predictions with Sports Illustrated’s Thomas Hughes
On this week’s episode of TMH Sportscast, Zach and Liam discuss Miami’s complete and dominant performance against NC State. The duo then gives a preview of this weekend’s game against Virginia Tech. They are joined by Thomas Hughes, lead editor of Virginia Tech’s Sports Illustrated page.
How much does it cost to be a Cane?
The University of Miami is home to more than 18,000 students, and many of whom face challenges beyond coursework. Rising costs of tuition, housing and daily expenses in Coral Gables are some of the biggest obstacles for UM students.
For the 2025-2026 school year, undergraduate students living on campus for one year face a total cost of attendance of $73,088, not including meal plans. Freshmen are required to purchase an unlimited meal plan costing $4,490 per semester, while upperclassmen can either choose a smaller meal plan or opt to buy their own groceries instead.
The campus brings together students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, some who can comfortably afford the price of attendance and others who struggle to keep up. But, all of them are here for the same goal: to earn a degree. Instead of focusing solely on their coursework, however, many students are forced to worry about the rising expenses that come with being a Cane.
Beyond tuition, the university’s listed prices leave out many miscellaneous, everyday expenses that students have to manage. As the cost of attendance continues to rise across all categories: tuition, fees, housing, on-campus meals, books and personal expenses, keeping up financially has only become increasingly difficult for students.
Since the 2020-2021 academic year to now, the cost of attendance jumped 30% from $75,240 to $97,774.
“I do not think UM is an affordable school,” said senior journalism major Gianna Satchell. “I know people who have transferred to other schools because of the cost.”
According to a Google Form survey posted on The Miami Hurricane’s Instagram on Oct. 31, Satchell is not alone. Out of the 50 UM students who responded to the survey, 64% of students said they find the overall cost of being a student at UM to be extremely expensive.
When asked, “Did tuition impact your decisions to come to UM,” 65% of students said yes.
UM’s setting in Coral Gables makes life off campus expensive, with students paying more for rent, groceries, and simple daily needs like coffee. Living in Coral Gables alone costs an average of $6,367 a month for a single person, which is 21% higher than the national average.
Housing for upperclassmen is difficult and limited. The most popular housing option on-campus for sophomore students is Lakeside Village. According to a statement made by Student Affairs Housing and Residential Life in 2023, there were about 2,200 applicants for the upperclassmen housing on campus. The capacity for Lakeside is 1,115 students.
Apart from Lakeside, there are other housing options for upperclassmen including Eaton Residential College and University Village. Eaton, which resembles Mahoney-Pearson Residential College, cost $11,180 per academic year.
University Village offers different arrangements of rooms affecting the price, but each one costs more than $17,000 per academic year.
Students who are unable to secure on-campus housing are left with no choice but to search for housing off campus. Based on the survey, 47.8% of students say they pay $1,500 to $2,000 for rent while 21.7% say they pay more than $2,000.
To cover living and transportation expenses, based on the survey, 38% of students rely on their jobs while 44% rely on their parents for money.
In addition to housing costs, on campus food has also increased. As of the 2023-2024 academic year, UM transitioned from allowing first year students to choose their meal plan, to requiring the unlimited $4,490 meal plan per semester; a 19% increase from the 2022 cheapest option. According to the survey, 50% of students said that food is their biggest everyday expense.
The cost of food is not limited to The University of Miami though. Nationwide the price of food has also been increasing. According to the Department of Agriculture, from July 2025 to August 2025, prices of food had increased by three percent. It is predicted that in 2026, the overall food prices are expected to continue to increase slowly.
The rise of prices makes it difficult especially for college students like those at UM to continue to afford these everyday costs.
As the expenses continue to rise, the true cost of being a student extends far beyond tuition, and continues to shape where and how students choose to pursue their education.