Parking, restaurants and new friends. Here are 8 tips to help students navigate life at UF

The University of Florida’s campus spans 2,000 acres and boasts an annual enrollment of over 60,000 students. With over 1,000 buildings, 26 residence halls, 16 colleges and seven libraries, navigating life as a new student on UF’s bustling campus can be challenging and overwhelming.

Here is some advice that may make it easier for a new student to get acclimated to life in college:

Learn where to park

Parking on campus can be a disaster – many may argue that UF does not have enough parking. If you have afternoon or evening classes, your best bet is to arrive on campus at 7 a.m. and wait – it’s unlikely you’ll find a parking spot after 12 p.m., and you’ll be stuck circling the pay-to-park areas until a spot opens. If you live close to campus and don't want to drive, Gainesville's bus system, RTS, will become your best friend.

Students who live in dorms and on-campus get special parking treatment, but every student needs a parking pass unless they are using the pay-by-phone parking areas. If you're an undergraduate living off campus, you’ll only be able to buy a park-and-ride decal, park off-campus in "any permit" sections, and ride an RTS bus into campus. Graduate and professional students living off-campus can get a green parking decal. There are more options if you ride a motorcycle or scooter, as anyone can park in the "Motorcycle/Scooter" areas with the appropriate decal.

Otherwise, if you live off-campus, you can go the risky route: Don't get a parking pass and hope for a spot in one of the paid parking garages on campus. There are a few in the heart of campus: One is off of Gale Lemerand Drive and another at the Reitz Union. Fees are $6 per day, or if you need less time, $4 for two hours and $2 for 45 minutes.

Also of note: UF will ticket you if violating the rules. And Gainesville's roam towing rules allow companies to tow vehicles at ease. So if you see a warning sign about towing and are thinking of taking a chance, don't.

Developments with UF Parking: UF has a parking problem. Among the violators: UF employees driving UF vehicles

More: UF student sentenced to probation after participation in U.S. Capitol riot

Be involved

The university offers a wide variety of clubs and activities, some organized by students, and some tied to the university itself. Love Harry Potter? Well, there’s UF Club Quidditch. How about Nerf gun fights? Gator Humans Vs. Zombies have that covered. There are over 1,000 organizations on campus, ranging from 3D Printing Club to Baking4Wellness.

A comprehensive list of the organizations UF offers can be found at this website: https://orgs.studentinvolvement.ufl.edu/Organizations.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there

UF attracts students from all over the world, so if you’re new to the area, you’re not the only one. Talk to people in class, sit next to someone eating their lunch alone, or ask a peer to grab a coffee sometime. They could be feeling the same way as you, and you never know what new friends you may make.

Gainesville also offers a host of activities around campus and downtown, many of which can be found online.

Be on time

College doesn’t wait for you.

It’s better to be 20 minutes early than five minutes late. Always getting to classes and events early doesn’t hurt – but getting to them late could be detrimental. Professors can’t reverse their lectures because you didn’t show up on time. Even if they could, most probably wouldn't. Your best bet is to hope it’s recorded and make it on time next time.

Take in nature:

Gainesville is known for its plethora of nature parks, but ecosystems can be found everywhere on campus. The Butterfly Rainforest, nestled in the Museum of Natural History on campus, is free for students and provides an up-close experience with a variety of colored butterflies and even a few small birds.

One of UF’s main attractions is Lake Alice, which sits across from the bat houses. Every night around sundown the bats awaken and can be seen flying across the lake and into the city, eating all those pesky bugs and mosquitos. Benches and picnic tables on the outskirts of the lake make a great place to eat lunch or do schoolwork while soaking up the sun.

UF’s Natural Area Teaching Laboratory (NATL) has a variety of self-guided nature trails for students and visitors to walk along. They can immerse themselves in a variety of ecosystems, such as upland pine, old-field growth and hammock. Gators are common in bodies of water around campus, and NATL is no exception, so always be aware of your surroundings.

Learn the area

Did you know the University of Florida was established in 1853, and officially opened as we know it today in 1906? It also used to operate in Lake City and was called the University of the State of Florida. The university, and Gainesville itself, both have a lot of rich history.

Museums around the city provide a look into that history and culture. Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History at the UF and, if you love the arts, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art is right next door.

Small towns like High Springs, Micanopy, Archer, Waldo, Newberry and Cross Creek are often forgotten but are only a short drive from Gainesville. Downtown Micanopy and High Springs are great spots for unique shops and restaurants. History is sure to be found by visiting these towns.

Check out local eats

Gainesville has many spots for great, local food. You can even find some on campus, as a few of the chain restaurants in the Reitz Union have been replaced with local favorites. Mi Apa and Fat G’s BBQ & Catering can be enjoyed near the bookstore. There is also a SweetBerries in front of Newell Hall, which serves a variety of simple food such as sandwiches, hot dogs and frozen custard.

More good food can be found around town. Luke’s New York Bagels, Halo Potato Donuts, Big Mill’s Cheesesteaks, Satchel’s Pizza and Sweet Dreams ice cream are all local favorites. If you like BBQ, Adam’s Rib Co. is the place to go. For a good seafood boil with a variety of options, Swamp Boil is an option.

If you’ve spent the night studying and are in need of a pick-me-up, unique coffee shops are spread throughout Gainesville. Opus Coffee, Wyatt’s Coffee, CYM Coffee Co. and Coffee Culture are popular choices.

Manage your finances

Living in Gainesville can get expensive. Rent.com says the average rent for apartments in Gainesville is between $949 and $1,461 a month. In some cases, it is much higher. This all depends on if you live with a roommate, live alone, or split the rent with others. It also depends on where you live, such as the dorms or a student-based apartment complex. Other websites say the same, with most figures over $1,100 for the average monthly rent price.

Being a student is costly, as classes require expensive books and materials. A UF Facts Sheet says tuition fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $6,381 for in-state students and $28,658 for out-of-state students per semester. University Avenue and Downtown Gainesville are popular spots where students go and spend money – maybe a bit more than they intended. There’s nothing wrong with having fun, as long as you keep track of your finances while doing so.

The University of Florida Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides important information on budgeting tips for students. UF Off-Campus Life also gives a few tips for students living off-campus to better manage their finances.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Tips to help UF students navigate campus life around Gainesville