A- Alumni
More than 330,000 Gators belong to UF’s Alumni Association, and alumni live in every state and in more than 100 foreign countries. The association, created in 1906 by 14 grads, works with the Student Alumni Association, which creates networking opportunities for students.
B-Butterfly Rainforest
The Butterfly Rainforest, located inside the Florida Museum of Natural History, showcases hundreds of butterflies from around the world. This screened enclosure contains tropical trees and plants with waterfalls and a walking path.
C-Caffeine
Need some fuel to cram? Besides UF’s three Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Pascal’s, Karma Cream and Yogaberry offer java within walking distance.
D-Dorm Life
Nothing summarizes freshman year better than living in one of UF’s tiny – and sometimes ancient – dormitories. How much students enjoy dorm life depends completely on roommate relationships. Sharing a room with a total stranger while miles from home is not always enjoyable, so always be polite and respectful. It can go a long way.
E-Environmentally friendly
Gainesville is the first U.S. city to have a feed-in tariff, and campus has more certifications by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design than any other university.
F-Freedom of Speech
Got something to say? Say it. UF has many open spaces for you to share your views with fellow Gators. Students can set up tables for their organizations in the Reitz Union Colonnade, on Turlington Plaza or on the Plaza of the Americas, located in front of Library West.
G-Greeks
UF offers four organizations for fraternity and sorority affairs — The Interfraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Multicultural Greek Council and the Panhellenic Council —as well as professional and business frats.
H-Hillel
About one- fifth of the Student Body is Jewish. The Hillel on University Avenue offers services and kosher dining at its restaurant, the Olam.
I-Intramurals
UF’s Department of Recreational Sports organizes intramural teams year-round. Students, faculty, staff and spouses can compete in almost any sport imaginable. You can even get a part-time job officiating sports such as flag football, basketball, softball, soccer and volleyball. All you need is a valid Gator 1 Card to play.
J-Jaywalking
Drivers, beware. Although a crosswalk exists at Northwest 17th Street and University Avenue, students prefer to dash over medians and through cars. Classroom Building 105, located across the street from Library West, fuels jaywalking. Who has time to wait for a light, anyway?
K-Krishna Lunch
“Karma-free meals” costs $4 per day and are served on the Plaza of the Americas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
L-Leases
Once you move into your dorm or apartment, you will be bombarded to renew your lease or sign somewhere else. Word to the wise: living at an expensive place far from campus that only has pool parties a few weekends a year may not always be the best bargain for your buck.
M-Museums
Don’t be a fool and overlook our two museums. Visits to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the state’s official natural history museum, and the Harn Museum of Art, which features 7,000 pieces, are free except for special exhibits.
N-Nightlife
It’s inevitable. You’ll be a night owl in college, so enjoy the nightlife. Just remember to set your alarm.
O-Organic Food
Feel free to venture out and shop at town’s great organic food stores, like Ward’s, Mother Earth Market or Sunflower Health Foods.
P-Parking
Good luck. You’re more likely to get a 100 on your first exam than to find parking.
Q-Quarterback
John Brantley admits he looks more like “a guy”than an athlete. “Frat boy” might be a better description, but rather than hanging with the bros, he’ll be charged with replacing a UF legend
R-Registration
The week of Aug. 23 to 27 will be your most frustrating week of the fall semester. During this time, you will try to create the perfect schedule by dropping and adding classes. You’ll finally realize there’s no such thing as a perfect schedule. Enjoy 7:25 a.m. bio lab.
S-Stadiums
This is where the magic happens: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, the O’Connell Center, McKethan Stadium, Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, and the James G. Pressly Stadium at Percy Beard Track. Get out there and support the Orange and Blue.
T-Teaching Zoo
Take a weekend trip over to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, where SFC students get hands-on experience for animal care. The 10-acre zoo is home to 75 species.
U-Urban Meyer
UF’s football coach was named after a pope, and he’s quickly approaching that status. In five seasons, he’s 57-10 with two national titles, and his .851 winning percentage is the best in school history.
V-Voting
Aug. 24 marks Voting Day in Alachua County for the Primary Election. As young adults, voting is a new responsibility, so take time to research the candidates and issues because city ordinances can affect you a whole lot.
W- 34th Street Wall
At 1,120 feet, it’s been the biggest bulletin board in town since 1979. Fun fact: Painting it is illegal.
X-XS
Home to ‘80s night on Fridays, this club opens up to Gator City.
Y-Yogurt
Mochi, D’Lites, TCBY, The Red Mango, Yogaberry, Freshens... the list goes on and on. We don’t know who’s doing it, but someone has labeled the Gator Nation frozen yogurt’s No.1 fan.
Z-ZipCarts
Too lazy to walk or too drunk to drive? Try riding around town in a six-seat ZIP cart.
