University of FloridaStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for University of Florida. Free for students.

Public Research University in Gainesville, FL. Operating on a semester system.

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63K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

45

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall 2026

The semester, explained for University of Florida

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Fall 2026
Campus terms
88
Local details
35

Academic calendar

Fall 2026 runs Aug 20, 2026 – Dec 12, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

14 entries
  1. Summer C 2026
  2. Summer B 2026
  3. Fall 2026Relevant now
  4. Spring 2027
  5. Summer A 2027
  6. Summer C 2027
  7. Summer C 2027
  8. Summer B 2027
  9. Fall 2027
  10. Spring 2028
  11. Summer A 2028
  12. Summer C 2028
  13. Summer C 2028
  14. Summer B 2028

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

88 terms

A

AASU
Asian American Student Union, one of the largest student-run organizations on campus.
ACC
Area Council, the student leadership boards for specific residence hall areas.
ACCENT
ACCENT Speakers Bureau, the student-run organization that brings high-profile speakers to campus.

B

Beaty
Beaty Towers, a pair of high-rise dorms on the south side of campus.
Broward
Broward Hall, a central dorm known for its proximity to the Broward Dining Center and outdoor pool.
Broward
Broward Dining Center, the dining hall located on the east side of campus near the Broward dorms.
Broward Dining
Broward Dining Center, the primary dining hall for the central campus area.
BSU
Black Student Union, an organization dedicated to the interests and welfare of Black students.

C

Chomp
The signature Gator gesture made by clapping arms together in a biting motion.
Chomp and Go
A grab-and-go dining option located in the Reitz Union for quick meals.
Chomp It
A late-night grill and dining location offering burgers and wings.
Cicerones
Florida Cicerones, the official student ambassadors for the University of Florida.
CWC
Counseling and Wellness Center, the primary mental health resource for students.

D

DB
Declining Balance, a tax-free account linked to the Gator 1 card used for purchasing food at campus retail locations.
Declining Balance
Funds added to a Gator 1 card that can be used at any campus dining location, similar to a debit card.
Dining Dollars
The declining balance currency loaded onto the Gator 1 card for use at campus eateries
DM
Dance Marathon at UF, a year-long fundraising effort for Children's Miracle Network.
Downtown
The Gainesville city center, located a few miles east of campus, known for bars and local restaurants.
DRC
Disability Resource Center, the office that manages academic accommodations and accessibility services.

F

Flex
FlexBucks, a declining balance currency included with meal plans for use at retail food locations.
French Fries
The yellow, beam-like sculpture officially titled 'Alachua' located outside Marston Science Library.

G

Gator Bait
A traditional fan chant, though its official use by the university was discontinued in 2020.
Gator Chomp
The signature hand gesture where the right arm is placed over the left to mimic an alligator's jaws.
Gator Corner
Gator Corner Dining Center, one of the two main all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
Gator Standard
A term used by the university and athletics to describe the high level of excellence expected of the community.
Gator Stomp
A specific part of the 'Orange and Blue' chant performed during athletic events.
Gator Time
The campus-wide convention where classes officially begin five minutes after the scheduled start time to allow for travel between buildings.
Gatorade
The sports drink famously invented at UF in 1965 to help the football team.
GatorNights
A weekly late-night entertainment program held at the Reitz Union on Friday nights.
GatorWell
The campus health promotion department providing wellness services and resources to students.
GNV
The common shorthand for Gainesville, the city where the University of Florida is located.
Good Life
Refers to 'IDS 1161: What is the Good Life', a mandatory humanities course for all undergraduate students.
Graham
The Graham Area, which includes Graham, Simpson, and Trusler halls.

H

HSA
Hispanic Student Association, the largest student-run Hispanic organization in the nation.
Hume
The Honors Residential College at Hume Hall, specifically for honors students.

I

Infinity
Infinity Hall, an entrepreneurial-focused dorm located just off-campus in Innovation Square.
IRHA
Inter-Residence Hall Association, the representative body for students living in on-campus housing.

J

Jennie
Jennie Murphree Hall, a historic residence hall located in the Murphree Area.
Jennings
Jennings Hall, a popular freshman dorm located near the center of campus.

K

Keys
Keys Residential Complex, an apartment-style housing area often preferred by upperclassmen.
Krishna
Short for Krishna Lunch, a long-standing tradition of vegetarian meals served daily in the Plaza of the Americas.
Krishna
Krishna Lunch, a popular vegetarian meal served daily at the Plaza of the Americas by the Hare Krishna organization.
Krishna Lunch
A popular vegetarian meal served daily by the Hare Krishnas on the Plaza of the Americas.
Krishna Lunch
A famous vegetarian meal served daily by the Hare Krishnas at the Plaza of the Americas.

L

Lakeside
Lakeside Residential Complex, an apartment-style dorm located near Lake Alice.

M

Midtown
The strip of bars and restaurants located directly across from campus on University Avenue.
Murphree
The Murphree Area, referring to a cluster of historic dorms including Murphree, Buckman, and Thomas halls.
Murphree Area
A historic cluster of residence halls including Murphree, Buckman, Thomas, Sledd, and Fletcher.

O

Orange and Blue
The official school colors, used as a shorthand for school spirit or dress codes.

P

Plaza
The Plaza of the Americas, a central green space used for studying, hammocking, and Krishna Lunch.
POD
Provisions on Demand (P.O.D.) Markets, small convenience stores located across campus.

R

Rawlings
Rawlings Hall, a traditional-style dorm located near the center of campus.
Reading Days
The designated days between the end of classes and the start of final exams where no classes are held.
RecSports
The Department of Recreational Sports, managing gyms, intramurals, and Lake Wauburg.
Reitz
The food court located within the J. Wayne Reitz Union, offering various fast-food options.
Reitz Food Court
The collection of chain restaurants located on the lower level of the Reitz Union.
Reitz Union
The food court located within the student union, featuring national brands like Chick-fil-A and Panda Express.

S

SG
Student Government, the primary governing body for the UF student population.
SGP
Student Government Productions, the organization that brings concerts and speakers to campus.
Springs
Springs Residential Complex, a suite-style dorm located near the Southwest Recreation Center.
Swipes
Meal swipes used to enter dining halls as part of a university meal plan.

T

The Alligator
The Independent Florida Alligator, the student-run newspaper serving UF and Gainesville.
The Chomp
The signature Gator fan gesture involving clapping straight arms together like an alligator's jaws.
The DNA Bridge
The double-helix shaped pedestrian bridge that crosses over 13th Street, connecting campus to the medical center.
The French Fries
The 'Alachua' sculpture outside Marston Library, which resembles giant yellow fries.
The Hub
A central campus building that serves as a technology and food service center.
The Hub
A central campus building featuring a food court, technology services, and a POD market.
The Krishna Lunch
A popular vegetarian lunch served daily at the Plaza of the Americas by the Hare Krishna community.
The Murph
The Murphree Area, a historic residential complex near the stadium.
The Murphree Area
A collection of historic residence halls including Murphree, Buckman, Thomas, Sledd, and Fletcher.
The O'Dome
The Stephen C. O'Connell Center, the multi-purpose arena used for basketball, gymnastics, and graduation.
The Pit
The sunken grassy areas outside Broward and Yulee halls where students socialize.
The Plaza
Plaza of the Americas, a central green space used for events and relaxation.
The Potato
The large, lumpy rock sculpture located in Turlington Plaza.
The Reitz
The food court located within the J. Wayne Reitz Union, featuring national brands like Panda Express and Starbucks.
The Springs
Springs Residential Complex, a suite-style dorm located on the north side of campus near the athletic facilities.
The Standard
A prominent luxury apartment complex across from campus often used as a geographic landmark.
The Swamp
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the home of Florida Gators football.
The Turlington Hallway
The narrow, crowded outdoor walkway through Turlington Plaza where student orgs frequently tabling.
The Turlington Tag
The experience of being approached by many different student organizations while walking through Turlington Plaza.
The Turlington Wall
The area in Turlington Plaza where student organizations set up tables to recruit and promote events.
The Wall
The low brick wall outside the stadium where students frequently sit to eat or wait for buses.
Tolbert
The Tolbert Area, a group of dorms often associated with the engineering and ROTC living-learning communities.
Turl
A common shorthand for Turlington Hall.
Turlington
Turlington Hall, a building notorious among students for its confusing layout and maze-like hallways.
Turlington Tag
The unofficial 'game' of dodging people handing out flyers or seeking signatures in Turlington Plaza.

U

UAA
University Athletic Association, the organization that manages UF's intercollegiate sports teams.

Y

Yulee
Yulee Hall, often used to refer to the Yulee Area which includes the Global Living Learning Community.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

35 details
Add/Drop
The first week of each semester during which students can change their schedules without financial or academic penalty.
Canvas
The online learning management system where professors post syllabi, assignments, and grades.
Century Tower
The 157-foot carillon tower that rings every quarter hour and is a central campus landmark.
Drop/Add
The first week of classes when students can change their schedule without financial or academic penalty.
Flex
FlexBucks, a declining balance account attached to meal plans used at campus retail food locations.
Florida Time
The campus convention where classes officially begin five minutes after the scheduled time (e.g., a 10:40 class starts at 10:45).
Gator 1
The official UF identification card used for building access, meal plans, and library services.
Gator 1 Card
The official UF identification card used for building access, meal plans, and library services.
GATOR1
The official university identification card required for building access, dining, and library services.
GatorLift
A free shuttle service providing point-to-point transportation for students and staff with mobility impairments.
GatorLink
The unique username and password used to log into all UF online services and Wi-Fi.
GatorSafe
The official campus safety app providing emergency alerts and tools like a mobile blue light.
GatorWell
The campus health promotion department providing wellness coaching and resources like free 'Sleep Kits'.
Lib West
Library West, the main humanities and social sciences library.
Little
Little Hall, home to the mathematics department and a major campus bus hub.
Marston
Marston Science Library, the primary library for STEM and agriculture.
Newell
Newell Hall, a historic building renovated into a 24/7 modern collaborative study space with no permanent classrooms.
O'Dome
The Stephen C. O'Connell Center, the multi-purpose arena for basketball, gymnastics, and graduation.
ONE.UF
The central online portal used for course registration, checking grades, and financial aid.
Period
The 50-minute time blocks used for scheduling classes (e.g., Period 1 starts at 7:25 AM), with 15-minute passing periods.
Periods
The specific 50-minute time blocks UF uses for scheduling classes (e.g., Period 1, Period 2) rather than standard clock times.
Preview
The mandatory two-day orientation program for all incoming freshman and transfer students.
Pugh
Pugh Hall, home to the Bob Graham Center and various language and culture departments.
Reading Days
The two days between the end of classes and the start of final exams where no classes or exams are held.
RTS
Regional Transit System, the bus network that is free for students with a Gator 1 card.
SNAP
Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol, a free point-to-point safe ride service available after dark.
The Hub
A central campus building containing a food court, IT help desk, and the UF International Center.
The O'Dome
The Stephen C. O'Connell Center, the arena for basketball, gymnastics, and graduation.
The Plaza
Plaza of the Americas, a central green space used for events, studying, and Krishna Lunch.
The Reitz
The J. Wayne Reitz Union, the central student union building.
The Swamp
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the home of the Florida Gators football team.
the_eatery_at_broward_hall
The Eatery at Broward Hall
the_food_hall_at_gator_corner
The Food Hall at Gator Corner
TransLoc
The mobile app used by students to track the real-time location and arrival times of RTS buses.
Turlington
Turlington Hall, a major academic building known for its confusing layout and central courtyard.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Fall 2026 runs Aug 20, 2026 – Dec 12, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
88 approved campus terms and 35 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · University of Florida

You just committed to University of Florida.

The four months ahead don’t need to be one giant open tab. Sign up and we’ll only email you when University of Florida actually needs you to do something this summer — orientation, housing, course registration, immunization. That’s the whole product.

What we’ll email you about

  • Jul 1

    Submit immunization and health history

    Required · source

  • Jul 10

    Move-in appointment selection opens

    Recommended · source

  • Jul 15

    Final high school transcripts due

    Required · source

  • Aug 21

    Health insurance waiver deadline

    Recommended · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Assisted

Find a few communities to try at University of Florida

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

73 mapped items from 33 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

ACCENT Speakers Bureau

A student-run organization and the largest speakers' bureau in the nation, responsible for bringing prominent, influential, and controversial speakers to campus.

Regular commitment

Beta Theta Pi

A chapter of the Beta Theta Pi national fraternity, governed by the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at UF.

Invite only

Source: florida.beta.org · Verified 2 months ago

Learn More

Dance Marathon at the University of Florida

A student-run philanthropy that raises funds and awareness for UF Health Shands Children's Hospital, culminating in a 26.2-hour event where students stand for those who can't.

Regular commitment

Source: floridadm.org · Verified 25 days ago

Learn More

Dancin' Gators

The official dance team of the University of Florida, performing at athletic events such as football, basketball, and volleyball games, as well as competing nationally.

Tryout required

Delta Delta Delta

A chapter of the Delta Delta Delta national sorority, governed by the Panhellenic Council at UF.

Invite only

Source: ufl.tridelta.org · Verified 2 months ago

Learn More

Florida Blue Key

A student leadership honor society that sponsors and organizes major university events, including Gator Growl and UF Homecoming.

Regular commitment

Florida Cicerones

The official student ambassadors of the University of Florida. Cicerones lead campus tours for prospective students and represent the student body at university events.

Regular commitment

Gator Debate

The University of Florida's debate team, which competes in British Parliamentary and American Parliamentary styles of debate at the regional, national, and international levels.

Open to all

Gator Motorsports

A student engineering design team that designs, builds, and competes with a formula-style race car in the annual Formula SAE competition.

Regular commitment

Resources & spaces

Career Connections Center

Offers comprehensive career services including career planning, resume reviews, mock interviews, internship searches, and career fairs for all students and alumni.

Open to all

Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC)

Provides free, confidential counseling, therapy, crisis support, and wellness workshops to all UF students to support their mental health and personal growth.

Open to all

Using DormWay at University of Florida

What the product handles for students.

Syllabus to schedule

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Workload planning

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University of Florida on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

58

Active Students

65

Syllabi Analyzed

48

Courses on DormWay

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Popular Courses

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Applied General Chemistry 1 LabClassical MythologyFirst Year FloridaGEB2030Introduction to Earth ScienceIntroduction to StatisticsMusic and Social Engagement with the EnvironmentPirates & Power: A Global History

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Life in Gainesville for University of Florida Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Gainesville.

Timezone

Eastern Time (ET)

Median Rent

$1,350

Cost of Living Index

94

Student Population

56,000

City Transportation

Walkability

37

Bikeability

78

Public Transit

Regional Transit System bus network

Nearest Airports

Gainesville Regional Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid subtropical

Avg Annual Temp

70°F

Avg Snowfall

0 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Welcome Center Garage

garage • Unrestricted pay facility

Located south of Reitz Union.

Garage 5

garage • Unrestricted pay facility

Located on Gale Lemerand Drive.

Garage 7 (O'Connell Center)

garage • Restricted for events

Staff Commuter Permits prohibited at all times.

Campus News

Latest updates from University of Florida

University of Florida officially opens new Jacksonville graduate campus

UF opened a new campus in downtown Jacksonville focused on AI, cybersecurity, engineering, and health sciences, marking a major expansion into Northeast Florida.

Sep 10, 2026

Read More

Student protesters call for UF to 'Deflock' campus

Students protested the use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers on campus following a state-level ban on the technology for state roads.

Sep 10, 2026

Read More

UF-led team develops injectable, battery-free neural implants

Researchers are testing a thin neural implant designed to stimulate nerves without batteries or wires to improve chronic pain treatment.

Sep 3, 2026

Read More

Campus Safety Message: UFPD reported two individuals walking on public sidewalks adjacent to campus with what appeared to be rifles; open carry in public spaces is not prohibited by Florida law.

Campus Safety Message: UFPD reported two individuals walking on public sidewalks adjacent to campus with what appeared to be rifles; open carry in public spaces is not prohibited by Florida law.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at University of Florida

Intro to Surf: St. Augustine

September 12, 2026

St. Augustine, FL (Departing from Gainesville)

A beach day getaway for surfing and relaxing on the Atlantic Coast. No prior experience necessary.

Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Troy

September 13, 2026

Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center

Youth Sports Day & Camper Reunion featuring 500 team photo card giveaways and a post-match mingle.

Café Conversations: Textbook/Course Material Adoption and Accessibility

September 14, 2026

Online/Campus (See portal)

A discussion focused on textbook adoption and accessibility in course materials.

Leveraging AI to Cultivate High-Impact Learning Experiences

September 16, 2026

Online/Campus (See portal)

A workshop or seminar on using artificial intelligence to enhance educational outcomes.

Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert

September 17, 2026

University Auditorium

A musical performance by the UF School of Music's Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at University of Florida

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

45 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

Angela Mallory Hall

Room types: not specified in search results

Beaty Towers

Capacity: 222

Room types: apartment double

Broward Hall

Capacity: 210

Room types: single, double

Buckman Hall

Capacity: 126

Room types: not specified in search results

Corry Village

Capacity: 250

Room types: one bedroom apartment, two bedroom apartment

Cypress Hall

Capacity: 255

Room types: not specified in search results

Diamond Village

Capacity: 200

Room types: single, double

East Hall

Capacity: 222

Room types: not specified in search results

Fletcher Hall

Capacity: 166

Room types: not specified in search results

Gaines Hall

Capacity: 220

Room types: double, triple

Graham Hall

Capacity: 222

Room types: double, triple

Holtzclaw Hall

Capacity: 210

Room types: double, triple

Honors Village

Capacity: 1,407

Room types: varies by residence halls within the village

Hume Hall

Capacity: 340

Room types: suite

Infinity Hall

Capacity: 420

Room types: not specified in search results

Ivy House

Room types: single, double, triple

Jennings Hall

Capacity: 348

Room types: single, double

Keys Residential Complex

Capacity: 450

Room types: not specified in search results

Kirkland Hall

Capacity: 200

Room types: double, triple

Lakeside Residential Complex

Capacity: 440

Room types: not specified in search results

Lloyd Hall

Capacity: 190

Room types: double, triple

Mallory Hall

Capacity: 180

Room types: single, double

Murphree Area (including Buckman, Thomas, Sledd, Yulee, Mallory, Reid)

Capacity: 1,121

Room types: single, double, triple

Murphree Hall

Capacity: 348

Room types: not specified in search results

Show the remaining 21 housing options

Nancy W. Yulee Hall

Capacity: 177

Room types: not specified in search results

Nelson Hall

Capacity: 170

Room types: double, triple

North Hall

Capacity: 158

Room types: not specified in search results

O'Connell Hall

Capacity: 160

Room types: double, triple

Patterson Hall

Capacity: 150

Room types: double, triple

Quincy Hall

Capacity: 140

Room types: double, triple

Rawlings Hall

Capacity: 348

Room types: single, double

Reid Hall

Capacity: 340

Room types: single, double

Riker Hall

Capacity: 194

Room types: not specified in search results

Rountree Hall

Capacity: 130

Room types: double, triple

Simpson Hall

Room types: double, triple

Sledd Hall

Capacity: 187

Room types: not specified in search results

Springs Residential Complex

Capacity: 430

Room types: not specified in search results

Sullivan Hall

Capacity: 120

Room types: double, triple

The Continuum

Capacity: 300

Room types: single, double

Thomas Hall

Capacity: 170

Room types: not specified in search results

Tolbert Hall

Capacity: 350

Room types: not specified in search results

Trusler Hall

Capacity: 208

Room types: double

Weaver Hall

Capacity: 172

Room types: not specified in search results

Windsor Hall

Room types: single

Yulee Hall

Capacity: 177

Room types: single, double

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@florida.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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