All About Gator Preview: UF Freshman Orientation
Everything You Need to Know About UF Freshman Preview: University of Florida Orientation
🎓 What Is UF Preview?
UF Preview is the University of Florida's required orientation program for incoming students—both first-year and transfer—designed to smoothly transition you into Gator life. It’s a two-day (freshman) or one-day (transfer) experience structured to help you:
- Learn about majors, degree requirements, and pathways
- Register for your first-semester courses
- Navigate campus resources (housing, dining, banking, etc.)
- Engage with current students, faculty, and staff
Freshman Preview (First-Year Students)
Duration: Two days
Typical Timeframes:
- Summer B 2025: May–June, multiple dates
- Fall 2025: May–July, multiple dates
- PaCE 2025 and High School AA admits: May–July
- Spring 2026 (Innovation Academy): May–July
Schedule:
Day 1
(8 a.m.–6 p.m.): Continental breakfast; group sessions on academics, majors, career planning; campus safety; athletics; student life; lunch; schedule development; campus tours
Optional overnight stay in residence halls (at extra fee)
Day 2
(8 a.m.–5 p.m.): Small-group advising; one-on-one registration appointment; check-in for housing, banking, OneStop; GatorONE ID; bookstore; recreation; dining info
Transfer Preview
Duration: One day (8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Dates:
- Summer A/C 2025: May 9
- Fall 2025: May–July
- Spring 2026: December & January
Activities: Similar to freshman sessions, condensed into one day—academic advising, resource presentations, campus tours, GatorONE ID setup, health & counseling info, banking, housing
🗓 Important Preview Dates
Preview schedules vary based on admission type. Here’s a quick overview for 2025–2026:
Admit Type Program Length Possible Dates
Freshman Summer B 2025 2 days May–June (various)
Freshman Fall 2025 2 days May–July (various)
PaCE & HS/AA Freshman 2 days May–July (various)
Freshman Spring 2026 (IA) 2 days May–July
Transfer Summer A/C 2025 1 day May 9
Transfer Fall 2025 1 day May–July (various)
Transfer Spring 2026 1 day December & January
📝 Once logged into the Preview registration system, you'll see the exact dates available to you.
✅ Preparation Checklist
Here’s a consolidated list of important tasks to complete before heading to Preview:
Activate GatorLink & apply for GatorONE ID
You’ll need both for accessing UF systems. Expect a 1-business-day delay after activation.
Register & pay ($35 for student; $95 per family member)
The cost for at least one preview session—including Family Preview—is mandatory upon registration.
Submit immunization records
Use the Student Self-Service portal at least three weeks before Preview.
Complete Preview Prep in Canvas
Typically opens mid-April. Finish at least one week before Preview. Includes ALEKS placement test (if needed).
Submit GatorONE ID photo
Upload a picture online ahead of time to skip the photo station at Preview. Reddit users highly recommend this tip—for convenience and better control over picture quality.
“Definitely submit your picture for your UF ID beforehand … super easy and you get to control what your photo is on your ID for the next 4 years :)”
Identify preferred course sections beforehand
Research courses and professors using RateMyProfessor or UF’s systems. Prepare a list of at least two back-up sections for each class. Bring it to your advising appointment.
“The single most important thing he'll do at Preview is that 10 minutes with the 'advisor' … he should take his cheat sheet with course and section numbers …”
gatorchatter.com
Dress comfortably
Preview involves walking; wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Gainesville weather can be rainy—umbrellas encouraged.
welcome.ufl.edu
🎯 Tips from UF & Fellow Students
From UF
View multiple sections/paths
Explore majors, degree pathways, and course options (including General Education vs. major requirements).
Use small-group and one-on-one advising
Preview structure ensures a combination of peer/small-group sessions and individual advising to tailor your course schedule.
Preview Prep & ALEKS matter
These impact which math and chemistry classes you're eligible for. Complete prep on time for best class placement.
Continued support after Preview
Keep communication with your Preview Staffer and college advisors to review and adjust schedules.
From Students/Parents
Skip the photo line
Uploading your ID picture online saves time in long Preview queues.
Bring note-taking tools
Capture the flood of information with digital or handwritten notes; keep them organized.
Treat the “social” as optional
Preview often includes intro social events (cookies, music). It’s low-key and optional.
Gear up for email overload
UF communications will ramp up close to Preview. Watch for emails about checklists, session links, and timing.
Power in preparedness during advising
Advisors handle many students quickly. Having a clear list of class–section combos gives you leverage.
👨👩👧 Family Preview
Parents and families join the student’s Preview session at the same time—optional but strongly encouraged. Sessions include presentations on housing, dining, advising, campus life, finances, and more.
Duration: Two-day for first-year; one-day for transfers
Cost: $95 per family member (in addition to student fee)
Who? Family members or support persons
Content: Compressed versions of student sessions, featuring campus partners and resources
Note: Parents are not permitted in the student’s one-on-one advising—they attend separate sessions.
🏨 Why Parents Should Stay at a StayGainesville Property
Gainesville is much more than just the UF campus—and staying with StayGainesville offers unique benefits for families attending Preview:
Proximity
StayGainesville properties are near or within walking distance of campus and preview venues like Reitz Union and dorms. Avoid parking hassles and morning rush.
Family-focused amenities
Most units offer two bedrooms, full kitchens, washer/dryer—comfortable for parents who want privacy and flexibility while supporting students.
Parking & morning ease
Optional overnight stay in dorms is limited. With StayGainesville options, parking is usually included and you’re free to come and go, head out for lunch, or unwind off-campus.
Community feel
StayGainesville caters to families and groups, creating a supportive and low-stress environment during busy Preview days.
Familiar local staff
Staff can provide local tips—for places to eat, errands, relaxation spots—valuable when parents want a break from information-heavy sessions.
Longer stays supported
Since most families stay multiple nights (Preview plus extra nights), StayGainesville properties accommodate varied schedules without built-in dorm constraints.
🧭 Day-by-Day Itinerary (Sample)
Day –1 (Arrival Day)
Check into StayGainesville residence
Stock up on snacks, plan meals, locate campus shuttle stops
Day 1 (Freshman Preview)
8 a.m.: UF Preview check‑in at Reitz Union; grab breakfast buffet (sit with family)
Morning sessions: Intro to academics, small-group major + career planning
Lunch on campus
Afternoon sessions: Campus engagement, safety, dining, athletics tour
Optional evening: On-campus dorm stay (for students), family heads back to StayGainesville for dinner
Day 2
8 a.m.: Sessions on housing, campus banking, health & booking
Late morning: One-on-one advising and course registration
Midday: Photo pickup for GatorONE ID, bookstore visit
Wrap-up: Info on online schedule adjustments, set up further advising
🌟 Closing Thoughts
UF Preview is more than a registration event—it's your launchpad into the Gator community. With solid preparation—from immunizations to course lists—you'll walk into those advising meetings confident and ready. Families, engage with Parent Preview sessions to familiarize yourselves with UF’s systems and support your students as they take this big step.
And when it comes to accommodation, StayGainesville properties offer a stress-free, comfortable, and convenient alternative to limited dorm housing—for both parents and students. Close enough to campus, flexible in scheduling, and packed with amenities—it's the perfect choice to let everyone focus on the big transition ahead.
Welcome to UF, and go Gators! 🐊
Important Preview Dates
| Admit Type | Program Length | Possible Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Summer B 2025 | 2 days | May–June (various) |
| Freshman Fall 2025 | 2 days | May–July (various) |
| PaCE & HS/AA Freshman | 2 days | May–July (various) |
| Freshman Spring 2026 (Innovation Academy) | 2 days | May–July |
| Transfer Summer A/C 2025 | 1 day | May 9 |
| Transfer Fall 2025 | 1 day | May–July (various) |
| Transfer Spring 2026 | 1 day | December & January |
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