Make the Most of UF Preview: Where to Stay in Gainesville, FL
Make the Most of UF Preview: Why StayGainesville is the Smarter Stay for Families and Students
Heading to the University of Florida for Preview? Congratulations—you’re officially part of the Gator Nation! Whether you're a first-year student, a transfer, or a proud parent preparing for the big transition, UF Preview is the ultimate onboarding experience. It's your chance to get familiar with campus life, register for classes, and connect with the Gator community.
But let’s be honest—Preview can also be a bit overwhelming. Between tight schedules, important paperwork, and plenty of walking across campus, comfort matters. That’s why where you stay during Preview matters just as much as what you do.
Hotels are impersonal. Airbnb can be hit or miss. StayGainesville offers the perfect in-between: curated, local short-term rentals that combine hotel-level quality with the comfort of home.
Let’s break down what UF Preview involves—and why StayGainesville is your smartest choice.
🐊 What Is UF Preview?
UF Preview is the mandatory orientation program for all incoming Gators. It’s your first official step into the university experience, covering everything from academics and advising to housing, dining, and health services.
What to Expect:
Course registration: Students will meet with advisors and build their first semester schedule.
Campus life sessions: Learn about resources, support programs, student orgs, and Gator traditions.
GatorONE ID setup: Your official student ID is issued at Preview.
Tours & social sessions: Explore campus, meet other incoming students, and find your place at UF.
Dates (2025–2026 Preview Schedule Highlights):
Freshmen Fall/Summer B: Sessions run from May through July
Transfers: One-day sessions in May, June, July, and December for spring admits
Family Preview: Runs simultaneously with the student program—parents and guardians are encouraged to attend
📌 The Planning Checklist (Before You Arrive)
✅ Activate GatorLink and submit immunization records
✅ Register and pay for Preview
✅ Complete the Preview Prep online module (available in Canvas)
✅ Submit a photo for your GatorONE ID
✅ Pack comfy walking shoes and an umbrella (Gainesville weather is unpredictable!)
✅ Book your accommodations early—Preview dates fill fast
🏨 Why Where You Stay Matters
UF Preview is intense. For two days (or one, if you're a transfer), you and your student will bounce between presentations, advising sessions, lunch stops, social events, and campus errands. That’s a lot of walking, information overload, and schedule juggling.
Where you stay can dramatically impact your Preview experience. You want a place that’s:
Close to campus
Comfortable enough to recharge in
Quiet and private
Flexible for family or group stays
Safe and reliable
And that’s exactly where StayGainesville outshines hotels and traditional Airbnb options.
🏡 StayGainesville vs. Hotels & Airbnb: The Preview Edition
Let’s compare the three options most families consider:
1. 🏨 Hotels
Pros: Front desk service + daily housekeeping
Cons:
Cramped rooms (especially for families)
No kitchen or laundry
Little privacy
Expensive parking or limited availability near campus
You're just another room number
Hotels can be fine for a quick visit, but Preview isn’t just about a bed for the night—it’s about preparing for college. That’s hard to do with a mini fridge, a loud hallway, and zero room to spread out.
2. 🏠 Airbnb
Pros: Can feel homey; sometimes cheaper
Cons:
Quality varies wildly (will it be clean? as pictured?)
Hosts may cancel last-minute
Long response times
No consistent customer support
Sparse amenities (like missing towels or no coffee filters)
Airbnb works best if you know the host is professional—but for a milestone trip like Preview, you don’t want to roll the dice.
3. 🌟 StayGainesville
StayGainesville is Gainesville’s locally owned and professionally managed short-term rental company, and it was designed specifically for travelers like you. Here’s why it wins:
✅ Space for the Whole Family
Most StayGainesville properties are full homes with 2–4 bedrooms, meaning siblings, grandparents, or even a friend tagging along can each have their own room. Spread out, relax, and skip the awkward hotel cot.
✅ Kitchens Save You Time & Money
Make breakfast before Preview, pack snacks, or reheat leftovers after a long day—all without spending $50+ on another restaurant meal. Each property comes with a fully stocked kitchen.
✅ In-Unit Laundry
Preview in the summer? It’s hot. Packing light? You’ll want to wash clothes. StayGainesville homes come with washers and dryers, so you don’t need to pack your entire closet.
✅ Close to Campus
Many properties are within walking or biking distance of the UF campus, especially around the Duckpond, Midtown, and downtown areas. Skip Uber fees and stressful parking lots.
✅ Reliable, Local Support
StayGainesville is locally operated. That means if you need anything—from an extra towel to restaurant recommendations—you’re talking to a real Gainesville-based team who knows the area inside and out.
✅ Safe, Quiet Neighborhoods
Unlike some Airbnbs that sit next to noisy bars or random student houses, StayGainesville homes are in vetted residential neighborhoods ideal for relaxing after a packed Preview day.
🧳 What to Do Around Town
Preview is busy—but you may have a few hours to explore Gainesville! Here are some family-friendly ideas between sessions:
Depot Park
– A scenic walking trail and splash pad just minutes from campus
Satchel’s Pizza
– Iconic Gainesville spot with a quirky vibe
SweetBerries
– Frozen custard to reward yourself after a long day
Florida Museum of Natural History
– Walkable from campus and free
Paynes Prairie
– Spot wild bison and alligators on a short hike
Ask the StayGainesville team for more local tips. They’re experts!
💬 Final Thoughts: Set the Tone for a Great UF Journey
Preview is more than orientation—it's your student’s first true step into adulthood and university life. For parents, it’s a bittersweet milestone filled with pride, nerves, and excitement. Choosing the right lodging ensures you can focus on being present for your student—not worrying about check-in codes, parking fees, or whether your bed is clean.
By booking a StayGainesville property, you’re choosing comfort, convenience, and the support of a team that knows this town like the back of their hand. You’ll feel at home—and that’s exactly how your student should start their journey at UF.
🎓 Ready to Book?
Explore available properties
for UF Preview at StayGainesville.com or email us at info@staygainesville.com. Let us help you make your first Gator experience a 5-star one.
Go Gators! 🐊💙🧡
If you're a homeowner in Gainesville looking to maximize your property's income and minimize the headaches of AirBNB self-management, you're not alone.
Planning a trip to Gainesville, Florida? Whether you’re visiting the University of Florida, attending an event, enjoying a weekend getaway, or relocating for work, choosing the right place to stay makes all the difference.
