StayGainesville is the #1 Choice for UF Parents Visiting Students

First-Year Student’s Gainesville Bucket List Welcome to Gainesville, Gators! 🐊 If you’re a first-year student at the University of Florida, you’ve just stepped into a new chapter of your life — and into one of Florida’s most unique college towns. Between classes, football games, and late-night study sessions, you’ll have the chance to explore Gainesville’s food, culture, nature, and traditions. Whether you’re here for one semester or four years, make the most of your time by checking off this First-Year Student’s Gainesville Bucket List. From iconic UF spots to hidden gems only locals know, this guide will help you experience the best of your new hometown. 1. Take a Photo at Century Tower Century Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks on campus, and your UF story isn’t complete without a photo here. Built to commemorate the university’s first 100 years, it stands tall at the heart of campus — and you’ll often hear the carillon bells playing between classes. Tip: Visit at golden hour for the best lighting and fewer crowds. 2. Attend a Gators Football Game at The Swamp Whether or not you’re a football fan, experiencing a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is a rite of passage. The energy, the orange and blue, the “It’s Great to Be a Florida Gator” chant — it’s unforgettable. Pro Tip: Student tickets sell fast, so set an alarm for when they go on sale. And yes, it will be hot — dress accordingly and stay hydrated. 3. Spot a Gator at Lake Alice You can’t call yourself a Gator without seeing one! Lake Alice, right on campus, is home to real alligators (observe from a safe distance) and beautiful sunsets. You might also catch a glimpse of turtles, ducks, and even the famous UF bats at dusk. 4. Watch the Bats Emerge at the Bat Houses Right across from Lake Alice are the UF Bat Houses — the largest occupied bat houses in the world. At sunset, thousands of bats fly out to hunt for insects, creating an incredible (and slightly spooky) sight. Best Time: Arrive about 15 minutes before sunset, especially in warmer months. 5. Explore Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Just 15 minutes from campus, Paynes Prairie is a vast natural area where you might spot wild horses, bison, and countless bird species. The observation tower offers sweeping views of the prairie, and the La Chua Trail is perfect for a weekend hike. 6. Eat at Satchel’s Pizza A Gainesville institution, Satchel’s Pizza serves up deep-dish and thin-crust pies in a quirky, art-filled space. You can even eat in a converted van parked inside the restaurant. Don’t skip dessert — their homemade brownies are legendary. 7. Kayak or Swim in a Natural Spring North Central Florida is known for its crystal-clear freshwater springs. Spend a day swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking at nearby favorites like: Ichetucknee Springs – Great for tubing in summer. Ginnie Springs – Known for camping, diving, and social gatherings. Blue Springs – Smaller and great for a quick day trip. 8. Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History Located on UF’s campus, the Florida Museum of Natural History offers fascinating exhibits on Florida’s ecosystems, fossils, and cultural history. The Butterfly Rainforest is a must-see — walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a lush, tropical setting. 9. Study (or Nap) at the Plaza of the Americas The Plaza of the Americas is a central gathering space on campus where you’ll find students studying, tossing frisbees, or enjoying the shade under massive oak trees. It’s also home to Krishna Lunch — a $6 vegetarian meal served on weekdays that has been a campus tradition for decades. 10. Discover Downtown Gainesville Downtown Gainesville is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment: The Top – Burgers, vegan options, and a fun atmosphere. Maude’s Classic Café – Perfect for studying or hanging out. Hippodrome Theatre – Catch an indie film or live performance. 11. Take a Day Trip to Cedar Key When you need a break from campus life, head west to Cedar Key, a charming fishing village on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s just 1.5 hours from Gainesville and offers seafood, art shops, and peaceful water views. 12. Bike the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail This 16-mile paved trail is ideal for biking, running, or walking. It winds through shady forests, wetlands, and even passes by Paynes Prairie. You can rent a bike in town if you don’t have one. 13. Support the Gators at a Non-Football Game UF has nationally ranked teams in multiple sports — basketball, baseball, gymnastics, softball, and more. Attending a variety of games will give you a true sense of Gator pride (and many are free for students). 14. Grab a Late-Night Bite at Midnight Cookies or Flaco’s College life means late-night cravings. Gainesville delivers with: Midnight Cookies & Cream – Freshly baked cookies until 2 AM. Flaco’s – Cuban sandwiches and empanadas until the early hours. 15. Make a Memory at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Take a peaceful walk among bamboo groves, butterfly gardens, and giant water lilies at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. It’s a relaxing weekend activity when you need a break from campus bustle. 16. Celebrate at Gator Growl & Homecoming Parade UF’s Homecoming weekend includes Gator Growl, billed as the largest student-run pep rally in the nation, plus a festive parade through town. Even if you’re not into parades, the community spirit is worth experiencing. 17. Get Involved in a Student Organization UF has over 1,000 clubs and organizations, from sports and music to volunteering and academic interests. Getting involved will connect you with like-minded students and open doors for leadership opportunities. 18. Watch the Sunset at Depot Park Depot Park is a vibrant public space with walking trails, a playground, and food vendors. It’s also one of the best sunset spots in Gainesville — especially if you grab an ice cream from the on-site shop before settling in to watch the sky turn gold. 19. Try Krishna Lunch at Least Once Served weekdays on the Plaza of the Americas, Krishna Lunch is a plant-based meal beloved by generations of UF students. The menu rotates daily, but staples like curry, rice, and dessert are always on offer. Bring your own plate for a discount. 20. Start Your Own Gainesville Tradition This is your college town for the next few years — so make it your own! Whether it’s a favorite coffee shop, a Saturday morning market visit, or a post-exam treat, create traditions that make Gainesville feel like home.