UF Freshmen Move-In: Tips for Parents

Move-in weekend at the University of Florida is one of the busiest — and most emotional — times of the year in Gainesville. For parents, it’s a mix of excitement, pride, and exhaustion. After talking with dozens of Gator parents who have been through it, we at StayGainesville put together this guide of real-world, practical tips to help you make the most of move-in weekend.

This isn’t about picture-perfect dorm décor or cutesy “Pinterest hacks.” These are the suggestions parents told us they wish they’d known — plus a few ideas on where to take a break, grab a bite, and start enjoying Gainesville as your student begins their new adventure.

Parents who’ve done this before will all tell you the same thing: don’t overpack. Dorm rooms are smaller than they look, and there’s no need to bring everything at once.

• Stick to essentials. Items like fans, storage bins, and shelving can easily be picked up in Gainesville once you see the room.
• Create an overnight bag. A simple bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, and water means your student won’t have to dig through bins after a long day.
• Bring a toolkit. Multiple parents recommended having a screwdriver, scissors, tape measure, and duct tape handy. It makes setup so much easier.
• Think about the heat. Pack a cooler with frozen water bottles — they’ll keep snacks cold in the car and double as cold drinks later.

Move-in is carefully scheduled, which sometimes leaves families with a few hours of downtime before they can unload. Instead of sitting in the car, parents suggest making the most of your wait:

• Coffee & Air Conditioning. Starbucks, Maude’s Classic Café, and Opus Coffee are favorite spots to cool off and regroup.
• Take a campus stroll. Lake Alice offers a peaceful walk, and you might spot some wildlife. Century Tower makes for a great family photo.
• Last-minute shopping. Parents swear by making a quick Target, Walmart, or Publix run for forgotten items (fans, snacks, extension cords, shower caddies… you name it). ***Finding an off-the-beaten path store further from campus will help you find items that are quick to fly off the shelf at the closer stores.

Once the boxes are unpacked and the dorm is set up, parents often say they feel both proud and drained. It’s a good time to take a breather and explore Gainesville a bit:

• Nature escapes. Depot Park offers shady walking trails and a playground for siblings. Sweetwater Wetlands Park is great for birdwatching and boardwalk strolls. Paynes Prairie is nearby if you want a longer walk and maybe even a glimpse of wild horses or bison.
• Celebrate with a meal. Gainesville parents often recommend Satchel’s Pizza (quirky and fun), The Top (casual with something for everyone), or Dragonfly Sushi (if you want something a bit more polished). For dessert, Lofty Pursuits is a Gainesville classic with ice cream and old-fashioned soda fountain vibes.

After hearing many stories, these are the pieces of advice that came up again and again:

• Bring an extra shirt. Everyone ends up changing after move-in.
• Expect crowded elevators/ stairwells. Patience is key. Everyone else is hot and tired.
• Let your student lead. It can be hard, but parents said giving their student freedom to set up their space helped with independence and eased the goodbye.

Nearly every parent we spoke with reminded us that move-in is just the beginning. You’ll be back soon — for Family Weekend, football games, spring visits, and eventually graduation. And if there’s one lesson Gainesville parents learn quickly, it’s that hotels fill up fast and prices spike during big UF events.

That’s why so many parents choose StayGainesville for their visits:

• Spacious homes and condos — more room than a hotel.
• Full kitchens — perfect for making breakfast or a home-cooked meal for your student.
• Convenient locations — minutes from campus and downtown Gainesville.
• Privacy and peace — a quiet place to rest after a long day.
• Direct booking savings — no third-party fees, plus access to local support.

Booking your next stay now ensures you’ll have a comfortable, reliable home base whenever you’re back in town.

• Move-in weekend is emotional and exhausting, but it’s also a milestone worth remembering. The best advice we heard from parents was simple: don’t try to do everything at once, give yourself grace, and take time to enjoy Gainesville while you’re here.

Your student is beginning a new chapter, and so are you. Take the breaks you need, celebrate the little moments, and start planning your return — because you’ll be back before you know it. And when you do, StayGainesville will be here to welcome you home.

📅 Plan ahead now: StayGainesville.com or call 352-519-3994.