Campus | Student Life

International students watch restrictions loosen in Gainesville as COVID-19 rages at home

By Isabella Douglas and Alexandra Harris | July 8

Almost 6,000 international students from 140 countries, more than half of them graduate students, attended UF in Fall 2020, according to the UF International Center. Students witnessed inequality, civil unrest and vaccine shortages while in their home countries. Others read about their country’s pandemic in the news and listened to their loved ones overseas.

A look inside UF residence halls

By Alligator Staff report | June 29

UF’s 11 construction projects bring changes — and frustration — to campus

By Camila Pereira | 9:02am

Madison Bastian, UF health education and behavior fourth-year, shops for her textbooks at the UF Bookstore on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. The top-level Bright Futures' stipend, used by many students to buy textbooks, was taken away this semester. "I'm very disappointed," Bastian said.

UF Bookstore deferment program causes confusion among students

By Elena Barrera | 9:00am

Photos by TF Guntrup / UF School of Theatre + Dance

Actors are seen on stage performing “Dog Act” during a rehearsal Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021.

UF actors return to the spotlight after a year and a half out of the theatre

By Elena Barrera | 8:59am

What to know about UF’s health insurance option

By Max Taylor | 8:58am

More Campus | Student Life

Former Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Mignon Clyburn gives a prepared speech at the event at the Reitz Union on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. She was introduced by Mark Jamison, the Public Utility Research Center director and Gerald Gunter professor, as well as David Reed, the Strategic Initiatives associate provost.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

Former FCC Commissioner speaks to UF students about eliminating the digital divide

By Max Taylor | Sep. 10

Former Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Mignon Clyburn spoke to a crowd of 51 UF students and staff Thursday to spread awareness about the commission's role in addressing the digital divide.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

Pandemic freshmen and sophomores detail their on-campus journeys

By Melanie Pena | Sep. 7

The pandemic gap left students keen to explore, connect and find their place in Gainesville whether through social media, crowded buses or places of worship.

The parking lot next to Flavet Field at UF, shown on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, was changed to a green decal only location. This change affects the ability of students with Park and Ride decals to park on campus. (Photo by Kiara Cline)

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

UF cuts designated Park and Ride lots for Fall, frustrating students

By Camila Pereira | Sep. 7

The two Park and Ride lots that changed this Fall include the Flavet Field parking lot, which was restored to student green decal parking, and the commuter parking lot next to Garage 14, which is permanently closed because it is currently a construction site and will later be the site for the new Central Energy Plant Project, according to UF’s Campus Master Plan.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

UF celebrates its newest LLC aimed to help first-generation Gators

By Isabella Barnet | Sep. 3

This Fall, UF’s historic Murphree area added a new milestone to its collection: Thomas Hall. It was inaugurated Aug. 28 as the first-generation living and learning community.

Jose Alvarez, center, and siblings David and Ismelda Alvarez, left and right, celebrate Jose’s graduation from the University of Florida in front of the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

A first-generation UF student paves the way for a triple Gator legacy

By Elena Barrera | Aug. 20

Four years after receiving his first degree as a Gator, Jose Alvarez now watches his youngest sibling, David Alvarez, 18, start his journey at the university that opened so many doors when he was a student.

Signage posted by the University of Florida advertising Gator Dining meal plans on the third floor of the Reitz Union at UF’s Gainesville campus on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

UF students discuss meal plan options

By Juliana Ferrie | Aug. 16

At UF, Gator Dining Services offers several different meal plans students can choose from.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

How to Navigate UF’s Parking System

By Eve Thompson | Aug. 16

Here’s a guide for how to appeal a citation, what to do when impounded and where to park on campus to avoid hefty citation costs.

Graphic by Ashley Hicks. Photo by Houston Harwood.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

Dear freshman: Welcome to UF

By Isabella Douglas | Aug. 16

On Aug. 23, classes will begin at UF with freshmen scrambling to figure out the bus system and seniors heading to their favorite coffee shops before their first lecture. Heading into the new school year, some UF seniors offered advice to freshmen unsure of what to expect with college life.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

Just transferred? Welcome to the Gator Nation

By Camila Pereira | Aug. 16

Although the transition can be nerve-racking, all UF students — whether admitted traditionally or non-traditionally — are an essential part of the Gator nation and encouraged to take every opportunity to succeed in the university.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

UF residence halls are most prominent locations for sexual assault on campus

By Camila Pereira and Eve Thompson | July 30

Out of the university’s 98 rape reports since 2015, more than 46% happened in or near residence halls and facilities, according to data from the UF’s Crime Log, a record of campus crimes reported to UF Police Department and Campus Security Authorities.

University of Florida Disability Resource Center located at Reid Hall on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The DRC provides services to students with physical, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

July amplifies the voices of the disabled community

By Joelle Wittig | July 23

July brings the disabled community together to reflect on common experiences and celebrate differences as the month commemorates the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.

UF journalism professor Ted Spiker (center) moderates a conversation with ACCENT Speakers Bureau guests Brian Baumgartner (left) and Oscar Nuñez (right) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. The event is the first fully in-person Accent event since October 10, 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

Brian Baumgartner and Oscar Nuñez share advice with UF students

By Isabella Douglas | July 2

Brian Baumgartner and Oscar Nuñez, who play Kevin Malone and Oscar Martinez in the show, took the stage at Accent’s first in-person event since Donald Trump Jr.’s speech in October 2019. The show was the third event of Great Gator Welcome as students began Summer B classes.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

George A. Smathers Libraries provide a welcoming community to foster student success

By Makiya Seminera | June 28

Although each of the six Smathers library branches collaborate with one another, they also enjoy participating in healthy competition — mostly brought about by UF students who have pledged their allegiance to one of the libraries.

Few students are seen wandering around UF’s campus on August 31, 2020, in Gainesville Fla., due to the social distancing guidelines and mask requirements set in place. However, the Campus Connector and RTS buses still operate with frequent trips across campus.

CAMPUS | STUDENT LIFE

Homesickness is part of the college experience. Here’s how to deal with it.

By Jake Reyes | June 28

Going off to college can mean leaving things behind, including family, friends and pets, which may lead to homesickness, but former and current students have advice about how to have an enjoyable college experience