Here I cover a set of the top 10 things I discovered during the course of my education at the University of Florida (UF) which I found to be very useful, beneficial, and valuable. Whether you’re a UF veteran or a ‘baby’ gator, my hope is that you take full advantage of these great services, discounts, and activities at UF. These are commodities you will not have after leaving UF.
I also made a useful course planner, that I am making available to help you plan your classes during the semester and throughout your college education. It’s an easy way to manage multiple course options, specially when you have to deal with closed classes, semester specific courses, pre-requisites, and electives you want to take.
Here’s what you should know…
Freebies
Software
As a University of Florida student, you have the privilege of receiving free software from the Information Technology (IT) department. There are various licenses available to download for both Mac and PC, including a full Microsoft Office suite, AntiVirus protection, and statistical software. Don’t buy software at the Reitz Union bookstore!
Workshops
The Information Technology department offers free training workshops during the semester. These IT Training workshops are great, but they have limited spots and course offerings constantly change throughout the semester. Since most workshops get filled pretty quickly, and new topics might have been added after your last search, make sure to check the current selection of courses continually throughout the semester and sign up as soon as you can.
The Health Science Center (HSC) also offers several free courses to students. These courses differ from those offered by UF’s central IT Training services, but they are a great addition to your skill set. These workshops are usually open to all UF students, and include Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, and EndNote. Like the IT training workshops, they have limited seating, so make sure to take full advantage and sign up! Make the most out of your tuition and take benefit of these training courses and workshops, they will give you an appealing extra edge when it comes to your resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
Discounts
GRE Exam Fee
A lot of people don’t know about this discount, and I found out just after I had paid for mine, so I am very glad to share this one. At the Student Financial Affairs office, you can ask for the GRE discount form that can be used to cover a portion of your GRE exam’s cost.
Services
Career Resource Center
You want to have an exceptional representation of who you are and what you have accomplished. Having a CV and/or resume is essential. You don’t want to miss an opportunity because you don’t have one ready.
Be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Make sure to have your resume prepared.
That’s why you definitely want to visit the Career Resource Center’s (CRC) library to have your resume, CV, personal statement, and cover letter critiqued. Located at the Reitz Union’s first floor, the center also offers career planning sessions, mock interviews, and workshops to refine your skills. While you enjoy your college experience, stay aware of your career plan. The future is important. Don’t lose focus and think ahead.
Writing Center
Need take your essay to the next level? Located in 302 Tigert Hall, the Writing Studio offers a proofreading service where most staff have extensive writing backgrounds. Your essay, story, or personal statement will undeniably improve, and it’s an essential step that you should take when writing any type of essay or document. Make sure to make an appointment online or call (352) 846-1138 before going.
Printing
At the Reitz Union Computer Lab, you get 250 free pages of black and white printing per semester. A great way to economize on all the heavy note printing!
Computing Help Desk
UF’s Computing Help Desk will look over your Mac or PC and evaluate your computer problems for free. They can also assist with network configurations. Located at the HUB, consultants will help with multiple services, but be aware that not all services are covered, such as reformatting a hard drive or making backups.
Recreational
Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Great shows here! As a student, your Gator1 is your key to a $10 student ticket for amazing shows and performances. This discount is exclusive to UF students and there are always tickets reserved for students. Call them at 352-392-2787, or buy your tickets online. Either way, be prepared for incredible shows!
Lake Wauburg
Lake Wauburg is an incredible opportunity to take a break from studying and enjoy a great day at the lake, play a sport, kayak or canoe, rock climb, or have a barbecue or picnic! Just drive a few miles (8) south down 13th (Highway 441) and enjoy all of this, with up to 4 guests, for FREE just by using your Gator1 card. This is one of the activities I wished to have done more. Don’t miss the opportunity and enjoy the lake!
Hawthorne Trail
Like to bike, jog, or just being outdoors? Take a trip down Gainesville’s Hawthorne Trail. It’s a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with friends. You will get to see deer and even alligators if you go out into overlook sections.
I hope you found this helpful. Make sure to share it with fellow students!
Developer | Bioinformatician – Decoding the world, one line at a time.
Highly motivated developer predominantly working in Linux and developing software tools. All about open source software and fascinated by working with multitudes of technologies and languages. Striving to make a positive impact in this world.
