The University of Florida is a top-five public research university located in Gainesville, widely regarded as one of the best values in American higher education. With strengths spanning business, engineering, agriculture, and the health sciences, UF combines elite academics with a passionate campus culture and one of the nation's largest alumni networks.
Mascot: Gator
Notable Alumni
Tim Tebow (Heisman winner and broadcaster)•Emmitt Smith (NFL all-time rushing leader)•Faye Dunaway (Academy Award-winning actress)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
UF punches above its weight academically for an SEC school while delivering the full Southern college social experience — Gator football is religion, Greek life is active, and Midtown Gainesville's bar scene thrives on game weekends. The combination of top-tier programs with SEC-level social intensity creates a genuine 'work hard, play hard' culture. With 1,000+ student organizations, non-Greek students have plenty of entry points.
Collegiate Gothic buildings like Century Tower and the red-brick Heavener Hall are pleasant, and the campus benefits from lush subtropical landscaping. Lake Alice and its resident wildlife add a unique natural element.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
UFPD patrols the large campus with the GatorSafe app and Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) transportation service. Bike and scooter theft increased notably in 2024.
Gainesville has above-average crime rates overall, but neighborhoods near campus are significantly safer. Bike theft is the most common crime affecting students.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Monday through Friday during the academic year
Duration: About 75 minutes (brief info session + 60-minute walking tour)
Campus tours include a brief admissions info session followed by a 60-minute guided walking tour led by trained student guides. Group tours on most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On-campus informational events with sessions from colleges, student life, and support services also available.
Book a TourSelf-guided tour with audio and visual content recorded by student tour guides, available through UF's GatorWay app. Download before your visit.
Tour ResourcesVisit October through November for cooler Florida weather and peak football season — a game day in The Swamp is a bucket-list experience. March through April is also excellent with comfortable temperatures. Avoid June through September when Gainesville heat and humidity are oppressive, and campus is quieter during summer terms.
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) has limited commercial service (~15 min from campus). Many visitors fly into Jacksonville (JAX, 75 miles) or Orlando (MCO, 110 miles) and drive. Visitor parking at the Bookstore/Welcome Center Garage (Garage XII at the Reitz Union) and Garage 5 on Gale Lemerand Drive. Temporary parking pass purchased at pay stations in the garage.
Location
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