The University of Florida
Gator Nation. SEC football. The Swamp. Gatorade. Tom Petty….
FITZ BITS TIP: As a prospective student, I suggest you visit during one of the warmer months to feel “The Swamp” and the Florida sunshine firsthand.
Some unique points about the University of Florida:
- UF tuition is pretty reasonable compared to other out-of-state options. And, many in-state students benefit greatly from The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. The Grandparent Waiver is a limited option for all Florida Universities that can award out-of-state students with in-state tuition.
- UF offers various acceptances: UF, Summer A and B starts, Pace, Innovation Academy, and Santa Fe Pathway.
- Florida requires one summer on-campus with a minimum of nine credit hours. However, there are exceptions such as an approved internship or study abroad (minimum of six hours). You’ll want to consider this when budgeting for UF expenses.
- Business students, you may be surprised to learn that online classes have been the model since even before COVID. There are in-person options too. I spoke with UF students who said that they like the flexibility because it opens up time for more business-related clubs and activities. However, I have heard that some Florida high schoolers opt for Florida State’s business school.
- Test scores are required for applications.
- You apply to the university, and not a specific major.
- UF is a big scooter community, check out all of the scooter parking lots. I’m warning you, don’t be surprised if your future-Gator asks for a scooter!
These are my honest opinions and recommendations — I do not receive any compensation or discounts during our travel. This story may include affiliate links for which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please click the links to support my blog.\
Application Advice
Previously, the deadline was November 1 for all applications, but UF moved to the more traditional deadlines of Early Action applications in 2024-2025. However, there are two reasons to apply early…like, in August!
- Housing/dormitory priority.
- Out of state students with a grandparent living in Florida — the limited first-come first-served Grandparent Waiver for instate tuition.
Student Housing and Meal Plans
Housing
Apply to UF early for a better chance to get your preferred dormitory. After applying, you’ll get information to set up the UF portal and pay your $25 housing fee to get in order for selections. This isn’t your housing deposit, and you haven’t been accepted yet, but it sets your housing priority if you end up at UF.
- UF students are not required to live in the dorms, but I 100% recommend it at UF and any college.
- My general guess from the breakout meeting at the orientation is that about 25% of freshman do not live in university housing.
- Which dorm? Broward Hall is known to be a very social dormitory and has a good location on campus. You can also apply for the Out of State LLC which is in Broward. The dorms around Broward are also very popular for their central locations and UF was building a new cafeteria for that area in 2024. The new Honors Village dorms are right next to Broward; the honors program is very selective.
Meal Plans
UF students are also not required to have a meal plan, but of course it makes sense when you are in the dorms. There is a Greek Meal Plan that students can change to because their Greek fees include meals. Other than that, you can’t decrease a meal plan, you can only increase it. I suggest a smaller plan than you think you need, such as the Weekly 14. There are a lot of complaints about the cafeterias and their food options and availability.
Grandparent Waiver
Is your student’s grandparent a Florida resident? The state of Florida has authorized UF a very limited amount of spaces for this relatively new waiver that provides in-state tuition to out-of-state students. The waivers are available for incoming freshmen on a first-come first-served basis, with some other requirements, so you’ll want to apply when applications open in August for your best chances. However, do not rush your application because you first need to get accepted to UF.
- Apply to the University of Florida when the Common App opens in August. However, it’s never too late to try — apply for it at any point during the year!
- You’ll have to wait to get information for setting up UF’s portal before applying for the Grandparent Waiver.
- The waiting game: You first get an admissions decision. Once accepted, it may be another month before hearing about the Grandparent Waiver decision.
- Once awarded, you will pay full tuition and then get a refund for the difference.
You're going to UF, now what?
- Register for Preview — this is where students declare their major and register for classes. Freshmen are required to attend this on-campus late-spring/summer orientation program. Students can stay in dorms or in a hotel. Warning, it was two full days!
- Join the UF Parent Facebook pages. They are packed full of great tips and advice.
- Buy your Student Season Football Ticket! It is easy to sell your tickets to other students if you can’t make all of the games.
- Budgeting advice: Fraternity and sorority dues can cost about $6,000 per year (including meal plans) and apartments close to campus can start at $1,200 per month.
It’s “The Swamp,” so remember to leave your student with sunblock, bug spray, and Damp Rid. And, if you bring a bike to campus I suggest double locking it.
Visited in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
