08/14/2026
🐊 Welcome to Gainesville and Alachua County!
Move-in season is here, and students from the University of Florida, Santa Fe College and schools throughout the area are getting ready to call Gainesville home for another semester.
Between unpacking boxes and getting organized, take some time to discover the community beyond campus.
🛍️ Finish the move-in list
Forgot something? Find school supplies, groceries, dorm essentials, Gator gear and more at Plaza, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall, Tioga Town Center, downtown Gainesville and locally owned shops throughout the area. Explore even more options with the Visit Gainesville shopping guide.
🍴 Refuel after move-in
Take a break from unpacking and grab a bite at a local favorite. Stop by Café Voltaire GNV for coffee and a bite to eat, head downtown to The Bull, explore the food and drink options at South Main Station, or discover more locally owned restaurants throughout Gainesville and Alachua County. There are plenty of places to recharge before tackling the next box.
🌳 Take a break from the boxes
Unwind at Depot Park, explore the Harn Museum of Art, visit the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo or SF Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, or catch a Gainesville tradition by watching the bats emerge near Lake Alice at dusk.
🚗 Explore beyond campus
Have a little extra time? Explore downtown High Springs and stop by Serendipity Soda & Sweets for ice cream and handmade treats. Stroll historic Main Street in Alachua and grab a scoop at The Ice Cream Vault. Head to Newberry for small-town charm and gelato at Lulu's Gelato, or slow things down in Micanopy with antique shops, local dining and a walk through one of Florida's oldest inland towns.
👋 Parents and families, make the most of the trip
Before heading home, grab a meal in downtown Gainesville, wander the Harn Museum of Art, explore hands-on exhibits at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, or unwind with a walk and something sweet at Depot Park. Looking for some time outdoors? Head to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and explore trails like La Chua Trail, Bolen Bluff Trail or Wacahoota Trail, with opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife along the way.
Staying another night? Check the What's Good event calendar and turn move-in weekend into one more day together. https://www.visitgainesville.com/events/
Students, families and returning Gators, welcome! Move-in is only the beginning. There's an entire community waiting to be explored.
