Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Henry A. Moore // Alligator Staff

2 ALLIGATOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

The art of living together: Tips on adjusting to dorm life ALUMNI, STUDENTS AND EXPERTS DISCUSS MAKING THE MOST OF THE FIRSTYEAR DORM EXPERIENCE

By Kendall O’Connor Alligator Staff Writer

Move-in is right around the corner — taking place Aug. 15-16 — and with that, the inevitability of dorm life can raise concerns for some new students.

If you’ve ever wondered how a UF student or alumnus could reminisce on living in cramped quarters, sharing a space with at least one other person and using communal bathrooms, the answer, according to 20-year-old UF data science junior Jack Mondel, is quite simple: Dorm life is what you make of it.

Mondel lived in Jennings Hall his freshman year. His biggest misconception going into dorm life was the assumption friendships would come immediately, he said.

“You have to ignite the social activity,” Mondel said. “It’s not going to come to you.”

Though he initially selected Jennings because of its reputation as a “social dorm,” Mondel said he still felt it was up to him to make the residence hall experience a social one.

For Mondel, meeting new people in his hall meant finding other students with common interests to connect with. Outside of the dorm at a fraternity pre-rush event, Mondel said he met one of his best friends, who just happened to be living in the same hall.

Mondel encourages new students to make the most of living on campus by breaking up the routine,

he said.

“If you find that you keep going to the same places over and over and over again, maybe instead of making a turn at a certain light, go the other way,” he said. “There’s so much of campus to explore.”

While Mondel has remained friends with a couple of people he met during his first few weeks at UF, he warned this often isn’t the case.

Still, he said he encourages students to embrace the initial friendships as a baseline.

Zoey Tabor, a 19-year-old UF mechanical engineering junior, and her roommate, 20-year-old UF mechanical engineering junior Alessandra de Simone, also remember their freshman dorm experience fondly.

Communication was something Tabor said the pair embraced as first-year roommates.

“We were just so open with each other always,” Tabor said.

Now, they are entering their third year of living together.

“It’s crazy that I’ve only known her for two years,” she said. “I feel like I don’t really remember life without her.”

When it comes to moving in with a stranger, Tabor encouraged new students to keep an open mind.

“I feel like a lot of people come in from different walks of life and are very close-minded about who they want to be friends with and what they’re used to,” she said.

Tabor said there’s a lot of value in freshmen living on campus their first year, and students should make the most of it.

Sydney Kollas, a 23-year-old performer in New York City and previous resident assistant in the Cypress area, dedicated two years as an RA

to help students through their college experience.

To maximize productivity, she encourages students — especially those taking online classes — to embrace “third spaces” for work rather than isolating themselves in the dorm.

When it’s time for a break from work, Kollas recommends new students attend campus events. Kollas’ favorite events as a freshman were GatorDays, now GatorNights, hosted at the Reitz Union on Friday nights. These are a great way for new students to explore campus and meet new people, she said.

Attending sporting events is also a low-stress way to make new friends, she added.

“We have more than just basketball and football,” Kollas said. “I think it’s easy for people that don’t know each other very well to go and do an activity … In case they are stressed about talking and filling the silence, you’re just watching a game.”

Having experienced a difficult freshman year herself, Kollas advises new students to allow themselves time to adjust and avoid comparing their experiences to others.

College can look and feel different for every student, and comparison is never the way to improve self-esteem, said Dr. Nick Comeau, a licensed psychologist at Sage Wellness in Gainesville.

“It’s much better to compare yourself to yourself,” Comeau said.

“It’s kind of [like] trying to beat your own benchmark.”

Read the rest online at alligator.org. koconnor@alligator.org

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 ALLIGATOR 3

A student’s guide to navigating Gainesville without a car THE CITY OFFERS SEVERAL OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS WITHOUT FOUR WHEELS

By Logan McBride Alligator Staff Writer

Beginning a new chapter of education comes with several challenges, from picking classes to navigating an unfamiliar campus. But one of the most daunting questions for incoming students has little to do with education: How can they get around town without a car?

Whether it’s using public transportation, walking or nabbing a twowheeled vehicle, Gainesville has options.

Electric scooters One option is a fixture that can be found lying around UF. If you’ve been around campus, you’ve likely seen students driving across University Avenue on their mopeds or riding their electric scooters down campus sidewalks.

David Haslam owns Campus Scooters, a shop on Southwest 40th Boulevard that sells both kinds of scooters. The store offers a cost-effective, efficient alternative for students looking to transport themselves across campus, he said.

Parking is much more convenient for mopeds than cars, he added.

“There’s no pretending like parking is not a problem in Gainesville,”

Haslam said. “The other thing is this one-way-street-only stuff is much easier to navigate on a scooter.”

In January, Gainesville converted two streets near UF’s main campus to one-way streets with added bike lanes.

Students who use electric scooters will have to purchase permits to park their vehicles on campus. Permits cost $170 per semester.

Haslam’s store typically sees a large uptick in sales at the beginning of each semester, he said, and Fall typically brings a 70% increase in store volume. The store is shifting focus to presales to account for the demand and ordering vehicles ahead of time for students and inquiring riders, he added.

The store offers mopeds ranging from $1,300 to $2,200 and electric scooters from $300 to $1,500.

The city of Gainesville also offers scooters for short-term rental through its micromobility programs. Hundreds of electric scooters are set up at prominent locations in and around campus, using apps like SPIN, Bird and VEO for payment transactions.

Biking Navigating by bicycle is another option for incoming students.

Stephen Bushoven, a 39-year-old Gainesville resident who works at Bikes & More on Northwest Sixth Street, said biking is one of the most efficient means of transportation in Gainesville.

Bushoven has worked at the store

for over a decade and has biked around the city for even longer.

“I’d say it’s pretty accessible,” Bushoven said. “You can pretty much get anywhere on a bicycle.”

In 2022, the Gainesville City Commission approved roadway design changes to add bike lanes to all new city streets.

Used bikes at Bikes & More range from $200 to $600, while new bikes can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000.

Students can also rent bikes through UF’s Gator Gears program.

Gator Gears offers annual and semester-long bicycle rentals to students.

The custom-made rentals cost $75 for one semester, $115 for two and $150 for the full academic year.

UF Transportation and Parking Service, which manages transportation permits, offers covered bicycle parking in Garage 14 for $40 annually.

Hundreds of bicycle racks are located across campus and next to most UF buildings.

Bushoven said he encourages students to bike and recommends they purchase bikes equipped with locks and lights for security and visibility.

Gainesville bus system Since 1998, Gainesville and UF have had an agreement offering unlimited bus ridership to students, faculty and staff. Students can receive fare-free Regional Transit System access with a valid GatorOne ID. The service operates Monday

through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

On Saturdays, RTS routes are in service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays, they run 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Students can find bus routes through apps like the city’s GNV RideRTS app, which tracks vehicle arrival time and offers a live map, and the student-created NaviGator app, which provides tracking, route planning and arrival notifications.

Riley Johnson, a 21-year-old UF data science senior, used the bus service throughout the Summer, and he said he’s been pleased with the results.

“It felt perfect. I felt safe, and it was clean,” Johnson said. “Overall, it’s pretty easy to navigate.”

He wished the buses had a higher frequency and RTS had more funding, he said. Missing his first bus would leave him vulnerable to missing class entirely, he added, though he still enjoys using the service.

Last year, UF cut nearly $3 million of its funding toward Gainesville’s RTS. It redirected funds to another student bus resource: Campus Connector, the university’s private shuttle service.

The service offers three routes: east-west, north-south and a central route. All three run from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding UF holidays.

East-west buses travel among areas like Southwest Recreation Center, the Hub and Fraternity and Sorority rows. According to TAPS, the

ART AFTER DARK

shuttles arrive every 10 to 20 minutes at given locations depending on the time.

The north-south route travels among the College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Health Shands, Parking Garage 14 on Gale Lemerand Drive and the Hub. Campus Connector’s central route can take students from the center of campus to Southwest Rec, Reitz Union and Shands.

Those looking to find their way home at night can rest assured that rides are available through UF’s Student Nightlife Auxiliary Patrol.

From 8:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., students can request rides at 85 designated pickup and drop-off locations on campus and several UF-owned locations in downtown and Midtown.

Students can use SNAP through the Spare app with their Gatorlink login. From there, they can enter an address and the size of their group, and the app will provide the closest SNAP pickup location.

There are typically four to seven vans in circulation, many of which are driven by fellow UF students.

From buses and shuttles to bicycles and scooters, students without a four-wheeled vehicle can find methods of transportation that fit their budget, schedule and needs. @LoganDMcBride lmcbride@alligator.org

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4 ALLIGATOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

Local places to spend time with animal friends

Take advantage of Alachua County’s shelters and public farms when you miss your pet back home

By Teia Williams Alligator Staff Writer

Moving away for college and leaving family can be an emotional adjustment. But for some, one of the hardest goodbyes is their pets.

Students who live in dorms or certain nonanimal-friendly apartments may have to leave their favorite companion behind while continuing their education.

While it can be difficult to brave everyday life without their furry friends back home, Gainesville and the surrounding area offer local spots for students to dull the ache and get their animal fix.

The Humane Society of North Central Florida No-kill shelter Humane Society of North Central Florida offers a few opportunities to hang out with canine and feline pals as they wait for their forever homes. Animal lovers can volunteer to walk the dogs and socialize the cats.

A program called Doggie Day Out allows volunteers to take a dog away from the shelter for part of the day. They can go to certain parks, get a puppuccino at Starbucks or even spend the time at a volunteer's house if they have no other pets.

“The rule is always, ‘Any moment the dog is out of the kennel it is always good for the dog,’” Director of Development Franziska Raeber said. “So we try to make as many options as possible for them to go out.”

The shelter also has rooms where people can visit cats for a few hours. Feline lovers can hang out with the cats while they complete schoolwork or just play on their phones.

If students are looking for a semi-permanent animal fix, they can apply to foster the dogs or cats. The humane society will supply food, toys and beds to the foster parent.

The shelter is located at 4205 NW 6th St. Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary If someone is missing their farm back home or wants to be near wildlife, there are multiple options for them. Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, a wildlife refuge in Gainesville, is home to more than 180 cows, making it the largest cow sanctuary in the country.

The sanctuary holds farmers “moo-kets” once a month and gives people the opportunity to visit its cows, pigs, donkeys and horses. The sanctuary also has a bison,

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Henry A. Moore // Alligator Staff

Here are some of the places Gators can spend time with animal companions. turkey and water buffalo. During the “mookets,” visitors can give the animals treats and peruse local vendors. The next market will be held Aug. 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“We joke that we have the events to help us give enough belly rubs because we don't have enough time in the day to individually pet every single pig,” volunteer coordinator Katelyn Braglia said.

Students can also become a part of the volunteer family regardless of how much time they have. Volunteer tasks include gardening, weeding and fixing fences, and they can work their way up to more hands-on tasks with the animals.

The farm is located at 12626 NW County Road 231.

Retirement Home for Horses Alachua’s Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm rescues equines and helps them live out the rest of their lives in pastures with no responsibilities. The farm works with the horses to find the balance they need to feel safe and happy.

The farm is open to the public on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can walk a trail connected to the pastures and have the option to hike short loops ranging between 1.6 and 2.9 miles. Visitors can feed the horses along the walkway and are encouraged to bring their own treats in the form of carrots, peeled bananas or cored apples.

There are also volunteer opportunities like grooming, fence mending and mowing.

Jane Hansen, a 69-year-old volunteer, has been helping the farm since 2008. She has got-

ten to know the horses on the property and make connections with other volunteers.

“If you have developed a love for horses, then this place is definitely the place to get your horse fix,” she said. “They never leave, so it kind of becomes your horse family.”

The farm is located at 20307 NW County Road 235A. For more outdoor opportunities, animal lovers can walk Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail to visit Georgie the Cat, the trail’s ambassador.

If a student doesn’t have easy access to transportation, they can stay on campus and hang out with campus cats, like Tenders, who can normally be found near Tolbert Hall. @teia_williams twilliams@alligator.org

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 ALLIGATOR 5

New country, new perspective: What international students wish they’d known before arriving at UF FROM GROCERY STORES TO GPAS, STUDENTS REFLECT ON THE CHALLENGES, CULTURAL SURPRISES AND COMMUNITIES THAT CAME WITH ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES

By Hailey Kon & Swasthi Maharaj Alligator Staff Writers

Before Zeinab Tabag could learn her way around UF, she had to learn her way around an American grocery store.

Originally from Sudan, the 22-year-old electrical engineering junior had never been to the United States. She left behind her family, friends and everything familiar from her high school in Tanzania to start over in a new country. Buying groceries — something never too difficult at home — suddenly meant carefully reading every ingredient label because of her dietary restrictions.

For many international students, adjusting to life on campus extends far beyond the classroom. Students must learn how American universities work, how to build friendships from scratch, how to find career opportunities and how to navigate the new resources available to them.

“It was a big decision,” Tabag said. “I took it as an opportunity to be here for four years, finish a degree and be able to see a new part of the world that I might not have the opportunity to see later.”

UF international students compose a small share of the undergraduate population. Nearly 9,000 international students applied to UF last academic year — 930 were admitted, but only 155 accepted their offer.

For Tabag, one of the biggest surprises was how differently American universities operate.

At UF and other schools in the U.S., students choose their own class schedules instead of progressing through a fixed curriculum with the same classmates. The structure made it harder for Tabag to make friends within her major, she said.

Joining student organizations with other international students helped her build community during her first semester, she said.

Minh Pham, a 19-year-old biomedical engineering sophomore, said he had a similar experience after leaving Vietnam to study at UF. Unlike many domestic students who arrived with friends from high school or nearby hometowns, Pham had to start his social life from scratch.

“You can make good friends,” Pham said, “but I just feel like there’s a disconnection.”

Building relationships took time, he said, especially when so many students carried over established friend groups from high school. However, he said joining student organizations helped him find a sense of community.

Career-building felt like another challenge that set in more quickly for international students than it did for their American peers, Pham said.

Many American students entered university with past job experience, knowledge of the U.S. job market, connections in their field and known research opportunities.

“For most students, they wouldn’t be looking for work in their very first year at university,” Pham said. “But I think that’s something, especially for international students, we need to get ahead on, because we don’t have all these advantages.”

Other international students say language and cultural differences added extra challenges to their adjustment.

For Woojung Son, pursuing his master’s in agricultural and biological engineering at UF also meant navigating language barriers and adjusting to daily life.

The 27-year-old Korean graduate student anticipated gradu-

UF’s international center is located inside The Hub on campus. ate school to be academically challenging, but he found one of the biggest cultural differences to be safety, he said.

“There’s no guns in Korea — it’s totally safe,” Son said. “But here, some people have guns.”

His concerns became more personal when his bike was stolen in Gainesville, adding firsthand experience to the safety differences he noticed between the U.S. and Korea.

Son also found speaking English every day more difficult than learning it in the classroom. Academically, the language is much more structured than in conversational use, making it difficult to understand slang terms, he said.

He found UF’s Korean Language Table, an organization where members explore Korean holidays and customs and practice speaking the language together. It helped him meet more people and feel more connected to campus, he said.

To Khayalethu Mlotshwa, a 23-year-old junior architecture student from Estwatini, one of the biggest surprises was how much American social life revolved around technology.

“I came here with no social media,” Mlotshwa said. “I did not think I would need a phone as much as I did.”

Back home, exchanging numbers and meeting up in person was enough to stay connected, he said. At UF, classmates often asked for a Snapchat or Instagram username instead.

Despite the adjustment, Mlostshwa quickly found community through his architecture classes.

“You trauma bond with people,” he said with a laugh. “You are in this studio for three hours … and after that, you stay there still because the homeworks are very long.”

The U.S. welcomed nearly 1.2 million international students during the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report. In that year, international students contributed an estimated $42.9 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 355,000 jobs through tuition and living expenses, according to NAFSA. By the time Eduardo Del Cistia Machado graduated, he had written himself a list.

Sonaiya Brown // Alligator Staff

The Brazilian-Italian alumnus graduated from UF in May with a degree in business information systems. Reading off a list of advice he wrote to himself in his first year, Machado recounted experiences related to community, academia and extracurriculars.

As a freshman, Machado didn’t know a single person in the U.S. The sheer number of student organizations, while beneficial for some, felt overwhelming to him, he said, because his high school offered no extracurricular opportunities. Machado procrastinated getting involved by telling himself he would figure it out later, he said.

When he eventually joined Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, he said he found the community he had been searching for.

Machado said he wishes someone had explained how important GPA could be for internships, scholarships and student organizations. Coming from a Brazilian school system that emphasized passing courses rather than maintaining grade point averages, he didn’t realize how much those numbers could shape future opportunities.

“I didn’t know GPA was a thing or that it mattered,” Machado said.

But one of his biggest points of advice, he said, is to spend less time ticking off degree requirements and more time saying “yes.”

He passed on fun classes, didn’t go to free campus events and kept putting off experiences he said he took for granted.

By his final two weeks at UF, he found himself visiting some parts of campus — like the bat houses — for the first time.

“I wish I explored more,” he said. “You’re always putting it off, [saying] ‘I’m gonna do it later,’ and suddenly you’re graduating, and you never did it.” hkon@alligator.org smaharaj@alligator.org

6 ALLIGATOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

A Gator’s guide to local politics Everything you need to know about Alachua County and Gainesville politics

By Olivia Lofaso Alligator Staff Writer

If you ask about local politics in Gainesville and Alachua County, many will likely describe the area as a “blue dot in a sea of red.”

Although Alachua County has consistently voted Democratic for decades, the label does not fully capture its diverse political landscape. The county is home to passionate organizations that fight to make their voices heard, from public comment at commission meetings to protests along University Avenue.

How can students vote in local elections?

If you’re new to Gainesville and Alachua County, the first thing you can do is update your voter registration. Students who are U.S. citizens can register to vote in Alachua County, even if they’re from another county, state or country.

For students and those living near campus, voters can cast an early ballot at UF’s Reitz Union during the county’s designated early voting period.

To register or update their voter registration, residents must be at least 18 years old and live in Alachua County. Voters can register online and in person throughout the county. Voter registration sites on campus include the UF Dean of Students Office and the Reitz Union UF Student Government Office.

Voter registration for the 2026 primary election has closed. Voters can still register for the Nov. 3 general election until Oct. 5.

City and county commission — what’s the difference?

The Gainesville City Commission and Alachua County Commission are the governing bodies for the city and county. Each commission is made up of elected commissioners who work together to set policy, approve budgets and make decisions on issues impacting their communities.

The city commission is made up of seven commissioners who represent the city’s residents. Four of the commissioners represent geographic districts, two serve the entire city and one is the mayor. Harvey Ward is the city’s current mayor, although his seat is up for election Aug. 18.

The commission typically meets on the first and third Thursday of each month, though meetings may be canceled or rescheduled. Regular meetings are held in the City Commission Auditorium on the first floor of City Hall from 10 a.m. to roughly 10 p.m., with meetings split into morning, afternoon and evening sessions.

Public comment is an opportunity for residents to speak directly to commissioners on agenda items or general issues.

During public comment, residents have three minutes to ad-

dress the commission on an issue or agenda item of their choosing. Residents can attend in person, submit comments online by emailing citycomm@gainesvillefl.gov or send a letter to the city clerk.

The Alachua County Commission operates similarly to the city commission but includes eight other cities and towns outside of Gainesville.

The county commission is made up of five commissioners who represent their own geographic districts. County commission meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Meetings are at the Jack Durrance Auditorium on the second floor of the Alachua County Administration Building.

Residents can speak at public comment by filling out an in-person speaker card or calling in during general public comment around noon.

The city and county commission meetings are also livestreamed online.

What are some organizations students can get involved with?

Gainesville and Alachua County have no shortage of political and activist organizations to get involved with on and off campus. Many of these organizations host events, monthly meetings and candidate forums for upcoming elections.

Alachua County Democrats The Alachua County Democratic Party, the county’s local branch, works closely with Democratic candidates and voters year-round to support the party’s platform locally.

The organization represents 87,000 Democrats in the county.

The organization also works closely with UF College Democrats, the party’s on-campus branch. The campus branch hosts bi-weekly meetings, according to its website.

Official dates have not yet been listed.

The Alachua County Democratic Party also hosts meetings twice a month. Its general meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Lifesouth Community Blood Center. The organization also has monthly meetings to discuss budgets, vote on its stance on policies and share campaign materials. These meetings are only open to registered Democrats.

The organization also hosts events like breakfast with the mayor, a once-a-month opportunity to meet Ward and discuss local issues.

Outside of events and meetings, the organization also offers several volunteer and intern opportunities, such as phone banking and doorto-door canvassing every weekend ahead of the November election.

Taylor Murphy, the vice chair of the Alachua County Democratic Party, said even if students only live in Gainesville for four years, it’s important for them to know their elected officials and get involved in

local policy.

“Politics impacts everybody, whether we want it to or not,” she said. “The more that someone understands what’s going on and starts to build their own personal power within the political realm locally is incredibly important.”

Alachua County Republicans The Alachua County Republicans is a local branch of the Republican Party that works to support party missions and prepare candidates for office.

Other local Republican organizations include the Republican Party of Florida and UF College Republicans.

UF College Republicans was previously forced to disband after the statewide organization found it in defiance of its values, including reportedly making “antisemetic gestures.”

In an email to The Alligator, a spokesperson for the organization said its weekly Tuesday meetings will resume in the Fall, though the organization did not state if it will reactivate under new leadership.

The Alachua County Republican Party hosts monthly meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Happy Homes Inc. Residents can visit the Alachua County Republican Party office near Santa Fe College to pick up yard signs and learn more about canvassing and phone banking opportunities.

Outside of meetings, residents can get involved through events and candidate forums. The organization plans to host a fundraising event in October, according to Tim

Marden, the chairman of the Alachua County Republican Party and mayor of Newberry.

Marden said students and residents interested in learning more about the organization can attend meetings and contact its office without worrying about committing to membership. He added becoming informed about local government and understanding the difference between state, county and city politics is important.

“It means more from a political standpoint what you do locally than what you do on a national level,” Marden said. “There are a lot of different roles for different government entities based on what level they are. It’s important to understand where you can make the most impact, and I think that’s locally.”

Planned Parenthood Generation Action at UF Sonja Wangensteen, a 21-yearold UF applied physiology and kinesiology senior and the president of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at UF, began her journey in local activism and politics when she was a freshman by joining Planned Parenthood Generation Action, she said. The student-run organization supports Planned Parenthood’s mission and advocates for reproductive health at UF. “If you’re thinking about it, if you’re curious about it, just dip your toes in,” Wangensteen said. “I was curious about it as a freshman, and I found such a great community with this organization. PPGA is a fun organization because it’s really not for one type of major or career path. It’s for everyone.”

The chapter is one of more than 350 Planned Parenthood Generative Action campus groups across the country. The organization provides resources about reproductive and sexual health. In 2024, it launched UF Period Packs and the Brown Bag Project, which provide free menstrual products and contraceptives

Mily Moran // Alligator Staff

Local politics is a way for students to get involved in their community while influencing the decisions that directly impact their everyday lives.

across campus.

The organization has helped launch 12 on-campus dispensers stocked with free menstrual products, which volunteers refill each week. Students can also order contraceptives online to have Plan B, condoms and pregnancy tests delivered to any of six campus pickup locations.

The organization also hosts several events each semester, including sexual wellness kit-packing events, medical professional panels and “Condom Crawls,” during which volunteers hand out free condoms in downtown Gainesville.

Outside of events, the organization hosts one monthly meeting and two social events each month.

The organization is still finalizing its Fall schedule, Wangensteen said, and dates for monthly meetings and event opportunities have not been decided yet.

The Alachua County Labor Coalition The Alachua County Labor Coalition is a member-driven organization that supports working people and their families throughout the county. The organization includes members, labor unions and over 20 member organizations.

Founded in 1999 in response to local labor movements, the coalition advocates for health care equality, housing affordability and workers’ rights.

The grassroots coalition works on initiatives including the Living Wage Campaign for Alachua County, Safe and Affordable Housing for All and Evictions Task Force.

It’s also advocated for several policies in Alachua County, such as the county’s Wage Theft Ordinance, which gives workers a process to recover unpaid wages from their employers.

The coalition hosts monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Emmanuel Mennonite Church. Annual membership costs $25 for residents and $10 for students.

The coalition offers several resources, petitions, meeting dates and volunteer opportunities on its website. It also publishes a newsletter with updates on upcoming meetings and other activities.

Bobby Mermer, the coordinator of the Alachua County Labor Coalition, said volunteers can get involved at their own pace and shouldn’t be intimidated by the commitment.

In addition to an education, he said, many students leave Gainesville with a broader perspective on civic and community engagement because of the city’s political culture.

“You come here to learn at the best public university in the state of Florida, and you’re going to leave highly educated,” Mermer said.

“But sometimes new students don’t realize that Gainesville is also an incredibly politically active community, more so than any other place I lived. So in a lot of ways, the noncampus community is also a place of education, and you can learn how enriching civic life can be.” @OLofaso77652 olofaso@alligator.org

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/the-avenue

FOOD & DRINK

Bored of Broward? Here are five new spots to dine GAINESVILLE CONTENT CREATORS HIGHLIGHT DAILY COLLEGE LIFE, FROM WORKOUTS TO STUDY SESSIONS

By Christopher Rodriguez

menu in the form of avocado fries, avocado toast, avocado curry and even avocado smoothies. If you have an aversion to the fruit, don’t worry — there are non-avocado options, too.

Address: 1220 W. University Ave.

Avenue Staff Writer

4th Ave. Food Park

For most new students, coming to UF means a brandnew city with a brand-new food scene. If you’re a new Gator already tired of the dining hall menus, check out these five food stops within walking distance of campus.

The Swamp Restaurant

If you couldn’t secure a football season pass, this is your next best spot to enjoy a game with your fellow Gators. Just a 10-minute walk from Plaza of the Americas, The Swamp Restaurant is the go-to place to catch a game, accompanied by all the bar classics: burgers, wings and cheesesteaks, as well as hand-crafted cocktails.

Address: 1104 SW Second Ave. Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza

When cafeteria pizza starts to taste a little tired, Piesanos can remind you why this food is at the top of every kid’s list. Besides the 23 varieties of stone-fired pizza, Piesanos boasts a full Italian menu complete with lasagna, spaghetti and calzones. Offering the shortest walk from campus on this list, Piesanos is right on the northeast corner of campus.

Address: 1250 W. University Ave. HASS Kitchen

For those lucky enough to avoid the dreaded 8 a.m. classes, you can instead spend your morning enjoying a locally sourced brunch from HASS Kitchen. The restaurant is named after an avocado, which you’ll find all over the

An option for the indecisive, this food park offers five options. Try Fehrenbacher’s Meats & Eats for an artisanal sandwich with hand-crafted sausage, or check out SquareHouse for some of the best pizza the city has to offer.

Rounding out the selection of restaurants are Muñecas Taco Garden and Bar, Humble Wood Fire Bagel Shop and bakery BakerBaker. Not hungry? Grab something to drink at Opus Airstream, which features internationally inspired drinks with a locally roasted brew.

Address: 409 SW Fourth Ave. Midpoint Park & Eatery

If you’re willing to brace an achingly early wake-up, you’ll be greeted by the sweet reward of Parlor Doughnuts’ layered treats, found at Midpoint Park & Eatery right across from Infinity Hall. But for those who are more night owl than early bird, there’s still a lot of great food to be found.

Dine on Korean food at K-INACUP with its signature “CupBap,” or gorge on Big Thyme Beef & Burgers’ gluttonous “I Dare You” Burger, which features sauteed onions, peppers, bacon, chili, coleslaw, pickles, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese and provolone. It’s a lot.

Midpoint Park & Eatery has also announced Triple D Cattle Company will be opening soon to offer Texas-style barbecue. Keep an eye on its Instagram for an opening date.

Address: 931 SW Second Ave. @chrisrodri29386 crodriguez@alligator.org

Lorenzo Vasquez // Alligator Staff

The Swamp Restaurant is located at 1104 SW 2nd Ave., just steps off UF’s campus.

FOOD & DRINK

Where to ‘chomp’ in The Swamp: A guide to campus food spots FROM DINING HALLS TO DELIS, HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES FOR ON-CAMPUS EATS

By Tess Lippincott Avenue Staff Writer

Whether you’re in the mood for acai, pizza or deli-style sandwiches, UF’s campus has a place for you.

Here are some of the most popular food spots on campus.

The Paper Bag

Located at Newell Hall, The Paper Bag is known for its deli-style sandwiches. It’s relatively new to campus, having opened last July, but it’s always busy at lunchtime. It sits across the street from the Hub and is just a short walk from Buckman, Murphree and Sledd halls.

For payment, it accepts Flex and Declining Balance.

El Caimán

Blenz

Blenz sits in Little Hall Market on the east part of campus. It’s known for its smoothie and acai bowls that come with all the toppings you could need — like Nutella, granola and lots of fruit. If you see Century Tower, you’re getting closer. It’s a short walk from Broward Hall, Rawlings Hall and Honors Village.

For payment, it accepts Flex, Retail Equivalency and Declining Balance.

Mi Apa

This Latin cafe located in the Reitz Union food court is known for its bowls, empanadas and sandwiches. It’s a centrally located student favorite, closest to Hume, Tolbert and East halls.

For payment, it accepts Flex and Declining Balance.

Baba’s Pizza

This pizza place, also located in the Reitz Union, is known for its large, delicious and

In the mood for Latin food? These food trucks are just steps from campus. Read more on page 10.

hot slices. It resides on the second floor of the Reitz, and is closest to Hume, Tolbert and East halls.

For payment, it accepts Flex, Retail Equivalency and Declining Balance.

just a short walk from Broward Hall, Jennings Hall and Beaty Towers.

A meal swipe can be used for one allyou-can-eat entry. It also accepts Flex and Declining Balance.

Shake Smart

Gator Corner Dining Hall

Craving a smoothie or yogurt bowl?

Shake Smart offers many options at two locations: one inside Southwest Recreation Center and one in the Reitz Union. The Shake Smart inside Southwest Recreation Center is closest to Lakeside Complex and Correy Village.

For payment, it accepts Flex, Retail Equivalency and Declining Balance.

UF’s other dining hall is conveniently located at the intersection of Gale Lemerand Drive and Stadium Road. Just a few steps from Tolbert, Riker and East halls, it boasts many options and yummy desserts.

A meal swipe can be used for one allyou-can-eat entry. It also accepts Flex and Declining Balance.

No matter where you go to eat, you’re getting a good meal on campus. Welcome new students, and happy eating!

Broward Dining Hall

Broward Hall’s revamped dining hall is the biggest on campus, offering plenty of options for whatever you’re in the mood for. From pasta made in front of you to warm soup, Broward Dining has it all. It’s

@tesslippincott tlippincott@alligator.org

8 ALLIGATOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

MUSIC

Gainesville music venues bring local art to light FROM PUNK TO BLUEGRASS, GAINESVILLE’S MUSIC SCENE OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

By Brandy Sumner Avenue Staff Writer

Throughout the city, Gainesville overflows with music of every style and taste. This list highlights music venues of various genres across Gainesville.

to miss.

The grandiose building is a part of UF’s historic district and was built between 1922 and 1924. A 1977 restoration project expanded the building into what it is today.

Among lectures and ceremonies, the auditorium hosts chamber ensembles and international music acts. Recitals from the UF School of Music are also regularly held within the auditorium’s walls.

er audience.

Amid the moshing of excited crowds and screaming artists, the Ox also regularly hosts events like benefit shows and mutual-aid movie nights to raise funds for various organizations.

The Ox can be counted on to have shows and events nearly every weekend with a shifting group of artists performing at each show.

House shows

Indie artists at Loosey’s Downtown

Loosey’s is located in downtown Gainesville, a 20-minute walk from the heart of campus. The venue regularly hosts local artists from across genres and performers from every corner of Gainesville.

Punk and metal at The Ox Next to the venue’s open main The Ox, a DIY punk venue located on Northwest Second Street, is a stage is its bar, where audience fairly new addition to Gainesville’s members can buy drinks and pub long list of music venues. The ven- classics like burgers and wings or ue’s first show was held in Septem- simply sit and rest between sets.

Coming into the Fall semester, ber 2023, and it moved to its current Loosey’s is continuing its “Indie location the next month.

The Ox is a popular venue for Demolition Night” series, which it Gainesville’s alternative scene. hosts nearly every Thursday.

Each “Indie Demolition Night” Shows usually feature local punk and metal artists and artists on tour features three artists and highlights local indie bands, and every week’s from around the country.

The venue is open to all ages lineup is completely different.

The events start much earlier and focuses on building community through music. Tickets are often on than other shows, usually around and boast free p.m., a sliding scale; audience 3370members SW 42nd 8St, Gainesville, FL entry, makpay what they can afford, making ing them a great option for students 32608to a wid- looking to see local bands. the shows more accessible

(352) 378-1300 3370 SW 42nd St, Gainesville, FL 32608

Sydney Johnson // Alligator Staff

Hallpass, a band from Athens, Ga., performs their set at Playground Music Festival held at Heartwood Soundstage, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Folk and acoustic at Heartwood Soundstage

Nestled in South Main Station, Heartwood Soundstage combines the talents of local artists and popular performers from outside Gainesville.

Since its founding in 2017, the venue has held a plethora of shows on both its indoor stage and outdoor pavilion.

Heartwood primarily hosts artists from the folk, acoustic and bluegrass genres. It also hosts reg-

ular “porch sessions” where people can relax on the venue’s back porch and listen to acoustic music for free.

The venue has some highly anticipated artists coming to its stage this Fall, including indie rock band Foxtide on Aug. 29 and electronic band Snow Strippers on Sept. 11.

Classical performances in the University Auditorium

At the heart of UF’s campus, the large curved windows and spires of the University Auditorium are hard

Established venues aren’t the only places in Gainesville where students gather to listen to live music. Performances can be found anywhere, from the backyards of emptied-out houses to the roofs of UF’s many parking garages.

Music at house shows is diverse but usually leans into punk or alternative scenes. The shows’ bustling atmosphere is loud and often overwhelming with the amount of people crammed together, but backyard areas and quiet corners offer respite.

These shows are usually more accessible to smaller and newer bands who might not be able to book venues yet. Artists playing these shows are often students as well, their dreams of playing in bands just starting to take off. bsumner@alligator.org

(352) 378-1900 3401 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608

Two Brands. One Destination. Endless Possibilities.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/opinions

Column

Five things to know about studying abroad

L

eading up to my semester abroad in Madrid my junior Spring, there were many logistics to sort out. Here are some tips about finding a program, financing it and more.

1. Start your search early

The earlier you familiarize yourself with the different UF study abroad programs, the easier your life will be. Now, that’s not to say you have to know years in advance, but it definitely helps with preparation and planning class schedules.

UF offers three types of study abroad programs: faculty-led, exchange and non-UF. A faculty-led program is led by a UF faculty member and consists of other UF students. These are most commonly in the form of summer programs. The credits count directly toward your UF GPA.

In an exchange program, a student is directly enrolled in a foreign university and takes classes there that count directly toward their UF GPA. Depending on the host university, students may have to find their own housing.

A non-UF program is an external or third-party program not directly managed or sponsored by UF. Classes taken in these programs count as transfer credits and do not impact your UF GPA. The application process for exchange and non-UF programs can be lengthy, so if you are considering these, do your research in advance to make sure you are prepared.

2. Don’t be afraid to go alone

I had known since high school that I wanted to do an academic semester abroad. It just so happened to work out that my friends at UF

either had already participated in summer study abroad programs or just weren’t interested in the same program I was.

Despite being pretty scared, I went.

While abroad, I met an overwhelming number of people who had also gone alone. Some of those people became great friends of mine.

If I had let the fact that I was going solo stop me from my semester abroad, I would have missed out greatly.

3. Your financial aid may travel with you

Florida Bright Futures and Florida Prepaid apply to UF faculty-led and exchange programs.

As long as you are enrolled in six credits, these programs will cover tuition costs. Airfare and other outside expenses aren’t included.

Column

The advice I wish I took as a freshman

T

here’s a quote from the 1993 classic “Dazed and Confused” that has stuck with me for years: “I’d like to quit thinking of the present, like right now, as some minor, insignificant preamble to something else.”

If you haven’t seen it, the film follows a group of high school students on their last day of school in 1976.

One of the film’s major themes is how, especially in our youth, we tend to think in terms of preparing for the future, which causes us to forget we’re living in the present. This quote brilliantly puts that concept into words.

I bring this up because, as a rising senior in college, I’ve realized I committed that same sin.

I went through my entire college experience thinking the piece of paper they give you at the end was all that mattered. In reality, that is what matters the least.

I’m not here to tell you the same things your parents do: that while academics are important, the real beauty of the college experience is making friends, going to parties and enjoying your unsupervised youth before it’s too late.

Rather, my advice is to treat your college experience like the beginning of your career, since in many ways, it is.

What really matters — professionally, anyway — are the skills, relationships and experiences you acquire along the way. The best things I did at UF had nothing to do with the classes I took but the opportunities I took advantage of outside them.

Frankly, I didn’t take enough.

At graduation, you’re going to be seated next to hundreds of other students getting the same degree you’re getting. What sets you apart is your portfolio, your connections and the leadership skills you’ve spent the past four years developing.

You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do with your life — hell, I still don’t — but if anything, that should let you feel the freedom of getting

to spend the next four years figuring it out.

There’s beauty in that.

The first semester of college genuinely changes the trajectory of your life, and I don’t say that to scare you Brayden Schultz — it’s going to happen opinions@alligator.org whether you like it or not — but to inspire you to embrace everything UF has to offer.

In your first semester, making connections with professors and peers, creating strong work habits and getting involved in as many clubs, organizations and groups as possible is just as important as enjoying your first taste of independence.

College isn’t about finding yourself but about building yourself. There’s no finished version of you waiting on the other side of graduation. College is the time to take risks, fail and make changes. It’s four years of free trial and error.

Some people don’t have it all figured out at the end, myself included, but that doesn’t mean we’re behind.

By leaning into that, you’ll look back tomorrow as a senior — it goes by that fast — and see exponential growth personally and professionally. When it’s all over, you’ll have a scrapbook of memories to tell your future kids and a resume companies won’t be able to refuse.

In high school, all you’re worried about is getting into college. Now you’re at UF, one of the best and brightest schools in the country. What comes after these next four years is entirely up to you.

So quit thinking of the present as some minor, insignificant preamble to something else. There is no “something else.”

For UF exchange programs, you pay your normal tuition to UF, so financial aid disbursements will apply as normal.

With non-UF programs, the process is a little trickier. Students pay the third-party provider directly.

Bright Futures and Florida Prepaid will disburse at the same per-credithour rate; if tuition costs more, these programs won’t increase their contribution.

4. There is no “right time”

I have friends who have studied abroad the Summer after their freshman year, the academic year of their sophomore year, the Spring of their junior year and the Summer after their junior year.

As long as you plan accordingly, there are no limits on when you can go abroad.

5. Talk to a peer adviser

The amount of detail on the UF International Center’s website can make finding a program a bit over-

whelming. Luckily, there are study abroad peer advisers who were Shaine Davison once in opinions@alligator.org the same shoes.

These advisers sit outside the International Center Monday through Friday, willing to share their experiences and help any student discuss their options.

I took advantage of this opportunity many times, talking with different advisers and listening to their experiences. This helped me decide the experience I wanted to have.

No matter which study abroad option you pursue, there is a great support network to identify which option is best for you. @shainedavison sdavison@alligator.org

Column

The hidden benefits of being a UF PaCE student

F

or incoming students at UF, being admitted through a non-traditional pathway like PaCE might feel like a disadvantage at first. But students who have gone through these programs think otherwise.

Flexibility, more time for extracurricular activities and an easier transition are among the hidden benefits students say come with the program.

The Pathway to Campus Enrollment program, better Sofia Alamo known as PaCE, allows students to begin their degrees onopinions@alligator.org line before transitioning to campus. Students are required to complete their first two semesters and 60 credits through UF Online before becoming eligible for in-person classes.

While students go through a different experience from the traditional path, some have reported their unique positions allow them to make the most of their time at UF. Ally Tamargo, a 19-year-old business administration sophomore, said PaCE made her freshman-year transition smoother.

“It gave me an opportunity to adjust to college better and focus on learning how to live on my own,” she said.

The program’s online environment also allowed Tamargo to learn from wherever she was. And with no specific class time, the sophomore had full control of how she organized her days.

“I was able to work and take exams from home,” Tamargo said. “I was able to adjust around club meeting times.”

This flexibility also gives PaCE students more time to participate in campus organizations and Greek life, as well as enjoy Florida’s athletics scene.

Paige Swanson, a 19-year-old business administration sophomore, rushed a sorority during her freshman year and is a committed member of the Florida women’s business club. She said her PaCE schedule helped her balance several extracurriculars and her coursework.

“I’ve still been able to get really involved on campus,” Swanson said. “It’s actually given me a lot of extra free time in my days to be involved.”

Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/opinions.

@schultzbrayden9 bschultz@alligator.org

@alamosofiaa salamo@alligator.org

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator.

The Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 600 words (about one letter-sized page). They must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s name, classification and phone number.

Names will be withheld if the writer shows just cause. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, style and libel. Send letters to opinions@alligator.org, bring them to 2700 SW 13th St., or send them to P.O. Box 14257, Gainesville, FL 32604-2257.Columns of about 450 words about original topics and editorial cartoons are also welcome. Questions? Call 352-376-4458.

El Caimán

MIERCOLES, 12 DE AGOSTO DE 2026 www.alligator.org/section/elcaiman

3 latin food trucks every UF student should try this Fall LOCATED ACROSS CAMPUS ON UNIVERSITY AVENUE, THIS FOOD TRUCK PLAZA IS ONE YOU SHOULDN’T MISS

By Aaron Zagal Yaji Alligator Staff Writer

Tucked behind UF’s Library West, the food truck plaza at 1542 West University Ave. is home to some of the most flavorful food in Gainesville. As students settle back into town for the Fall semester, here are three Latin food trucks worth seeking out.

Bowls Delicious Food

Located in front of Baptist Collegiate Ministries beside the plaza on University Avenue, Bowls Delicious Food combines three cultures into a variation of taste.

Owner Andreina Carolina Cabello, born in Venezuela, runs the truck with her Colombian mother. Growing up between the two cultures gave her a deeper appreciation and cooking skills for both.

The idea for the truck came from Cabello's American stepfather, who encouraged the family to sell the food they made at home.

"My stepdad, who is American, tried our Latin food — from Venezuelan and Colombian roots — and gave us the idea: ‘You all should sell your food because it's too delicious,’” Cabello said.

The truck's signature item is a modern take on pabellon criollo, Venezuela's national dish, layered with rice, black beans and skirt steak. Cabello said she wanted a format that felt current and appealing

to young customers while still tasting like home.

"We wanted to give that feeling of being at home … inspired by the feeling of being with family," she said. “We want a single bite to remind them of their mom.”

The menu also includes arepas, a versatile Latin food consisting of a stuffed cornmeal cake; salchipapas, a South American street dish made with French fries and sliced sausage; empanadas, a stuffed and fried pastry snack; pinchos, which are similar to kebabs; and homestyle burgers.

For students trying Venezuelan or Colombian food for the first time, Cabello recommends the arepas or a bowl for bigger appetites.

Bowls Delicious Food has planned weekly promotions for the new semester, including discounted hot dog combos on Tuesdays.

Coma y Punto Latin Kitchen

Owned by Venezuelan barbers Brayan Saavedra and Ender Javier, Coma y Punto Latin Kitchen is one of the busiest late-night food stops in the area.

The idea for the truck started as a joke between friends rather than a business plan, said Karen Ortega, the food truck’s manager.

"Honestly, it was a crazy idea,” Ortega said. “One night, we just put it out there.

We said, ‘What if we do this?’ There's no other place where we can go at 2 a.m. and get a burger like that — all special, all loaded.”

Ortega, who grew up in the United States in a Cuban family, said she adds her own Cuban influence to the truck's otherwise

Mantente al día con El Caimán en Twitter.

Envíanos un tweet @ElCaimanGNV.

Venezuelan menu.

The menu includes arepas, salchipapas topped with shredded beef, hamburgers and hot dogs, including a loaded specialty hot dog Ortega called one of the truck's best sellers. The truck is also adding natural fruit shakes and milkshakes.

For students who have never tried Venezuelan food, Ortega recommends both a safe and adventurous pick.

"The arepas are definitely the most popular item here among the young people, [but] whenever they come to try something new, I always recommend our hot dogs, since it’s a flavor adventure they’re about to experience,” she said.

The business is looking forward to its grand reopening Aug. 21, Ortega said.

fries topped with stir-fried tenderloin meat and vegetables; arroz chaufa, a PeruvianChinese fried rice fusion; and anticuchos, skewered beef heart.

Along with chicha morada, a sweetened purple corn drink, Inca Kola soda offers a way for customers to quench their thirst.

Ríos Contreras said the menu is intentionally small for now.

"Instead of stretching ourselves with a super long menu, we wanted to first focus on perfecting our seasoning,” she said.

The most popular dish, she said, is the lomo saltado, a favorite among first-time international food novices because it blends high-quality meat with yummy carbs.

"The mix of everything makes it a very powerful flavor that stays with you,” she said. “I've heard that for the vast majority of people who've tried it, it's without a doubt one of their favorite dishes."

Beyond the food itself, sharing a meal carries deeper meaning in Peruvian culture, Ríos Contreras said.

“For us, sharing a meal with someone isn't just about eating food,” she said. “It's about strengthening the relationship between us.”

For students who have never tried Peruvian food, Ríos Contreras recommends the lomo saltado as a starting point. She encourages students to be open to trying something new.

"Give yourself the chance to be open to new cultures,” she said. “In diversity, you find a lot of richness and incredible experiences you never imagined.”

Miskie Peruvian Cuisine

One of the newest additions to the plaza, Miskie Peruvian Cuisine is a family-run truck operated by Mayerlyn Ríos Contreras, her mother Susan Contreras Silvera and her aunt Rossy Contreras Silvera.

They moved from Peru to Gainesville three years ago and opened the truck roughly three months ago, near the end of the Spring semester.

Ríos Contreras said the idea grew out of wanting a space in Gainesville where Peruvian culture and food could have a home.

"We wanted there to be a little Latin corner in Gainesville that could express our culture and our Peruvian roots, a place to socialize, a place where students would feel welcomed," Ríos Contreras said.

The truck currently serves three dishes considered the most representative of Peru: lomo saltado, white rice and french

@azagalyaji azagal@alligator.org

Sports: Football

Here are the teams you should boo the loudest this season, pg. 15

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Sandwiches, Soups, Salads, Hot Dogs, Wraps and the best Frozen Custard Ice Cream in the area.

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Indoor and patio dining. Take Out and Delivery (352, Uber Eats and Door Dash) Catering

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/sports

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Pack the O'Dome: Florida basketball’s 4 must-see home games THE 2026-27 GATORS ARE AN EARLY CONSENSUS FAVORITE TO WIN THE 2027 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

By Jeffrey Serber Sports Writer

At UF, athletics are not just about football.

Over the past few seasons, UF has assembled one of the best men’s basketball teams in the nation.

An early favorite to win the 2027 national championship, the Gators have a stacked roster highlighted by seniors Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu.

Fresh off a 2025 national championship and a 2026 Southeastern Conference regularseason title, Florida has become one of the prominent basketball programs over the last few years. Moreover, the Gators have lost just three home games in as many seasons, making the O’Connell Center one of the hardest college arenas to play in.

Here's a list of four home games all new UF students should attend this upcoming season.

Florida vs. Duke - Dec. 1

For the first time since 1937, one of the premier brands in college basketball is coming down to Gainesville.

Duke has won five national championships,

making it the fifth-most successful program in college basketball history. Legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski led the Blue Devils from 1981 to 2022, posting a 1,129-309 record.

Since then, Jon Scheyer has taken over, recording a 124-25 record and leading Duke to three Atlantic Coast Conference titles.

Florida and Duke will face each other Dec. 1 in the SEC-ACC Challenge, an annual meeting where each SEC team faces a team from the ACC. “Duke hosts us this year — would be nice to catch them on our home floor,” Florida head coach Todd Golden said last year ahead of Florida’s road game against Duke. “So that's a discussion to be had.”

When the two met in Durham for last season’s SEC-ACC Challenge, the Gators erased a 15-point deficit in the second half, taking the lead in the final minute before falling short 6766.

Now that Golden has gotten his wish, Florida will have the chance to learn from last year’s game and stun Duke at home.

Jack Lunitz, a sport management graduate student and president of UF Gator Sport Management Organization, said it will be the biggest game in recent Gator history.

“It’s going to be pandemonium,” Lunitz said. “The campus is going to be on fire.”

Florida vs. Georgia - Feb. 20

While Florida and Georgia may have their football rivalry, the two have also had their fair

share of history when it comes to men’s basketball.

“Nobody here likes Georgia,” Lunitz said.

“We don’t want to see Georgia win anywhere in Gainesville.”

Florida and Georgia will play a home-andaway series, meaning the Gators will host the Bulldogs during SEC action Feb. 20.

At the core of this Florida-Georgia rivalry is Georgia head coach Mike White, Golden’s predecessor.

White coached the Gators for seven seasons, posting a 142-88 record. However, on March 13, 2022, White left Florida for Georgia — a decision that now gets him booed whenever he and the Bulldogs step foot in the O’Connell Center. Five days after White’s move, athletic director Scott Stricklin hired Golden, making him the 20th head coach in program history.

“Everybody in the stadium knows that Mike White used to coach here, and everybody in the stadium loves to see Mike White leave with another loss,” Lunitz said.

Aside from White, recent games have also added to the history between the two teams.

During Florida’s 2024-25 national championship season, Georgia upset the Gators 88-83 on Feb. 25, 2025. That loss was UF’s last. They won 12 straight games en route to SEC and NCAA Tournament titles.

The two met twice in the 2025 season, and in their first matchup on Jan. 6 in Gainesville, things got chippy. With 10:14 left in the first

half, Georgia center Somto Cyril was ejected from the game for elbowing Florida center Chinyelu in the head/neck area, which the officials reviewed and later called a flagrant 2 foul.

Given these teams’ recent history on the court and the sideline, this season’s FloridaGeorgia basketball games could further add to the rich rivalry.

“When these two teams play, it means everything,” Lunitz said. “We’re playing because we hate these guys and we want to beat them.”

Florida vs. Texas - Feb. 6

Following an underdog run at the 2026 NCAA Tournament, going from the First Four to the Sweet 16, head coach Sean Miller looked to build on his first season at Texas.

When Florida met Texas last season in Austin, the Longhorns gave the Gators a run for their money. After Texas took a 64-61 advantage, the Gators answered, finishing the game on a 23-7 run to win 84-71. The game stood as one of the true road tests the Gators faced during a dominant SEC slate.

The Longhorns’ offense is also comparable to the Gators’, added Eric Fawcett, a columnist for Gator Country.

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Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/sports. @JeffreySerber Jserber@alligator.org

12 ALLIGATOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

SPORTS

Beyond The Swamp: Your guide to 2026-27 Gators sports FROM CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS TO HIDDEN GEMS, FLORIDA’S OLYMPIC ATHLETES, RISING STARS AND POWERHOUSE PROGRAMS OFFER SOMETHING BEYOND FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL FOR EVERY GATOR FAN

By Lily Perkins Sports Writer

When looking at Florida sports, an average fan may think of the Gators’ 2025 national champion basketball team or the excitement surrounding the upcoming football season led by new head coach Jon Sumrall. But tucked in between Saturdays in The Swamp and camping in front of the Stephen C. O’Connell

Center for basketball games are national championship contenders, Olympians, rising stars and some of the most exciting sporting events on campus.

Whether you’re looking for a fun new activity, an indoor escape from the Florida heat or your next favorite team, here’s what you need to know before every Gator season begins.

Women’s Basketball

A brand new era begins under first-year head coach Tammi Reiss.

After nearly the entire roster turned over, Florida added a list of newcomers through the transfer portal and recruiting, creating one of the country’s most intriguing rebuilds.

The Gators feature returner Jade Weathersby and exciting new scorers like Kiyomi McMiller and Moriah Murray.

The team will kick off its season in November in the O’Connell Center.

Volleyball

Florida volleyball enters the 2026 season with one of the SEC’s most promising rosters, which features two Preseason All-SEC selections in Jordan Byrd and Alec Rothe. The Gators were picked to finish fourth in the SEC, per the SEC’s 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll. The team finished its 2025 season 16-11 overall under head coach Ryan Theis after making its 35th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

Santa Fe College sophomore and microbiology major Isabelle Aoun has been a fan of volleyball since middle school. Attending games was a no-brainer as soon as she came to Gainesville, she said. From coordinated chants and student section cheers, she said the energy rivals other sports on campus.

“The atmosphere of the entire stadium is just so high,” Aoun said.

“To be honest, I would say it would match football games at UF.” Florida will open its upcoming

season Aug. 30 in the O’Connell Center.

Men’s & Women’s Swimming and Diving

Both the men’s and women’s programs remain among the country's elite, with the men’s team coming off a national runner-up finish led by Olympians Josh Liendo and Ahmed Jaouadi.

Swimming is arguably one of the most underrated spectator sports on campus. With a front row seat to competition between Olympians and NCAA Champions, you’ll bear witness to a program that has trained sport legends like Caeleb Dressel, Katie Ledecky and Ryan Lochte.

The team will kick off competition in the O’Connell Center Natatorium early this Fall.

Gymnastics

The defending SEC Champions will return in the Spring after cap-

turing their 13th conference title this past March. With stars like Selena Harris-Miranda, Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello, Florida again enters the season a national championship contender.

Gymnastics competitions may serve as one of the most energetic atmospheres outside of football and basketball.

UF senior and communications sciences and disorders major Naomi Glover said she attends gymnastics meets for the energetic environment and the team’s traditions, like the Gators’ signature “chomp” during their floor routines. One of her favorite events to attend is their annual “Link to Pink” meet, the team’s campaign to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/sports. @lily_perkins10 lperkins@alligator.org

FOOTBALL

Best Gainesville spots to watch the Gators on the road RAIN OR SHINE, GAINESVILLE OFFERS PLENTY OF GAME-DAY DESTINATIONS FOR GATOR FANS

By Colton Veres Sports Writer

When the Florida Gators hit the road, plenty of students still want to experience a Gator game day with a crowd. Several restaurants and bars around Gainesville have become go-to destinations for students looking for a lively atmosphere, big screens and fellow Gator fans.

For 22-year-old medical geography junior Tanner Griffin, The Swamp Restaurant stands out as the top choice for when students want the energy of game day without being inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

"Swamp is kind of right in the center of town, and all of my friends that live in Gainesville are pretty close to that, so they have a safe ride home after the games,” Griffin said.

The restaurant first opened in 1994 in the Midtown area of Gainesville, almost right across from Ben Hill Griffin stadium, where it was located for over 20 years. The landmark was originally built in 1914 as a house for a UF professor. It was completely remodeled in 1993 after it was almost destroyed by a fire.

After being a game day staple in Midtown for almost 25 years, the restaurant moved in 2020 when the land it sat on was bought by a national developer. It reopened at its current location in the Innovation District in 2022 after a two-year closure.

Ethan Palacios, a 22-year-old Santa Fe College sophomore, also named The Swamp as

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his favorite place to watch away games because of its atmosphere.

"I like sitting outside with that big screen watching the game,” Palacios said. “There's a ton of people there, so it’s a ton of hype."

Cantina Añejo is another favorite because it attracts a similar college crowd, he added.

"I like Cantina Añejo because they just have another really nice atmosphere where it's a bunch of students just like me who go there, watch the game and have fun," he said.

Grace Fitzwilliam, a UF financial accounting graduate student, said the best location depends on the time of day and the weather.

When the weather is good, she picks Swamp, she said.

"Swamp is just a really good vibe if it's in the middle of the day,” Fitzwilliam, 22, said.

“They have the big jumbotron. You can play cards and just hang out with your friends at

the big tables. There's never a wait or cover, usually."

When the weather isn't ideal or the game stretches into the evening, Fitzwilliam said she prefers Mom's OG, citing its drink specials and indoor atmosphere.

"Mom's also has really good drink deals, so I like going there too if it's rainy outside or later at night," she said.

While each student may have a different favorite, one theme remains consistent: Atmosphere matters. Whether it's a packed patio, a giant screen or simply being surrounded by other Gator fans, Gainesville offers plenty of places for students to cheer on Florida when the team is away. @colton_veres cveres@alligator.org

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14 ALLIGATOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 ALLIGATOR 15

FOOTBALL

The hate list: Ranking how much you should despise Florida football’s 2026 opponents GEORGIA AND FLORIDA STATE HEADLINE THE LIST

By Max Bernstein Sports Writer

It's no secret that the Florida Gators are a part of some of college football’s most famous rivalries. In 2025, Scott Dochterman of The Athletic ranked the top 100 rivalries in the sport’s history, and UF appeared in five entries.

However, in the 2026 season, Florida only faces off against two of those five “rivals” listed by Dochterman, as the Gators notably don’t play SEC rivals Tennessee and Louisiana State or in-state foe Miami. It marks the first time since 1989 that UF won't play Tennessee and the first time since 1971 that the Gators won't face LSU. Those traditions ended as a result of the new Southeastern Conference schedule structure, which expanded in-conference slates from eight to nine games.

As a part of those changes, each school received three “protected rivals” for the next four seasons, starting this Fall. UF’s three protected opponents are Georgia, Kentucky and South Carolina, and when the schedule shook out, neither the Volunteers nor Tigers were part of the Gators' slate.

Those changes also introduced a mandatory game against an annual power conference opponent. For Florida, that meant FSU would remain a fixture on its schedule, eliminating the realistic possibility for another matchup against Miami in the near future.

With three of Florida’s most historic rivals off the table for the upcoming season, UF faces a list of teams it has a varied past against. Here’s a definitive ranking of how much you should despise the Gators’ opponents this season.

No. 1 - Georgia Bulldogs

It was between Georgia and Florida State for the top spot on the hate list, but one factor put the Bulldogs over the top: The only time UF and UGA haven’t met since 1915 was all the way back in 1943, when the game was cancelled due to World War II. There aren’t many things Florida and Georgia agree on.

That starts with the name of the annual game, which is either known as the Florida-Georgia game or the GeorgiaFlorida game based on which side you pull for. The matchup is such a spectacle that it’s earned the nickname “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.”

The Gators and Bulldogs also differ on the number of times the two sides have faced off. Georgia believes the game has been played 104 times beginning in 1904, while Florida points to 103 contests that began in 1915. The overall record of the rivalry also differs, as UGA claims it leads the series 58-44-2 while UF says it is 57-44-2.

This season, however, marks a major landmark in the rivalry between the two sides. Since 1933, the game has been held in Jacksonville outside of 1994 (Gainesville) and 1995 (Athens, Georgia). That changes this year, as Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium undergoes major construction.

With that, this season’s game will take place in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium Oct. 31 before it heads to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium next year.

Not only are the Gators at a location disadvantage for the first time in the series in over 30 years, but UF enters the Halloween-afternoon matchup on a five-game skid in the series. Most recently, the then-No. 5 Bulldogs bested the Gators 24-20 on Nov. 1 of last year.

No. 2 - Florida State Seminoles

It’s not as longstanding a rivalry as the one above, but that doesn’t diminish the hatred between in-state rivals Florida and Florida State. UF and FSU have played every year since 1958, outside of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 campaign.

In 69 matchups between the Gators and Seminoles, Florida leads the series 39-28-2. Some notable matchups between the sides include the infamous 1994 matchup known as “The Choke at Doak” that ended in a 31-31 tie after UF blew a 28-point lead in the fourth quarter, as well as the 1997 Sugar Bowl game that clinched the Gators’ first National Championship crown when Florida defeated the ‘Noles 52-20.

Florida has been victorious in the last two matchups, including its 40-21 win in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Nov. 29 last year. In that game, UF running back Jadan Baugh ran for 266 yards and two touchdowns, while Florida’s victory knocked Florida State out of contention for a bowl game.

This year’s “Sunshine Showdown” for the Florida Cup takes place Nov. 27, the Friday after Thanksgiving, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

ally from 1992 until 2023 as SEC East rivals. In that 2023 contest, the Gators crushed the Commodores 38-14 in The Swamp Oct. 7.

This year’s game will serve as the final SEC contest for the Gators on Nov. 21 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. UF is 242-1 against Vanderbilt at home and hasn't lost to the Commodores in The Swamp since 2013.

No. 3 - Auburn Tigers

When Missouri joined the SEC ahead of the 2012 season, it joined the SEC East and found itself on an annual collision course with the Gators. In 12 contests since then, the record between the two sides is split at six wins each, but Missouri leads the overall series 7-6 thanks to a win in the 1966 Sugar Bowl.

The last time these two faced off was in 2023, when the then-No. 9 Tigers kicked a walk-off field goal to defeat the Gators 33-31 at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri.

The past three contests between the teams have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Florida travels to Columbia to face the Tigers Oct. 3.

Missouri has a 4-2 record against the Gators at Memorial Stadium.

No. 8 - Missouri Tigers

A historic rivalry that finally returns after almost seven years, Florida kicks off its SEC conference slate Sept. 19 with a trip to Auburn, Alabama, to face the Tigers.

As two of the founding members of the conference, UF and Auburn faced off every year from 1945 until 2002. The Gators and Tigers have faced off four times since, with Auburn winning three of the four games. However, UF won the most recent meeting Oct. 5, 2019, when the then-No. 10 Gators beat No. 7 Auburn 24-13 in The Swamp.

Auburn leads the series overall with a 43-39-2 record across 84 rivalry matchups. Some iconic games in the series include UF’s 30-27 win in 1966, where quarterback Steve Spurrier kicked a game-winning 40-yard field goal en route to a Heisman Trophy win, as well as the Tigers knocking off the then-No. 1 Gators in both 1994 and 2001.

No. 4 - Kentucky Wildcats

One of the most underrated rivalries in college football is between Florida and Kentucky. While it started as one of the most lopsided annual contests in the sport, it has become a close contest in the past decade.

From 1987 to 2017, Florida defeated Kentucky in all 31 of its matchups, marking the SEC’s longest win streak. That all changed in 2018, however, when Kentucky stunned then-No. 25 Florida 27-16 in The Swamp.

Including that game, the Wildcats have won five of their last eight contests against the Gators, with Kentucky routing Florida 38-7 in Lexington, Kentucky, Nov. 8 of last year.

Overall, UF leads the series 54-22. This year, the game once again returns to Lexington’s Kroger Field Nov. 14.

No. 9 - Texas Longhorns

One of Florida’s newest rivalries has been sparked with Texas since the Longhorns joined the SEC ahead of the 2024 season. After Texas routed Florida 49-17 in Austin, Texas in 2024, the Gators responded with a 29-21 upset victory over the then-No. 9 Longhorns Oct. 4 of last year.

In that game, Florida wide receiver Dallas Wilson made his collegiate debut and recorded UF freshman records for receiving yards (111) and receiving touchdowns (2) in a single game. That loss would ultimately hurt the Longhorns, as they narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff.

Overall, Texas leads the series 3-1-1 with victories in 1939 and 1940. This year’s game between the two sides is Oct. 17 at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.

No. 10 - Oklahoma Sooners

No. 5 - Mississippi Rebels

Florida and Mississippi have faced off 27 times in their football history. The record in the series? Dead-even at 1313-1. The two teams have faced each other in both of the last two seasons, splitting home victories.

In 2024, UF knocked Ole Miss out of College Football Playoff contention with a 24-17 upset victory sealed by an interception by Florida safety Bryce Thornton. Then, last season, Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy ran all over the Gators with 224 yards and 3 touchdowns in a come-frombehind 34-24 victory in Oxford, Mississippi.

This season’s game is UF’s SEC home opener Sept. 26, which is also Florida’s official Family Weekend. Surprisingly, the Gators are only 5-6-1 at home against the Rebels, adding another wrinkle of intrigue to the contest.

Florida and Oklahoma will face off in an SEC football game for the first time Nov. 7 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Despite no history in the SEC, the sides have seen a pair of crucial meetings, with both teams recording one win.

First, the Gators notably defeated the Sooners Jan. 8, 2009, in Miami to capture the program’s third and most recent national championship. In that game, then-Florida QB Tim Tebow threw two touchdowns and ran for 109 yards en route to a 24-14 victory.

Oklahoma got some measure of revenge more recently with a 55-20 trouncing of the Gators in the 2020 Cotton Bowl. That capped off the Sooners’ season with a 9-2 record and left UF with an 8-4 mark. UF has failed to reach that .667 winning percentage in the five seasons since.

No. 11 - Florida Atlantic Owls

No. 6 - South Carolina Gamecocks

While Florida’s rivalry with South Carolina is not as storied as many of those listed above, it has still featured some extremely exciting contests. From 1992 until 2023, the sides faced off annually as SEC East rivals, and overall, they have played 44 times. UF leads the series 31-10-3, but the Gamecocks have won three of the past 10 matchups.

Most recently, UF completed a 41-39 comeback victory over the Gamecocks in Columbia, South Carolina, Oct. 14, 2023. In that game, then-UF quarterback Graham Mertz connected with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall for the gamewinning touchdown with just 47 seconds left on the clock.

This year, the faceoff between the Gators and Gamecocks heads back to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Oct. 10 for UF’s Homecoming game. Overall, UF has won 17 of the 19 games played against SC in The Swamp.

No. 7 - Vanderbilt Commodores

Another historical rivalry with a lopsided overall record, Florida and Vanderbilt have faced off 57 times. UF holds a dominant 44-11-2 record across those contests, including nine wins in the past 10 games between the schools.

Like South Carolina, Vanderbilt played Florida annu-

To open its 2026 season, Florida faces in-state foe Florida Atlantic for the fifth time in program history. The Gators hold a 4-0 record against the Owls, with each contest having taken place at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Most recently, UF vanquished FAU 35-14 Sept. 4, 2021.

In the contest, then-UF QB Anthony Richardson ran for 160 yards. This year’s bout between the sides takes place Sept.

5.

No. 12 - Campbell Fighting Camels

Florida’s second opponent of the season is one it has never faced before: the Campbell Fighting Camels. A member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, Campbell holds a 61-126 record since the 2008 revival of its football program.

Florida holds a 26-1 record against FCS or lower-division opponents, with its only loss infamously coming in 2013 at the hands of Georgia Southern, 26-20. Last season, UF beat Long Island 44-0 in The Swamp. @maxbernstein23 mbernstein@alligator.org

16 ALLIGATOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

FOOTBALL

A game day tradition: The annual parking scramble returns to Gainesville AS FOOTBALL SEASON APPROACHES, STUDENTS AND VISITORS WILL ONCE AGAIN FACE THE DIFFICULTIES OF FINDING A SPOT

By Nicole Scura Sports Writer

For many Gators fans, game days rarely begin with kickoff. They begin with finding a place to park.

Starting Sept. 5 with a faceoff against the Florida Atlantic University Owls, the Gators will begin to host opponents at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the 2026-27 football season.

With this, fans will once again combat the challenges of game-day parking.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the largest stadium in Florida, has a capacity of nearly 90,000 people. Fans, students, alumni, families and more swarm The Swamp, driving parking demand even higher.

For students, parking can already be a hassle during the offseason. Mopeds, electric scooters and the RTS bus system have become popular ways for students who live off campus to get to class and around campus.

With thousands more people pouring into Gainesville on Saturdays to watch the Gators play, the demand for parking skyrockets.

Some apartment complexes force residents to relocate their vehicles so they can sell spots; UF bars students with parking passes from certain on-campus garages to prioritize parking for alumni or season ticket holders,

who pay in advance; and Gainesville residents resort to selling spots in their own backyards.

Ben Dunmyer is a rising senior at UF. He and his two roommates rent a house near campus, where they sell spots during major campus events, including football games. It was the former residents of the house who suggested they take advantage of their space.

“The people before us actually left a note, and they said it’s probably in our best interest to sell parking,” Dunmyer said.

Even without the heads-up, he said they likely would have gotten involved anyway, with most of their neighbors doing the same.

“Sometimes my neighbors will start off higher than we will, so in order to just get a little bit of traffic in our yard, we’ll go a little bit below them,” he said. “But we have significantly more spots than them, so it doesn’t really matter anyway.”

Depending on the car, Dunmyer and his roommates can fit 20 to 25 cars in their lot.

They stand in their front yard with a whiteboard, and as prices change, they update the board.

In May, they sold around 10 spots for the Morgan Wallen concerts. They set their initial price at $50 and went up or down depending on how many people purchased, he said.

Gainesville traffic on game days and during major events only adds more stress for visitors or new students unfamiliar with the area.

“It’s super hard when you include the fact that a lot of people going to the games are from out of town,” said Trevor Regli, a UF finance junior. “They don't know how to navigate Gainesville or around the stadium.”

Julia Cooper // Alligator Staff

UF Transportation and Parking Services office is located at 1273 Gale Lemerand Drive in Gainesville, Fla.

In January, the city of Gainesville converted many streets around UF’s main campus to one-ways. Parts of University Avenue are also closed on game days to keep pedestrians safe.

One wrong turn on a busy day can dramatically affect a driver’s arrival time, Regli said. It’s also hard to compare lot prices while driving safely on the roads.

“It’s super disorganized because by the time you end up finding a spot and getting [to] where you are, you’re probably going to be late to the game,” Regli said.

Regli co-founded an app called Parkey.

Launched earlier this year, it allows students to compare the prices of lots and reserve a spot ahead of events like football games. The goal, Regli said, is to open up parking and make it cheaper.

The app has already served users for two

events: the Spring Orange & Blue game and the Morgan Wallen concerts.

Users on Parkey can also list their own pay-to-park event spots in the app, Regli said, so they no longer need to stand in their yards holding signs. Even if users are out of town, they can still put their lots to use, he added.

“It’s really beneficial because it opens up so much parking,” Regli said. “Right now, you have limited parking. You have the really visible homes right in front of the stadium and then in close proximity … and then you have the stadium parking, which is either sold out or completely unaffordable.”

Regli’s app isn’t the first time students have worked on a solution to Gainesville’s parking nightmare. Perch surfaced in 2023 to provide a similar service.

Some car-owning students even resort to using services like Uber and Lyft to avoid the hassle altogether.

Jose Majano, a 19-year-old UF political science and economics sophomore, lived on campus his freshman year. To get to the games, he would pick up friends and bring them to campus.

UF would close certain garages to sell the parking spots, kicking students out and forcing them to relocate their cars, he said.

“I understood it, but it was way too inconvenient, especially [given] the fact we pay for the parking passes,” Majano said.

This year, Majano plans to Uber to games and forgo the hassle and headache of Gainesville’s game-day parking. @NicoleScuraa nscura@alligator.org

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