The Great Gator Welcome
August 16 – 28, 2026
The Great Gator Welcome is UF’s official kickoff to your time at UF. This series of events is designed to help you find your place in the Gator Nation. From outdoor markets to live music, trivia nights to campus-wide races, there’s something for every student to discover, connect and make memories that last.
Stay up-to-date with all the events with @ufstudentengage on Instagram!
Great Gator Coffee Hour
August 16
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Reitz Union Grand Ballroom
Stop by to fuel up and connect with campus partners and fellow Gators! Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries while taking part in crafts, games and relaxed conversation as we kick off the year.
Hosted by Student Engagement
Gator to Gator Speed Friending
August 17
5 – 7 p.m.
O’Connell Center
Meet new people, discover shared interests and expand your social network in a welcoming and low-pressure environment.
Whether you’re looking for friends, study partners or familiar faces around campus, this event is a great way to start your UF journey with community!
Hosted by Community & Belonging
Midnight Munchies
August 18
8 – 10:30 p.m.
Broward Dining
Grab a late-night breakfast treat at the the Broward Dining facility and relax with us before classes as we foster community and create long lasting memories.
Hosted by the Inter Residence Hall Association and Florida Fresh Dining
Convocation
August 19
Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Ceremony starts at 6:00 p.m.
O’Connell Center
Freshman Convocation is a special tradition that marks the official start of your college journey. It’s a time to come together with your class, hear from campus leaders and celebrate the beginning of this exciting new chapter!
Hosted by the Center for New Student & Family Programs
Class Photo
August 19
Starts after Convocation
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Once Convocation wraps up, make your way to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to take part in the Class of 2030 photo! It’s a memorable tradition you don’t want to miss.
Hosted by the Division of Student Life
First Day Photos
August 20
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Reitz Union North Lawn, Plaza of Americas, Marston Library Fries
Kick off the start of a new semester by taking a free Polaroid photo at iconic campus locations. After snapping a pic, take some time to hang out with friends and make a craft.
Hosted by the Inter Residence Hall Association and Campus Events and Traditions
ACCENT Show
August 20
O’Connell Center
The UF ACCENT Speakers Bureau brings notable public figures, politicians, comedians, celebrities and more to campus to speak and engage with the student body.
Stay tuned for who our upcoming guest is!
Hosted by the UF ACCENT Speakers Bureau
Off Campus Gator Welcome
August 21
9 – 11 a.m.
Park & Ride Lot on Hull Road
August 24
9 – 11 a.m.
Corner of University Ave and SW 13th Street
Meet staff from Off Campus Life to learn about everything you should know as an off off-campus Gator. From campus safety to transportation and parking to upcoming events, get answers to any questions you have about living in Gainesville.
Hosted by Off Campus Life
First Friday BBQ
August 21
4 – 8 p.m.
Plaza of Americas
Prepare to be immersed in Gator Spirit at the First Friday BBQ! This premier event will feature a DJ, photo opportunities, giveaways, performances and of course, barbecue. Join us to chant the night away as we come together, united as Gators.
Hosted by Campus Events and Traditions
Meet the Greeks
August 22
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Reitz Union North Lawn
Curious about Greek Life?
Meet current members from all four Greek Councils, ask questions, and get a real feel for what it’s like to join one of our Greek organizations at UF! This is the perfect opportunity to explore your options, make connections and learn more before recruitment and intake begin.
Hosted by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life
Movie Night at the Reitz
August 22
Starts at 8 p.m.
Retiz Union North Lawn
Grab your friends and relax under the stars at one of Great Gator Welcome’s signature events.
Cast your vote by Sunday, July 26 to help decide what we’ll watch! The winning movie will be announced on July 27.
Amazing Race
August 23
1 – 4 p.m.
Starts at the Reitz Union North Lawn
Team up with up to four friends and dash across campus to uncover hidden locations and take on mystery challenges. Find 8/10 of our stations to earn a free Gator tee!
Before the race starts, there will be refreshments available for our competitors.
Hosted by Campus Events and Traditions
Kickstart Escape Room
August 24
1 – 4 p.m.
Career Connections Center
Put your skills to the test in with this interactive experience where you can either work solo or with a team to complete activities, solve challenges and develop your skills in order to escape. Activities will focus on leadership development, service-learning and career-readiness.
Hosted by the Brown Center for Leadership and Service and the Career Connections Center
Trivia Night
August 24
7 – 9 p.m.
Reitz Union Grand Ballroom
Test your knowledge with musical trivia!
Whether you win a prize, or just join us to sing the night away, you’ll leave with lasting memories of a night full of fun and friendly competition.
Hosted by Campus Events and Traditions
Step Up and Step In
August 25
12 – 3 p.m.
Reitz Union, Room 2365
Build confidence and practical skills in active bystander intervention. This event addresses challenging situations in a way that is empowering and educational, giving students tools they can use to look out for one another and create a safer campus community.
Hosted by GatorWell Health Promotion Services
Gator Market
August 26
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Reitz Union North Lawn
Browse local and student-owned vendors, participate in fun activities, grab food and soak up the energy of campus.
For more information on Gator Market, visit the Reitz Union’s website.
Hosted by the Reitz Union
Student Organization Fair
August 27
4 – 7 p.m.
O’Connell Center
Connect with leaders from over 300 student organizations and campus departments, all in one place. This is one of the best ways to get plugged in at UF.
Hosted by Community & Belonging
MRE Madness
August 27
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Reitz Union, Room 2215
Sample a variety of MRE entrées, snacks and desserts while connecting with fellow Gators and learning about resources available for military-connected students.
Hosted by the Collegiate Veterans Success Center
GatorNights
August 28
Reitz Union
GatorNights is the University of Florida’s premier late-night event series held on Fridays at the Reitz Union, offering free entertainment like movies, live performances, crafts, games and food to create a vibrant and safe social space for students.
Hosted by Campus Events and Traditions