Good Times & Great Events
August 19-25, 2023
Welcome, Gators! You’re a Gator, and it’s a BIG deal. The Great Gator Welcome is your official kick-off to the fall semester. From August 19-25, campus departments and student organizations will host events with opportunities for you to meet new people, get connected to the Gator student experience, explore campus, and just have fun!
Great Gator Creative Coffee Hour
Date: Saturday, August 19Time: 1-4 PM
Location: Student Engagement Portal, Reitz Union Level 3
Join us for coffee, live art demonstrations from local entrepreneurs and artists, and art classes in the Student Engagement Portal from 1-4pm. Students will also be able stop by the Arts and Crafts Center from 12-4pm to explore their own creativity through free craft activities.
Back to School Block Party
Date: Sunday, August 20Time: 12-2 PM
Location: Reitz Union Tabling Area
It's time for a block party! This event is for students who are looking to get involved in their community and contribute to organizations that are making a difference. We encourage attendees to use this opportunity to develop long-term relationships with community organizations and departments on campus.
Make A First Impression In Your Profession
Date: Monday, August 21Time: 10 AM - 1 PM
Location: Career Connections Center, Reitz Union, Level 1
Get a head start on your career! Let’s help you make a good first impression as a professional by checking out this event designed to lean into everything you need to maximize your professional growth.
New Student Convocation
Date: Tuesday, August 22Time: 5-6 PM
Location: Stephen C. O'Connell Center
New Student Convocation is the University of Florida’s official welcome for all first-year students. This event celebrates the UF Class of 2027’s entry into higher education and inducts them into a community of learners.
Class of 2027 Photo
Date: Tuesday, August 22Time: 6-7 PM
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Fall Kick-off Concert Featuring Don Toliver
Date: Wednesday, August 23Time: Doors Open at 6 PM | Show Starts at 7 PM
Location: Stephen C. O’Connell Center
That's right, there's a concert on the first day of class! Tickets will go on sale at 10 am on August 18th at the Gate 1 Box Office of the O’Connell Center! Be sure to have your Gator 1 ID with you to secure your tickets and grab ‘em before they’re sold out. Have questions? View the FAQs here!
Student Organization Fair
Date: Thursday, August 24Time: 3 – 4:30 PM and 5:30 – 7 PM
Location: Reitz Union North Lawn, Plaza of the Americas, Fine Arts Plaza
Over 300 student organizations at 3 campus locations? Sign us up! Learn about the best ways to get involved on campus at the Student Organization Fair! Follow @sai_uf for more information.
The Great Gator Trivia Night
Date: Thursday, August 24Time: 8 – 10 PM
Location: Reitz Union Grand Ballroom, Broward Hall, Graham Hall
This isn’t your typical trivia night! Gather a group of your Gator pals for a night of Trivia With A Twist and see if you have what it takes to win. Prizes will be given out to the winning teams and snacks will be provided at each location. Make sure to charge your phones! They will be required in order to play trivia. Renee Adams, host of SiriusXM Margaritaville, will be hosting this night of trivia.
GatorNights: Under the Swamp
Date: Friday, August 25Time: 7 – 10 PM
Location: Reitz Union
Be a part of that Gator world at GatorNights: Under the Swamp! Activities include: The Little Mermaid (1989 & 2023) movie showings at 7:30 pm, Soap Bubble Circus Stage Show, karaoke, message in a bottle, refreshments, and more!