So you are looking through your options of Gainesville apartments, but you know you are going to have to be matched with roommates. You don't need to panic. There are plenty of great ways to get to know who you are living with.
Regardless of which of the apartments in Gainesville you choose, always try to keep your room door open. Having your door open will promote conversations with your other roommates when they walk by. Otherwise try to spend a lot of time in the living area, so you can interact with your roommates as they come and go. Cooking is also a great way to engage your roommates; combine your ingredients and try to figure out something for dinner. Try to be as actively engaging with your roommates as possible, especially in the beginning as to not start off on the wrong foot.
Depending on where you decide to live, many of the apartments in Gainesville are located near some sort of activity. If you are a UF student and you live near campus, head over to the Reitz Union. The Reitz has plenty of different things for you and your roommates to do, such as arcade games or bowling. There are also plenty of places to eat in the Reitz; sitting down with your roommates for lunch is bound to start a conversation where you can learn more about each other. You can also head to one of the many gyms on campus, and talk during workout or on the cardio machines.
Don't fret if you are not a student or don't want to live in one of the Gainesville apartments near campus, as there are still plenty of ways to try to engage your roommate. Go out and grab a bite to eat at one of the many great local restaurants in the area. You could also try to get your roommates to run errands with you. If you both needs groceries or school supplies, then you might as well save gas and go together. You will find you have a lot of time to talk while browsing up and down the aisles.
If you and your future roommates are the legal drinking age, then going out is always a great way to get to know someone. Head over to one of the bars in Downtown or Midtown and take your roommates with you. You're guaranteed to bond, or at the very least have a fun time. Just make sure that if you live farther away that one of you is willing to be a designated driver.
Getting to know your roommates isn't difficult, it just requires work. Be engaging, and take advantage whichever of the apartments in Gainesville you are in to find good, close bonding activities. Avoid activities such as watching a movie, because in the end you will find that none of you probably even said a word. Overall just be polite, be yourself, and be persistent, as it may take a bit of effort to get your roommates to open up to you. Good luck!