Moving to a new city can be a lonely experience. It takes time to find a new routine and get to know the area and people surrounding your new Gainesville apartment. Whether you're moving to Gainesville to attend The University of Florida, Santa Fe College, or relocating for a job at UF Health, you'll be surrounded by transplant residents just like you! To get an idea of what it's like to live here, check out our UF cost of living guide for information on everything from entertainment to study aids. Stay patient and enjoy the journey as you settle into your new hometown.
Try these tips to help you get settled in and combat feeling homesick at UF.
1. Find Go-To Spots for Solo Adventures
Conquering something alone can be really satisfying and empowering. The Dunkin' inside Target Plaza is a great place to rest between classes and escape the Florida heat. Search near your apartment for new shops, cafes, and restaurants—they pop up all the time in Gainesville.
Challenge yourself to try somewhere new each week for the first couple of months. Just be curious, keep your phone in your pocket enough to see what's around you, and never shy away from starting conversations. You might discover your new favorite study spot or meet a fellow regular who becomes a friend.
2. Say Yes to New Experiences
If you don't take anything else from this article, remember this one. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by saying yes more often. Asked to lunch by a coworker you're not sure you click with? Your apartment is hosting a resident activity you aren't sure about? Say yes anyway! You may be surprised by the people you meet and the activities you fall in love with. Even if you feel you don't belong yet, take a chance and say yes.
3. Create Your Own Cozy Traditions
Start a charcuterie night with trash TV—think Dancing with the Stars, Love Island, or the latest binge-worthy docuseries. There's something special about having a regular night where you and friends (or potential friends!) can unwind with cheese, snacks, and guilt-free entertainment.
Other ideas: Sunday brunch at a rotating Gainesville restaurant, monthly game nights, or weekly study sessions at your favorite coffee shop. Having self-created rituals gives structure to your week and provides natural opportunities to invite acquaintances to become friends. As Dan Healy from Brazen says, keeping "a calendar that marks both large and small events in my life that I can look forward to" helps when days seem endless.
4. Make Local Events Your Weekly Tradition
Places like Mom's OG and Satchel's host trivia nights once a week, which are perfect things to make a weekly tradition for you and your roommates. The Florida Vintage Market happens once a month at Midpoint Park & Eatery—mark your calendar and make it a monthly outing to explore vintage finds and local vendors.
Downtown Gainesville also hosts the Union Street Farmers Market every Wednesday and the Haile Farmers Market on Saturdays. These are low-commitment ways to explore the city and strike up conversations with locals and fellow newcomers.
5. Find Your Third Space
Don't let your first few months in Gainesville be an endless cycle of work and home. Combat those feelings by finding a third space you can add into your routine. This may be a cozy coffee shop you can spend afternoons at, or a park you take daily walks in—which is especially great if you have a furry friend in your dog-friendly apartment who can join you.
Consider Paynes Prairie, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, or Devil's Millhopper for nature escapes that help you appreciate what makes Florida unique. If you prefer staying active indoors, step outside the apartment fitness center or visit Southwest Rec.
6. Explore Niche Hobbies on Campus
Many clubs at UF have niche interests you can explore, from ukulele to fencing or swing dancing. The Gator Connect website has countless clubs to search and make friends: https://orgs.studentinvolvement.ufl.edu/organizations
Some standout options:
- Bodybuilding and Fitness Club — Take your fitness routine beyond the gym.
- Chronically Outside — For outdoorsy Gators looking to explore Florida's nature.
- Florida Swing Dancing Club — "The goal of our club is to teach and spread the joy of swing dancing (Lindy Hop) across the Gainesville and University of Florida community. We travel and connect with others across the United States at Lindy Hop exchanges and workshops."
Even if you've never tried these activities before, clubs are designed to welcome beginners. That's what makes them perfect for meeting people.
7. Connect Through Social Media and Volunteering
Use Facebook groups like "Gainesville Word of Mouth," UF class-specific pages, or apartment complex groups to find event recommendations, friend-finding posts, and insider tips about the city. Make sure to follow popular venues like VIVID Music Hall downtown to keep up with recurring events like EMO night or local performances.
Volunteering is another fantastic way to meet like-minded people while giving back. Organizations like Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, Alachua County Humane Society, or campus programs through UF's Center for Leadership & Service offer regular opportunities. You'll build connections with people who share your values while learning more about Gainesville's community.
8. Be Patient With Yourself
No matter how dedicated you are to putting yourself out there, there may be moments of loneliness or dislocation. It gets better. Living in the present is key to finding peace in your new city. Remember: everyone feels homesick sometimes, even on a busy campus like UF. Give yourself grace as you build your new community.
The Bottom Line
Making friends in Gainesville takes time, but with the right mindset and willingness to try new things, you'll find your people and fall in love with your new home. Remember that every local was once new to town too.