University of Florida Freshman Orientation: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Florida (UF) welcomes a new cohort of students each year, and the UF Preview and Orientation program plays a vital role in their transition. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for incoming freshmen and their families, covering everything from preparing for the Preview program to navigating campus life and academics.

Introduction to UF Preview and Orientation

The First-Year UF Preview and Orientation is a two-day event designed to immerse new students in campus life and equip them with the tools for a successful first semester. The University of Florida also offers a Parents & Families Preview, providing insights into how families can best support their incoming Gator. For graduate program entrants, congratulations are in order, and while the Parents & Family Orientation might not be applicable, numerous engaging events and activities await in Gainesville. UF Preview is the University of Florida's required orientation program for incoming students-both first-year and transfer-designed to smoothly transition you into Gator life.

Preparing for Preview

Registration and Scheduling

Students, parents, and families can register for a two-day session in May, June, or July. It's important to choose a Preview session that best fits your schedule, allowing you to fully engage in the two-day experience and Preview Prep beforehand. Once logged into the Preview registration system, you'll see the exact dates available to you. Note that all dates may not be available to every student. Available dates will populate in the Applicant Portal when you log in. Orientation registration is open now in the Applicant Portal. The Center for New Student & Family Programs administers Preview. The cost for at least one preview session-including Family Preview-is mandatory upon registration.

Preview Prep: Your Navigation Guide

Preview Prep is a self-paced online module that new Gators complete at least 3 days prior to their Preview session. Preview Prep will be available starting at 10:00 am ET on Tuesday, April 15, 2026. About a week before your Preview session, go back and look through Prep. Don't worry! We've saved all your answers, so you won't need to enter anything again. But, if anything has changed since you started Prep, you can update that now. The more effort you put into your Preview Prep, the better your advisor can help you during Preview. Preview Prep is your navigation guide to becoming a Gator.

Essential Tasks Before Preview

Several tasks should be completed before attending Preview to ensure a smooth start. Use the Student Self-Service portal at least three weeks before Preview, which typically opens mid-April, and finish at least one week before Preview. Upload a picture online ahead of time to skip the photo station at Preview. Reddit users highly recommend this tip-for convenience and better control over picture quality. This includes the ALEKS placement test (if needed). Expect a 1-business-day delay after activation. You’ll need both for accessing UF systems.

Academic Preparation

Preview involves spending six plus hours engaged in intentional academic, major, and career planning. To achieve this goal, you will work with Preview Advisors and undergraduate Preview Staffers to learn about potential majors, critical tracking, general education requirements, and your steps to graduating in four years. To accomplish this, you will work with a small group of no more than fourteen fellow Gators to discover your academic goals and the path to accomplish them. Research courses and professors using RateMyProfessor or UF’s systems. Prepare a list of at least two back-up sections for each class and bring it to your advising appointment.

ALEKS Placement Assessment

I highly recommend that all students with pre-health goals - regardless of the credits they will be bringing into UF - take the ALEKS placement assessment BEFORE attending Preview. The ALEKS score helps advisors tailor your first-semester schedule and ensure minimal issues during your registration. Make sure you set aside time to complete the ALEKS so that your advisors can best help you on your pre-health journey! - Kathryn B. These impact which math and chemistry classes you're eligible for. Complete prep on time for best class placement.

What to Expect During Preview

Two-Day Experience

Check-In on Day 1 will begin at 8:00 am and the day will conclude around 6:00 pm. Students have the option to stay overnight in a Residence Hall for an additional fee. On the second day of your Preview experience, you will meet one-on-one with a Preview Advisor to register for your first semester(s) courses.

Academic Advising and Course Registration

During your Preview experience you will spend six plus hours engaged in intentional academic, major and career planning. To achieve this goal, you will work with Preview Advisors and undergraduate Preview Staffers to learn about potential majors, critical tracking, general education requirements, and your steps to graduating in four years. To accomplish this, you will work with a small group of no more than fourteen fellow Gators to discover your academic goals and the path to accomplish them. On the second day of your Preview experience, you will meet one-on-one with a Preview Advisor to register for your first semester(s) courses. While no session guarantees that students will receive all of their preferred courses and times, your Preview advisor will work with you to explore alternatives and ensure your schedule supports your first-semester academic success.

What to Bring and Wear

Preview involves walking; wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Gainesville weather can be rainy-umbrellas encouraged.

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Staying Organized

Capture the flood of information with digital or handwritten notes; keep them organized. Keep communication with your Preview Staffer and college advisors to review and adjust schedules. Advisors handle many students quickly. Having a clear list of class-section combos gives you leverage.

Social Events

Preview often includes intro social events (cookies, music). It’s low-key and optional.

Parents & Families Preview

Parents and families join the student’s Preview session at the same time-optional but strongly encouraged. Sessions include presentations on housing, dining, advising, campus life, finances, and more. Note: Parents are not permitted in the student’s one-on-one advising-they attend separate sessions. UF communications will ramp up close to Preview. The University of Florida also provides a Parents & Families Preview so that you can know how to best support your incoming Gator! If you aren’t taking part in the Parents & Family Orientation, there are a ton of great events and activities to join in around Gainesville!

Accommodation Options

Lodging at the university during UF Preview and Orientation is available, but not required! Optional overnight stay in dorms is limited.

StayGainesville Properties

StayGainesville properties are near or within walking distance of campus and preview venues like Reitz Union and dorms. Avoid parking hassles and morning rush. Most units offer two bedrooms, full kitchens, washer/dryer-comfortable for parents who want privacy and flexibility while supporting students. With StayGainesville options, parking is usually included and you’re free to come and go, head out for lunch, or unwind off-campus. StayGainesville caters to families and groups, creating a supportive and low-stress environment during busy Preview days. Staff can provide local tips-for places to eat, errands, relaxation spots-valuable when parents want a break from information-heavy sessions. Since most families stay multiple nights (Preview plus extra nights), StayGainesville properties accommodate varied schedules without built-in dorm constraints. If you need a place to stay right around the corner, with slightly more spacious accommodation, check out the Sweetwater Branch Inn! Our renovated Victorian-era property is the perfect place to experience the charm of Gainesville with proximity to both the university and all of the fun around town.

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Transitioning to College Life

The transition to college life can be both an exciting and challenging time. Your new student transition experience will help you successfully prepare for your time at the University of Florida. Even before attending Preview, there are ways to set yourself up for academic success. You may also have questions after attending Preview, after classes have started, or even at the end of your first semester. Undergraduate Education and Student Success is here to guide you through your initial academic preparation steps as a Gator.

Academic Success Strategies

Be willing to take electives solely for interest. They can lead to majors or minors in fields you are genuinely interested in and good at.

Transfer Students

Transfer Students & Families will register for a one-day session at UF. During your Preview experience you will spend a few hours engaged in intentional academic, major and career planning. To achieve this goal, you will work with College Advisors and undergraduate Preview Staffers to learn the necessary steps to for graduation. To accomplish this, you will work with a small group of no more than fourteen fellow Gators to discover your academic goals and the path to accomplish them. My favorite part of Preview was meeting other transfer students like myself. We are eager to introduce you to your new academic home within the University of Florida! UF's orientation program, known as Preview, will do just that.

UNF Orientation Information

UNF's First-Year Orientation is designed to provide you with key tools and resources necessary to have a successful academic career at UNF. Find Your Flock - Connect with your Orientation Leaders, who will guide you through Orientation. As UNF's top current students, they are prepared to answer your questions. College Sessions - Meet faculty and staff from your college and learn about the experiential learning opportunities available to you. Life as a UNF Osprey - Learn all about what makes UNF unique. Getting Involved - Let's make the most of your time outside of the classroom and create unforgettable experiences! Does your parent or family member want to learn more too? Advising and Course Registration You will be pre-registered for your Summer (if applicable) and Fall classes. To ensure an accurate and personalized schedule, it is important to complete the Course Scheduling Survey located in your applicant portal checklist. In the survey, you’ll share information such as your intended major, any credits you may be bringing in (AP, dual enrollment, IB, etc.), and your preferences for general education courses. You’ll also have the opportunity to note any scheduling needs-such as times you can’t take classes or preferences regarding online classes. Your responses will be used by your academic advisor to plan your course schedule, and the University will register you in classes based on the information provided. Please Note: Advising Holds will lift on August 3 for students attending New Student Orientation in May, June, and July who need to make changes to their class schedules. Before attending orientation on campus, it is mandatory for all new students to complete the online pre-orientation.

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