<p>Who said we didn't need cars? I feel completely stranded! Also, I've heard that UF has friendly people and that it's easy to make friends yadda yadda. Well, I wish to know where those people are because everyone that I've encountered has been very unwelcoming and standoffish. I am not sure if it's a Florida thing, but I hope not.</p>
<p>I feel exactly the same way! It’s kind of ridiculous how some of these people are. Most of them act like they are freshman in high school, not college. Even so, I’m trying my best to be positive, and maybe it will be better in fall.</p>
<p>And as for the car thing, I hate it too. Everyone said not to bring a car, but the bus system is totally unreliable and the SNAP car has ignored my roommate both times she called.</p>
<p>The hours of operation for the buses that go from the dorms to campus are ridiculously short. I guess no long days on campus for me.</p>
<p>buses are fairly reliable within 5 minutes of the posted times. perhaps this would help: [UFL</a> - RTS - Transit Visualization System](<a href=“http://ufl.transloc.com/]UFL”>http://ufl.transloc.com/)</p>
<p>I’m quite sure what you guys are talking about with being stranded (especially during the day). If you look at that bus map i linked and still feel stranded, then i’m not sure what you expect. you can get pretty much anywhere in gainesville in a reasonable amount of time by bus during the day. what has lead you to feel stranded? where can’t you go?</p>
<p>PrettyPeridot, where on campus do you live that you feel like you need to take a bus to get to classes? If its Lakeside, the 20 runs all day and through a good portion of the night during the summer (I think til 11 right now?), and until like, 2 am in the fall and spring, and stops there. It runs every 15 minutes or so.</p>
<p>Something to remember, though - bus service is reduced right now. Routes will run longer in the fall. At least the Later Gator is back for summer B! We didn’t even have that running for summer A (if you aren’t aware of what this is, its a bus that runs Thursday-Saturday and takes you downtown). I’ve also found that the TransLoc app is much more reliable than the schedule - if you have a smart phone, download it. It’s a real time bus locater that shows you where the bus is and how far it is from you. That may help you feel less stranded. And SNAP is ALWAYS like that - or they’ll tell you 15 minutes, and will take 45. You’re better off walking, typically.</p>
<p>Bring a bike. That will get you to basically anywhere in campus within twenty-thirty minutes.</p>
<p>As for making friends… Yes, it’s tough. Go join clubs or something with like-minded people. I’m sure you’ll meet someone with a similiar mindset.</p>
<p>My D graduated last week from UF. She found that she made the most friends in her classes. While it may seem hard in some of the larger classes, it’s entirely possible.</p>
<p>I just started at UF and everyone I’ve met has been really friendly! Also, I live at Lakeside, but the buses and my bike work fine! I have a car, but I only use it to go off campus!</p>
<p>thanks for the responses. I did not know the 20 stopped at lakeside. I thought we could only use the campus bus to go to lakeside,which stop running at 5pm :/</p>
<p>I think once we get a hang it shouldnt be too bad. Getting to class has been great. What sucks is when you have to do lots of groceries, or like today that I had to go out and buy some small furniture. </p>
<p>As for making friends, I agree. A lot of people seem very anti social. I am dying to join clubs but I haven’t seen any recruiting over the summer. If I’m wrong, please let me know! lol</p>
<p>LOL. You haven’t seen anyone recruiting? Go to Turlington in the middle of the day and I guarantee you will solicited to your heart’s desire.</p>
<p>Best tip on meeting people when you live in the dorms: Leave your door open when you are not busy! If you are playing video games, reading a book, hanging out…prop your door open and you may be pleasantly surprised that others will stop by to say hi. Be open, be friendly as well…if you see someone’s door open, take a look in and introduce yourself. You have to try to be a bit outgoing–not expect others to do it–go outside yourself and your worries and just say hi!
Any questions, ask your RA for suggestions on how to meet people…
Also…there is this…
GatorMania is UF’s summer carnival and student organization fair. On Friday, July 6 from 6-10 p.m., students can visit leaders of various student organizations to see which clubs are right for them. </p>
<p>I think that the above is at the Reitz Union breezeway(outside)?
Gatornights are movies in the Reitz Union…Go!<br>
Also,
Friday, July 5 - RecSports’ Summa’ Ganza</p>
<p>Friday, July 6 - GatorMania and GatorNights!</p>
<p>Friday, July 13 - GatorNights!</p>
<p>Friday, July 20 - GatorNights</p>
<p>Sounds fun! The door propped open thing doesn’t work in some dorms like Lakeside since you live in “pods” which is basically like 4 apartments arranged in a circle so you essentially only have access to 10 neighbors, which we have already met (and seem unfriendly and reserved).
Also, I’ve never been to Turlington. I only have one class around the Reitz at 2pm so I don’t get a chance to check anything out. I will def need to get out early and explore campus.</p>
<p>If you guys are complaining about people not being friendly? You need to sorround youselves with people that have similar interests as you. Whether it be in class or in a club. If you like to run join a runners club, environment, politics, intramurals there are literally hundreds of clubs at UF so get to it. In class form a study group.</p>
<p>One more point if you are complaining about the situation during the Summer? Yes it is a different atmosphere when fall starts. Comparing Summer to Fall is like comparing the Boston Pops to Pit Bull. </p>
<p>Relax it will get better just stay out there and meet people with similar interests.</p>
<p>^yes we established that. Thanks.
p.s- People being friendly has nothing to do with “having similar interests”. So what, unless we share a hobby, you have the right to snub me if I say Hi on the elevator?C’mon now.</p>
<p>I have found that it takes awhile to make really good friends. The people you meet now may not end up being the friends you are the closest to in a year or so, anyways. So if you don’t meet anyone right now, don’t stress. The fall will be better. And I’m pretty sure there will be a lot more clubs meeting in the fall, too (a lot of clubs don’t meet over the summer since not everyone is here).</p>
<p>PrettyPeridot - the 21 also runs by Lakeside and will take you to and from campus, also. It just has much more limited hours right now (its a bit better in the fall/spring). If you are getting off at Lakeside on one of those buses, just don’t forget to pull the string to tell the bus driver you want to get off =]</p>
<p>I’m sorry that some people have been unfriendly to you but don’t let it bug you. Just move on and keep trying to make friends with other people. You are bound to find someone who is willing to be a decent human being and respond to your hello. It bothers me to hear this and kind of makes me less excited to attend in the fall. I’m sure there will be more outgoing and friendly people once fall comes around! Hang in there!</p>
<p>We never felt a warm welcome at UF and I am not saying this because I prefer one school over another but we had far better experiences at the FSU campus and the UCF campus. Many of our friends who made campus visits told us the same thing. They felt so much more welcomed at FSU. Our friends just returned and both of their sons had already been invited to join clubs and they don’t start until the fall.</p>