<p>D's graduating in May, and we've never been to a UF graduation. Anyone know if parking is an issue or is it easy enough to get something near by. Also, if anyone's done a UF graduation recently, I'd love to hear some ins and outs w/ regards to things you wish you had known. She's graduating on the last day, at the last time (Sun May 5th, at 7 pm) with all the other engineers.</p>
<p>Difficult to believe 4 years have flown by ... and to think we turn around and do it all again next year when S graduates from UF's law school. </p>
<p>Yes, son just graduated in Dec so smaller crowds but very manageable. Get there early and parking can be had. Have graduate decorate hat because then easier to spot. Borrow really good camera if don’t have one. Make sure to take pics in the stadium. We got some awesome shots after all had cleared out. We made brunch reservation at The Red Onion…great food and service and can handle large parties. And they take reservations! Savor the moment; it was an awesome day!</p>
<p>^^^
Thanks so much! Love all the info you’ve provided. I will definitely keep it all in mind. Thank you!
When you say “get there early,” how early are thinking? For instance, her graduation’s at 7 pm. More than two hours early?</p>
<p>Just as a quick warning–DO NOT EXPECT ANYTHING FROM THE CEREMONY. There will be no emotional speeches, no speaker invited to talk, nothing. It’s a rather underwhelming moment, which I knew coming into this, and I wish I had prepared my parents for it. They loved UF but really felt like I was being “pushed out,” and though I (personally) appreciated that there wasn’t too much fanfare (with such a large number of students who have to walk across the stage, I completely understand), I do agree with their assessment that it had a very corporate feel. I don’t mean any of this as an insult to the school–after a year off, I’ll be returning for my master’s and I wouldn’t have traded my experiences for anything. I just don’t think you should expect anything wonderful from the ceremony. I graduated in Spring, which was PACKED, and a friend graduated in the Fall. There is a marked difference in how packed the ceremonies are–plan for spring graduation to be very busy.</p>
<p>I arrived just over an early for my 9 AM graduation. We didn’t even try to park by the O-Dome. Parked at Library West (parking restrictions will have been lifted on campus by the time of graduation) and walked over. The school also runs shuttles from the Commuter Lot to the O-Dome, to reduce traffic in that area, which I know made life easier for my friends who brought their grandparents to graduation. Additionally, if you’re staying in a hotel, your hotel may have a shuttle that’ll take you anywhere you want to go within a certain radius. My roommate’s parents took advantage of this and used the shuttle to get dropped off and picked up directly at the O-Dome on the day of graduation. </p>
<p>Also, if you’re looking to go out to eat at all during the weekend, start to make your reservations as soon as possible. I made mine at the beginning of April and a few restaurants had already filled up. </p>
<p>Is like life…it’s what you make of it! We truly enjoyed the day and ceremony! Granted sounds like December graduation is far less crowded than spring but if you plan well and go into it with a great attitude it’ll be fine. If your college has a reception after take advantage of it…gives a more personalized feel.</p>
