If you were to graduate tomorrow, could you really say you’ve had the college experience you’ll reminisce about for rest of your life?
Look, I get it. It’s not easy being a Florida Gator. We have a lot of honor, respect, and pride to maintain as a part of the Gator Nation, and after Ryan Lochte and Aaron Hernandez, we’ve got some damage control to do. Regardless, we spend countless hours working hard to stay ahead of the game, but have you taken a second to think about how you’re going to make these some of the best years of your life? Let’s get real; you’re time at The Swamp is ticking, and there are some things you just have to do while you’re here. I know time is of the essence, so I’ve talked to a number of Gator guys and gals to make Her Campus UFL’s Ultimate Guide to Gainesville: The Gator Bucket List. I could have listed about 30 awesome things for you to do before you leave The Swamp, but that would leave no room for you to get creative; so, here are the top 15 things that should be on your list:
1. Make your mark in Gainesville: Paint the 34th Street Wall
The 34th Street Wall is home to layers and layers of artwork and messages painted by students and residents of Gainesville. This 45-panel long wall is between University Avenue and Archer Road. The best part about painting the wall is that it’s a tradition here in Gainesville and you don’t have to ask for permission.
2. Do the Heisman with the Heismen
Thousands of people who aren’t even Gators have taken pictures with these three Heisman Trophy winners. It’s your turn to strike a pose with the legendary men. Statues of Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, and Tim Tebow are all on display outside of the Heavener Football Complex.
3. Eat at Satchel’s
Not only is this the place to go for fantastic pizza, but this place is also really well-known for its funky style and ambiance. Satchel’s sodas are made in-house, and they have an incredible variety of food to choose from — even for vegan folks. Although the food is simply amazing, you can’t say you’ve really had an experience unless you’ve actually eaten in its signature hippie van. Live music, a gift shop, and plenty of attractions in the Salvage Yard are available on weekends because its are usually packed. This groovy pizza joint only accepts cash, so be sure to leave the plastic at home. When you see a brightly colored scrap yard, you have arrived at the destination. Enjoy!
4. Run Stadiums in the Swamp
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is the biggest (and probably the loudest) stadium in Florida. Whether or not you consider yourself athletic, running stadiums is something you have to try before leaving The Swamp. You’ll thank me later when you can put on those tight white jeans you’ve been wanting to fit in for months. Not only will you have a toned butt (you’re welcome), but this activity is also free to anyone. Forget the expensive equipment and gym membership fees, and register for an exercise class at Student Rec or just go on your own.
5. Sky Dive
This wouldn’t be a bucket list without skydiving. Luckily, the UF Falling Gators Skydiving Club can help you get past all those fears of jumping off a plane or forgetting to pull the rope to release your parachute. Groups go out every week, and there’s a special price for UF students looking to live on the edge. Got what it takes?
6. Strike a pose with Ryan Lochte
If you haven’t already spotted this Olympic swimmer out and about in Gainesville, you may be living under a rock. Next time you’re at Midtown, count your drinks, and pay attention to your surroundings; you can probably catch Ryan at one of the local bars. When you do spot the sexy man, be sure to take a picture with him; it may be worth something someday… Or not.
7. Go to Gator Growl
There’s no other homecoming pep rally like Gator Growl — even if Sister Hazel is returning to perform for what seems like the 10th time. There are live and pre-recorded skits, cameos by celebrities from across the country, comedian skits, and musical guest performances from different genres making a show definitely worth skipping homework and the gym for.
8. Visit Lake Wauburg
It’s FREE. Those are probably two words you’ll learn to love even more as a college student. What’s neat about Lake Wauburg (other than it being free) is that it’s not too far from campus. As long as you have your Gator1 card, all students, faculty, and staff have access to a wide-range of activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, boating, challenge courses, wall climbing, disc golf, picnic areas, sand volleyball, soccer, football, and even swimming in the lake. The list goes on! Get your friends together one weekend, and check it out. You won’t regret it!
9. Run Nude
If you’ve ever wanted to go streaking, here’s your chance. This 5k lays it all on the line, so it’s up to you to go big or go home. And by big, I mean nude. At this point you probably think I’m kidding, but I’m not. You do have the option, however, to not go nude, but the point is to wear as much or as little as your comfort level permits. Keep an eye out when the Nude Run 5k comes around.
10. Ginnie Springs
The reality is: a lot of people in Gainesville are probably from South Florida. If you’re not, then you most likely know someone who is and are fed up with all the whining about how much they miss the beach. If one of those two categories applies to you, this is your chance to pack your bags and get ready to cross this hidden gem off the list. Located on the Sante Fe River in High Springs, Ginnie Springs is the perfect place for river tubing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If you’ve been trying to plan a weekend trip with the girls, this is the perfect spot. You can camp out under the stars or stay overnight in a rental cottage. What makes this place special is the year round 72-degree water perfect for scuba diving.
11. Go Around the World at Salty Dog Saloon
Sure, Salty’s is cramped, loud, and packed with frat guys, but you have four years to attempt their Around the World Challenge. I’ll leave it up to you to find out what the challenge actually is.
12. Florida/Georgia Football
Roadtrip! The FL/GA game is probably one of the most heated rivalries we have — other than FSU of course. Also known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” this is a game you definitely do not want to miss. Start planning the trip to Jacksonville now, so you don’t miss the Touchdown Showdown.
13. Bar Crawl
It’s a rite of passage. Gator Stompin’ is a Gainesville tradition where the most important article of clothing is a T-shirt because it grants you access to more than 80 nightclubs, bars, and restaurants for complimentary drinks, delicious food, and live music. What better way to celebrate the end of spring semester with the rest of Gator Nation?
14. Have a Hare Krishna Lunch
Do you believe in Karma? Well the Gainesville Hare Krishna group has been serving good-karma meals at the Plaza of the Americas for more than 40 years! For a $5 “mandatory donation” you can stuff your face with some delicious vegetarian food.
15. Tailgate
It’s part of the Gainesville lifestyle. There’s nothing like waking up at 7:30 a.m. to tailgate for a noon kickoff. Gators fans from all around the nation take over campus to enjoy good food and fun before our beloved football team chomps on some gator bait in The Swamp!