Family is important, whether it’s biological or found family. Either way, they may be near or far. Here are some ideas for making your own positive friends and family at the University of Florida.
COVID-19 especially can make one feel lonely and isolated. Read UF Gatorwell’s guidance on finding your quaranteam (a group of individuals who choose to socialize together and follow a mutually agreed upon set of rules or guidelines during the pandemic) here.
Need personal assistance on where to start getting involved at UF? Take the Involvement quiz here and learn more about Individual Involvement Consultations here.
- Clubs: Connecting with other over common interests can be powerful!
- How to find a club team
- UF’s student organizations
- GatorConnect
Where to find most of the organizations offered at the University of Florida - TRiP
UF’s Travel and Recreation Program - Volunteering: See the volunteering opportunities page
- Sororities/Fraternities
- Multicultural Greek Council
This is the governing body for 14 culturally-based fraternity and sorority chapters at UF. There are seven sororities and seven fraternities. - National Pan-Hellenic Council
This is the governing council for the nine historically black Greek-letter organizations. - Panhellenic Council
This is the governing body for 17 National Panhellenic Conference chapters on UF’92s campus. - Interfraternity Council
This is the governing body for the 25 men’s fraternities here at UF - Invite People to Explore With You. Ask someone you’ve eaten with, had class with or lives in your hall to go along with you as you explore the campus and surrounding community
- Multicultural Greek Council
There are many ways to make a family here at UF! But, you might still be far away from loved ones. Here are some of our ideas on how to navigate homesickness.
- Be transparent and honest with yourself. Acknowledge that you feel homesick or miss people. Your feelings are natural and valid.
- Talk to someone! Your RA or a counselor are two good places to start!
Sometimes homesickness gets the best of you and all you really need is to just talk to someone. Learn more about making an appointment at UF’s Counseling and Wellness Center. They offer many services including individual, group therapy, and workshops, learn more about their virtual resources here. View our page on other resources. Get Support and Get Involved. The more places you go and the more things you do, the more people you will meet. Get involved in your favorite activity or try out a new one. Ask how different offices and committees support students. - Be intentional about keeping in touch with friends or family who aren’t local:
If it doesn’t happen naturally anymore, schedule time to catch up with your long-distance support system!- Utilize technology
- Facetime
- Google Hangout
- Facebook/Social Media
- But be careful about doing this too much. Don’t let talking to folks at home prevent you from trying new things and meeting new people!
- Utilize technology
- Visit home if possible when it’s necessary!
- A visit can be refreshing and rejuvenating, but be sure to take time to give Gainesville a chance! Leaving town too often could hinder your chances of meeting people at college!
- Bring familiar items back! Bring pictures of family, friends and animals. Bring plants, stuffed animals, old comforters, etc. to help ease the transition.
- Visit UF’s official page on getting to and from Gainesville via air (including to airports), train, and bus here.
- Check out the Facebook group that coordinates rideshares from UF here.
- Use a resource for finding bus tickets here.
- Read how to use ZipCar at UF here.