Summer break is winding down, and it's time to prepare for the best season in the Swamp! Fall semester is approaching quickly, and we have everything you need to know to get ready for a fun and successful semester in Gainesville.

Football Season 

Whether it's your first or last semester at the University of Florida, you know the fall is all about Gator Football. The anticipation for this season is high with Florida's new head coach, Dan Mullen, guiding the team for the first time. The first game will kickoff on Labor Day weekend against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers! If you’re not buying season tickets this year, single game tickets are available to students with prices starting at just $15 each.  We have this year's game day schedule listed below so you can mark your calendars:

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Florida v. Charleston Southern Buccaneers: September 1 7:30 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida v. University of Kentucky: September 8 7:30 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida v. Colorado State: September 15 4:00 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida v. Tennessee: September 22, time TBD in Knoxville, TN

Florida v. Mississippi State: September 29, time TBD in Starkville, MS

Florida v. LSU: October 6, time TBD at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida v. Vanderbilt: October 13, time TBD in Nashville TN

Bye Week: October 20

Florida v. Georgia: October 27, 3:30 p.m. at EverBank Field

Homecoming Week: Florida v. Missouri: November 3, time TBD at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida v. South Carolina: November 10, time TBD at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida v. Idaho: November 17, time TBD at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida v. Florida State: November 24, time TBD in Tallahassee

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Cheap Eats 

Gator game tickets aren’t cheap! To save up for Saturdays in the Swamp, we have a list of cheap eats that’ll fit right into your college budget:

Italian Gator Pizza

The Italian Gator is within walking distance from campus and always serves hot and ready pizza by the slice. A slice is less than $3 but doesn’t lack in quality. Their walk-up window is located right on University Avenue, so it's the perfect place to grab a slice and go!

Caribbean Spice Restaurant

Caribbean Spice is a hidden gem in Gainesville that serves authentic Jamaican food. They've relocated from their old space on University Avenue and onto 13th Street. The menu is limited, but everything is delicious, and all menu items are under $5. They have Coco bread, meat and veggie patties, spice cake, and more.

La Tienda

The most authentic Mexican food in Gainesville will fit right into your budget at La Tienda. Their menu has all of your Mexican cravings including enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. No menu items are priced higher than $10. This is a great spot for a large cheap meal that doesn’t lack in quality!

Bagels & Noodles

For your post-game day brunch, Bagels and Noodles is the best place for a cheap meal! Bagels & noodles have a unique variety of menu options if you couldn’t tell by the name. They serve classic breakfast items along with Thai food such as pho and pad thai.

Tutoring

Study Edge

Study Edge offers tutoring for 32 University of Florida courses. They cover a variety of courses such as economics, chemistry, calculus, and accounting. You can sit in on a live tutoring lecture or watch online, and they also provide study guides and practice exams. Study sessions are in the library where a tutor will answer all your questions. Their resources and tutors are outstanding and will help you pass your class!

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Fall Holiday Schedule

Classes begin August 22 and end on December 5. Final exams will be on December 8 through the 14. Holidays include Labor Day on September 3, Homecoming on November 2 and 3, Veterans Day on November 12, and Thanksgiving break November 21 through the 24.

Now you have all the information you need to make this fall your best semester yet!

Find more Gainesville events and restaurants in Gainesville by registering on 352area, your free guide to North Central Florida.

 
Cover photo courtesy of the University of Florida's page on 352area