At the University of Florida, we care deeply about the success of students formerly in the foster care system and students who were adopted. Below are valuable resources to help support you in your transition to UF and beyond. Foster Youth support is housed in the Office of First-Generation Student Success, located in 155 Tigert Hall.
Transportation
UF students, faculty and staff may ride RTS public transportation fare-free by presenting a Gator 1 card. RTS offers multiple bus routes on campus with service to every area of the University, as well as routes throughout the City of Gainesville.
SNAP: The Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol
(SNAP) is a free, nightly, campus safety and transportation service for students SNAP operates seven nights a week from 6:30 PM – 3 AM during the Fall and Spring semesters and from 8:30 PM – 3 AM during the Summer semester. You can request a ride by downloading TapRide SNAP app or by calling 352.392.7627.
Financial Services
To search and apply for on-campus jobs, including all Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Community Service, and OPS positions, go to GatorJobs . Choose “Search Postings.” For “Job Category,” choose “Student.”
Student Financial Affairs and University Bursar.
The University of Florida is unique in that there are two offices that work with finances. Financial Aid is in charge of dispersing money while the bursars office charges accounts.
To process state tuition waivers, contact Maya James, a financial assistance advisor: mjames1@ufl.edu or 352.392.0459.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is how the university determines your financial need and how much financial aid you can be awarded. The FAFSA opens October 1st and needs to be received by December 15th. We suggest submitting your FAFSA by December 1st to ensure its timely arrival to the university. The FAFSA is how students become eligible for Pell Grants and other forms of federal and state aid.
Scholarships
AOK Scholars Program
A program to financially assist selected individuals, initially from the foster care system. AOK Scholarships are awarded to young adults who display academic promise and motivation to complete a post-secondary program (two or four-year college or a vocational training program leading to a credential), but require assistance to mitigate barriers related to basic necessities, academics and personal development.
Housing
Residence Life offers a variety of convenient living arrangements designed to give you an incredible on-campus living experience.
Health Care and Disability Services
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) utilizes knowledge and expertise in the fields of disability and higher education to create an inclusive environment for all students.
Student Health Care Center
The Student Health Care Centers (SHCC) mission is to help you remain healthy while you’re at UF with a variety of services available.
GatorWell
GatorWell Health Promotion Services, educates, empowers, and coaches students to make healthy decisions, and provides leadership and advocacy for health-enhancing policy. Be Well. Do Well. GatorWell.
Dental care at the UF College of Dentistry
Dental health care is available through the UF College of Dentistry. Please call (352) 273-7950 / (800) 633-3953 for information about available services and pricing.
Eye care at the UF Department of Ophthalmology
Eye health care is available through the UF Department of Ophthalmology. Please call (352) 273-7080 for information about available services and pricing.
Mental Health Resources
The CWC provides a variety of counseling services to assist students in managing any challenges they may be facing while in school.
Other Resources
The Field and Fork Campus Food Program is a collaboration to create awareness about food insecurity and sustainable food practices. The program seeks to not only provide healthy food, but educate Gators on how to make balanced food choices.
Gator Career Closet
It can be challenging for students to always have access to professional clothing, which is often a prerequisite for interviews. The Gator Career Closet is available to all students and is hosted by the Dean of Students Office.
Free Tax Services
The VITA Program offers free tax help to low to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers (UF Law students) sponsored by the Association for Tax Law and the Levin College of Law receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in Gainesville. For more information please contact Kimberly Thomas at kim.s.thomas@ufl.edu.