Author: Gabe Hollins

UFORA[YOU-FOR-UH] noun. A dream balance between academics and lifestyle. The oasis where Florida Gators thrive. An environment that welcomes boundless potential. We get a lot of comments about our community’s name such as how unique the name is or how the name already sets us apart from other apartments. We didn’t want UFORA to be just another apartment building, but rather serve as a balance between academics and lifestyle. We asked our UFORA Influencers what UFORA means to them.

UFORA

[YOU-FOR-UH] noun. 

A dream balance between academics and lifestyle

The oasis where Florida Gators thrive

An environment that welcomes boundless potential

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We get a lot of comments about our community’s name such as how unique the name is or how the name already sets us apart from other apartments. We didn’t want UFORA to be just another apartment building, but rather serve as a balance between academics and lifestyle. We asked our UFORA Influencers what UFORA means to them: 

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Soumia @okaysomi : “A Safe Space”

To me when I first hear the word UFORA all I can think of is chill vibes and that’s exactly the community that UFORA has gathered. Being able to be a part of this team that is as uplifting and supportive as this one, I’m so thankful. Nothing makes me more happy than seeing women empowering one another and that’s exactly what this team embodies. I want to continue to create a safe space for the UFORA community that is just as dreamy as this one. A team as passionate as the UFORA team is not easy to come by and I’m so lucky I get to experience this alongside these wonderful women🤍

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Kyla @kylayuen : “A New Standard of Euphoric Living” 

UFORA. Euphoria. Though not the same spelling, nor pronunciation, I equate them to each other. Because for me, UFORA has been an amazing chance to integrate myself into a greater community. One where I am not only lucky to work with such dedicated and wholehearted people, but one where I’ve found both roommates and best friends. It has allowed me to be a part of something bigger within Gainesville. And through it, I know UFORA will set a new standard of euphoric living.

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Makayla @makaylaggrace : “Two Words Come to Mind: Community & Sanctuary”

When thinking of UFORA two words come to mind: community & sanctuary. I have found such a genuine community of people who are optimistic and consistently uplifting. The passion the UFORA team has to create a space that is positive and welcoming is undeniable. My experience with the team, other influencers and attending events have fostered my love for UFORA. I am beyond excited for the memories I will make at UFORA! 

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Stephanie @stephanie_odom : “My Love for UFORA Has Only Grown”

UFORA is special to me because it’s more than just an apartment. It’s a community of kind and supportive people wanting to make the most of their time in Gainesville. I already know that I along with the other people that are living here next year are going to truly enjoy their next chapters, but it would not be possible without the hardworking team behind UFORA. Through attending housing events, working with the team, and spending time with the other influencers my love for UFORA has only grown. I am excited to live in a community where I can make great memories with my neighbors and friends! 

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Ekin @ekinlongobardi : “A Loving and Supportive Environment” 

UFORA has helped me find my future roommates and long lasting friends here at UF. I love what the community stands for, as it promotes a loving and supporting environment. I am so excited to be a part of the UFORA community next year. I know for a fact that I’m going to create lots of fun memories in my apartment. I can’t wait to meet more like-minded people that live at UFORA next year!!

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It’s an exciting time as you get settled into your new home and prepare to start the Fall semester. Staying focused on your classes is important but finding the balance and having fun during your free time is key to getting the most out of your college experience. Here are a few ways to make new friends and get to know your new neighborhood!

Join a club‍

Visit your university’s website for a list of clubs and organizations you can join to meet others that share your passion.

University events

‍These events can be academic and great for networking or social and perfect for meeting new people. An events calendar can be found on your university’s website.

Check out local events‍

Look for an event calendar on the community website or at your local library. Most communities will even have a Facebook page you can follow for notices. The Facebook Events tab will also show upcoming events local to you.

Resident events right at home ‍

We also host monthly events with free food and giveaways just for our residents. Follow us on social media and stay tuned!

It is time to celebrate! We are so excited to congratulate all 2021 graduates for their years of dedication and hard work while pursuing their degrees. Receiving a college degree is a remarkable milestone, and it is important to reward yourself before the next phase of life begins! Maybe one of the biggest things you will miss in college is the time off in the summer, so what better way to take advantage of this summer than with a bucket list! There is plenty to do to make the most out of summer this year and we put together a list to help get you started with the planning!

Plan a family trip

Before you start this new chapter, make time for family. Plan a trip to the mountains and go hiking, have a picnic in the park, or find a fun recreational activity the whole family can enjoy. Spend time together near home then take a road trip to a fun destination. Road trips are always a great way to spend quality time with your family. Make your own road trip playlist to remember the year on Spotify. Spend extra family time with your extended family too-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and younger siblings.  It has been a long year with all the restrictions and those connections need to be renewed. As you move on to your new job and city, keep in touch with family frequently. You might not see them as much, but their support is important. A quick call after a bad day at work can be a big boost!

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Reconnect with friends

After enjoying some of the summer with your family, visit some old friends from high school you have not seen often during college. Nothing is better than simply catching up with old friends, so don’t worry about planning a lavish trip together. Invite them to your old hang out spots or start new traditions.  

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Make a summer reading list

After graduation, you will find yourself at home with a lot of time on your hands. What better way to relax at home one last summer than picking out a few books to dive into? Read a book from your favorite author or find an interesting biography about someone who has influenced your life. Set up a hammock outside or take a trip to the beach for a day of reading in the sun. If you know where you are moving next, research some notable authors that were born there and read any of their books that interest you. You can also find plenty of travel style books to read and learn what is fun to do near you, to add to your summer bucket list.

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Find a new hobby

Extra time in the summer makes finding a new hobby an exciting option. Ask yourself what you have wanted to do but never had the time or what new expertise you want to take with you into adulthood. Start with photography so you can document all your fun summer adventures!

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Become a master chef of your favorite dish

One great bucket list idea that you can use down the road is finding a new love for food. Whether it was making simple meals in-between classes or hanging out with friends at your favorite restaurant, it was easy to adhere to a food routine in college. The summer after college is the perfect time to expand your culinary expertise. Check out new restaurants you have been wanting to try. Start cooking with an easy meal-prep kit like Blue Apron. Then you can start making your own dishes from online recipes or ask a relative to show you a traditional family recipe. Once you become more confident in the kitchen, venture out and explore the food your neighborhood has to offer. Shop for ingredients at your local farmers market or check out some grocery stores that offer fresh organic food and foreign delicacies. Once you get a better idea of the new meals you like, plan a food-centric vacation. Travel to a well-known foodie city that specializes in what you like and take a one-week cooking class. When you return home, you’ll be a master of your new dish, so plan a celebratory dinner with friends and family and showcase your new skill.

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