What Every Entering Gator Should Know

Welcome, new Gators! We know that adjusting to campus life is challenging, and it takes time. We have resources to facilitate your smooth transition before classes begin.

Looking for technical, academic, or administrative systems support? The UF Computing Help Desk can answer your questions regarding UF systems and services, including GatorMail, Canvas, eduroam, and UF’s VPN. Connect with the Help Desk by calling 352-392-HELP/4357, visiting 132 Hub (located across from the Starbucks), or submitting a ticket.

Use some time before the start of classes to watch UFIT’s Gator Students Playlist. Learn to use several UF tech services and steps to stay cybersafe. Your emotional and physical safety matters and yeah, UF has an app for that. Or two! Download the GatorSafe and the Whole Gator apps. GatorSafe allows you to view transportation information on SNAP, UF’s nighttime shuttle, and RTS, the city’s bus service. You can also get immediately connected to UF’s Police. The Whole Gator app provides wellness and mental health resources, recreation opportunities, and more. UF also provides an online campus map, useful for locating class locations and computer labs before the semester begins. UFIT is here for you, Gators! Let us know how we can help!

Bolstering Campus Security: New SNAP App

With a new app, Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) is now better able to serve students who need a ride home after dark. SNAP, free to all UF students, operates seven 15-passenger vans each night of the week from 6:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The SNAP by Spare app allows students to see estimated ride time before they request a ride to more than 80 location stops around campus. Scott Fox, senior director of Transportation and Parking Services, lauded the app as a needed update.

“Our new UF SNAP by Spare app was selected for its effectiveness in accepting rides and efficiency in routing drivers using an advanced algorithm,” Fox said. “The new app offers students a more modern and user-friendly interface, the ability to track their vans, expanded customer notification features for important SNAP-related announcements, more accurate pick-up times, and ultimately a more predictable experience for SNAP riders.”

The SNAP app requires you to authenticate with your GatorLink credentials. It is available for both Android and Apple devices. Visit the Transportation and Parking Services website or give TAPS a call (352-392-SNAP/7627) for additional information.