GradStart

This series of four live Zoom sessions will help smooth your graduate student transition to life at UF — and if you miss them, you can view video recordings of them in the GradStart Canvas course.

• Navigating the Off-Campus Housing Market & Exploring Gainesville Living
  Wednesday, July 2, 2026 · 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time · Online via Zoom
  Click here to register
• Understanding Graduate Assistantship Appointments
  Wednesday, July 9, 2026 · 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time · Online via Zoom
  Click here to register
• Campus Resources for Success: Explore and Engage!
  Wednesday, July 16, 2026 · 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time · Online via Zoom
  Click here to register
• Life in the Swamp: Panel Discussion with Current Grad Gators
  Wednesday, July 23, 2026 · 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time · Online via Zoom
  Click here to register

GradStart’s free, self-paced online course introduces you to academic expectations and helpful resources at UF, via e-Learning @ UF. The Fall 2026 course will open Thursday, August 6. We’ll automatically enroll you for it by then. How much easier can it get?

Click here to log in with your GatorLink username and password.

GradStart Live Session: Official Welcome and Keynote Address
Thursday, August 13, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 12 noon Eastern Standard Time · Online via Zoom
For all new graduate students
Click here to tune in

International Student Orientation and Cross-Cultural Connections
Thursday, August 13, 2026 · 1:30 to 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time · Online via Zoom
Required for all new F-1 international students
Hosted by the UF International Center (UFIC) and UF Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC)
Click here to register

From UFIC: Gator Gateway for International Students & Global Gator Bites
An optional free online course and video series that you can access around the clock to learn important pre-arrival information and tips on navigating travel, immigration, immunizations, insurance, housing, campus life, Gainesville living, and more. Click here to check them out!

New TA Orientation is mandatory for graduate students who will be first-time teaching assistants in the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027 semesters. Hosted by the UF Graduate School and UF Center for Teaching Excellence, it is a two-part sequence:

• Part 1 — slated for 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, August 14 — features words of welcome, a keynote speaker, an overview of the TA role, a panel discussion of experienced TAs and faculty members, and information from Graduate Assistants United (GAU). Part 1 is held synchronously via Zoom. (The Zoom link is on the Canvas homepage.)
• Part 2 is available as a Canvas course open all during fall semester. New TAs will navigate modules in Canvas/e-Learning to learn about regulations and policies such as student records, classroom management, disability accommodations, best practices, and helpful resources for new TAs.

To register, click this link: TA Orientation & TAPS.

Have questions? Contact us!

Once you wrap up orientation and hit your stride, take part in these events and workshops to further enhance your Grad Gator experience at UF:

Reitz Union Student Organization and Resource Fair
A chance to connect with campus services and student engagement opportunities!
Friday, August 28, 2026 · 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Map and directions

Webinar: Wellbeing and Accommodations
Hosted by GatorWell Health Promotion Services and the UF Disability Resource Center
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 · 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Online via Zoom

Webinar: Academic Resources for Research and Beyond
Hosted by the UF George A. Smathers Libraries
Friday, September 9, 2026 · 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Online via Zoom