Fun Activities to do During Spring Semester

By Helena Davis

When classes resume in January for spring semester, life at UF looks quite a bit different for students. With the buzz of football season and the excitement of the holidays passed, many see spring as the time to focus on their studies until summer break. Gainesville can be misleading to many students; without football festivities to attend nearly every weekend, many find themselves with more free time and fewer activities to fill it with. Although I love football season as much as the next person, my unpopular opinion is that spring semester is even better.

Not only do the days begin to get longer, they also get warmer; with cool morning walks to class and warm, sunny afternoons. These conditions make the spring the perfect time for a plethora of activities in Gainesville and surrounding areas. If you find yourself feeling bored during spring semester, here are a few of my favorite activities to help pass the time until summer. 

A Day at Lake Wauburg 

Free for UF students, this somewhat of a hidden gem is the perfect place to spend a sunny spring weekend day. The lake is only about a 20 minute drive from campus and is open every day of the week during the spring, unless stated otherwise on the website. Grab a few friends, a couple of snacks, and some sunscreen and spend the day basking in the sun. You can choose to work on your tan on the lounge chairs, or rent out (for free) a paddle board, kayak, or pedal boat and take to the water. This is the perfect place to experience the stunning, diverse nature North Florida has to offer.

Evening Baseball Games

Attending a UF Baseball game at Condron Ballpark on a breezy spring evening is a great activity to enjoy with friends. The team plays frequently, typically during both the week and on weekends. Although they can be a bit time-consuming, games are extremely exciting and energetic. You can also order a hot dog or two to help pass the time. The games have their own traditions that are reminiscent of the sense of school spirit experienced at football games. The student section features picnic-style seating which only adds to the springtime vibe of attending the games.

A Visit to Nearby Springs

Just a few hours outside of Gainesville are various springs that feature gorgeous clear water, warm temperatures, and lush nature. Entry into most springs is quite inexpensive and you are almost always guaranteed a manatee sighting. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at many locations and explore different areas of the pristine springs. This is a great alternative for driving two hours to the nearest beach!

A Saturday Morning at Haile Farmer’s Market

This farmer’s market is located in the adorable Haile village, which is about a 20 minute drive from UF’s campus. It is a super fun spot to go with friends or visiting family for a calm Saturday morning anytime from 8:30 AM until 12 PM. Try their delicious pastries, grab a coffee, or simply look around at the various locally-owned stands. To extend this morning activity a bit more, follow a walk through the market with brunch at a nearby restaurant. My personal favorite is Afternoon, which is located in downtown Gainesville.

Spring semester has so many fun activities to offer to make your UF experience just as exciting as the fall, if not even more!