Top Ten Secret Spots on Campus

The University of Florida is home to over 2,000 acres of land with limitless antiquity coursing through the veins of the brick-layered buildings throughout the campus. Before you know it, your time here is going to expire and it’s going to be time to move on and step out into the real world. Here are the top 10 places on campus you have to go to and experience first-hand before you throw on that blue gown and say good-bye to this beautiful fantasy world that we currently call “life.”

10.) The steps at Tigert Hall

A building I hope many of you will never actually have to set foot inside of, Tigert Hall is infamous for having students walk in as students of the University Florida and walk out college drop-outs. The biggest modern day principal’s office on campus, as potentially life-altering as it is, has a set of “Saved by the Bell” style stairs leading up to the hellish doors that are a prime time spot to sit on and people watch on a gorgeous Florida afternoon.

9.) Official UF tennis courts

For those late nights when your roommate can’t catch the hint that you want the room alone, venture out to the UF tennis courts late night and enjoy the entire stadium to yourself from the top of the bleachers. The tranquility alone makes this spot something worth checking out.

8.) University Gardens

Located right at the bottom of Fraternity Row right next to Lake Alice field, this little gem is completely free and absolutely beautiful. Become engulfed in all that nature has to offer as you venture through the paths surrounded by wildlife with open areas to set up your new Eno or toss a Frisbee.

7.) Academic Research Building Courtyard

Down the hill on Newell road off of Museum, you’ll find the Academic Research Building (ARB) courtyard hidden in beyond the depths of UF’s medical school. This is a great place to quietly unwind and get some reading done in the shade with the pleasant ambiance of highly intelligent med students roaming the area.

6.) Anderson Hall – Late Night Study Spot

For those nights when you’ve spent 30 minutes doing laps around library west looking for a seat, look no farther. Step outside and check out the empty classrooms inside of Anderson Hall. With access to desks and endless outlets, this quiet study space is a secret that only a true study veteran takes advantage of.

5.) Library West’s 4th Floor Bathroom – Bathroom Heaven

For those times you truly regret getting double beans, double veggies and double meat on your Chipotle bowl, run as quickly as you can to the elevators at Library West and hit 4 on the panel. The bathrooms on this floor look as if they haven’t been used since last year’s summer A session and still get cleaned every hour on the hour. Just pray to God that your butt-orchestra brought volume control to the show because being on the quietest floor mixed with some serious bathroom acoustics could lead to a terribly awkward exit.

4.) The Climb to the top of the “O” Dome

For those nights where it’s you versus midtown and midtown wins, a classic UF bucket list item is to climb to the top of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. With one of the coolest views the university has to offer, this highly illegal maneuver is really a sight you need to see before you graduate. Do this one at your own risk.

3.) Free massage chairs at the UF Counseling & Wellness Center

Right off of Radio Road you will find the UF Counseling & Wellness Center, home of the free — yes that’s right, FREE — massage chairs. Another spot with the same amenity is located at the Jennings GatorWell center along with a bunch of other goodies.

2.) The Hume Court’s water fountain – Curiously Cold

A spot designated for only the most elite basketball stars, Hume Court is a hidden gem in and of itself at UF. To top off a beautiful day of playing basketball outside, head off the court and quench your thirst with the coldest water fountain on campus, no joke though, it’s freakishly cold.

1.) Alfred A. McKethan Stadium – Nighttime Hangout 

Wide-open late into the night with no gates or fences to hop, please take one night and sit behind home plate and relish in the beauty of what man has created. The feeling of having an entire baseball stadium to yourself late at night is one I can’t quite describe. There were a lot of great options for number one, but I’m willing to bet you’ve never done this… So do yourself a favor and get out there, bring some peanuts and a loved one and enjoy the view.

 

Featured photo courtesy of: Rotundapainting

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