Housing
Gainesville has many short-term (<12 months) and long-term (12+ months) housing options. Due to high demand, it is important to secure housing as soon as possible after receiving the J-1 visa.
On-Campus Housing
Depending on the type and length of the J-1 program, exchange visitors may be eligible for on-campus housing at UF. On-campus housing is managed by the Department of Housing and Residence Education, which has six locations dedicated to graduate and family housing, as well as a limited number of short-term furnished guest apartments through Conference Services.
For more information, including eligibility requirements, housing availability, and application forms, please contact Housing and Residence Education.
Off-Campus Housing
Gainesville has a wide variety of off-campus housing options available for rent, including individual rooms, apartments, and houses.
There are many third-party housing databases available online, and UF’s Department of Off Campus Life provides a variety of resources, including community guides and a UF database for housing, roommates, and ride-shares.
For further assistance, please contact Off Campus Life.
Schooling and Childcare
Gainesville has many schooling and childcare options available for infants, children, and teenagers up to high school. The majority of school-age children in the U.S. attend public schools, which have free enrollment, but private schools are available, as well.
All children age 6 or older are required by law to attend some form of schooling while in Florida, while voluntary schooling is available for younger children.
Please note that EVS is not equipped to provide advising regarding schooling and childcare.
Resources
- Alachua County Public Schools
- Alachua County Child Care Centers
- Baby Gator: UF campus daycare
- Fun 4 Gator Kids: Database of childcare and family-friendly activities and events
Transportation
The areas near the UF campus and downtown Gainesville are extremely walkable and bicycle-friendly, while the local bus system provides service to both the campus and city. Cars become more necessary farther out from the city center.
Motor Vehicles
All Florida drivers are regulated by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV). State driving rules in the U.S. apply to all motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters.
Exchange visitors must have a valid Florida driver’s license to drive any motor vehicle within Florida.
However, if an exchange visitor has a valid International Driving Permit or driver’s license from their home country:
- They can temporarily use it to drive in Florida. (contact the DMV for details)
- They may be exempt from certain tests to receive a Florida driver’s license.
Resources
- Florida Driver Handbooks & Manuals
- Information for International Drivers in Florida
- Florida Driver’s Licenses and State IDs
- Required Documents
- If J-1 Exchange Visitors or J-2 dependents do not have a social security number, they must first go to the Social Security Administration office to obtain a social security number (if eligible) or an “Ineligibility Letter.”
DMV - Southwest Branch (limited services) |
DMV - Downtown Branch (limited services) |
DMV - Northwest Branch (full services) |
3837 Windmeadows Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32608 |
12 SE 1st St. Gainesville, FL 32601 |
5830 NW 34th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32653 |
Gainesville DMVs share offices with the tax collector. For more information, visit flhsmv.gov.
Buses
Gainesville’s Regional Transit System (RTS) buses service both the city and the UF campus, including a UF football game day shuttle service, and a variety of door-to-door transportation options are available for eligible riders. All buses are wheelchair-accessible.
Resources
- Gator One Central: A GATORONE ID card lets UF employees and students ride the bus for free.
- Gainesville Regional Transit System: Find a bus, view rider alerts, etc.
- Bus Tracking App
- Bus Schedules
- Schedules change every academic semester
- Service is reduced in the summer (May to late July/early August)
- Trip Planner
- RTS ADA & Accessibility Resources
Bicycles and E-Scooters
Biking is extremely popular in Gainesville and the surrounding area, for both transportation and recreation. There are many organizations and initiatives throughout Gainesville to encourage riding, as well as miles of bicycle lanes and trails of all lengths and skill levels.
There are also a variety of micromobility options (e-scooters and e-bikes) available to rent on campus and throughout Gainesville.
Resources