Things Every University of Florida Student Should Do Before Graduating

Whether you're a freshman or about to graduate, there's certain things that every UF student needs to do before they peace out of here. Here's a list to get you started.

First of all is the free stuff. One big freebie is Lake Wauburg. No matter what you're into, you'll find something to do there. You can go boating on your choice of canoe, kayak, paddleboat or rowboat. And if you're into more extreme watersports, you can go wakeboarding and waterskiing for free there, too. You just need your Gator 1. If you're more of a land person, Lake Wauburg also has a climbing wall and disc golf.

Another freebie that could get you arrested is to jump in the big fountain by Criser Hall on 13th. If you're ever passing by in the late morning hours, that's the best time to do it. Not as many cops will be in the area as they would be around last call. Some graduates like to spice up this activity by putting soap in it before taking a dive.

The last freebie is seeing the bats come out of the bat house by Lake Alice. Even if you're not into nature or animals, this is a sight to see. Every day around dusk, these people come out to play. They stay out all night by the way, so if you're walking home on a foggy night and you see the creepy fliers, don't get too freaked out, it's just the bats. I wish someone had told me that my first day at UF when I walked back to my dorm at 5 am.

The next must do, is free to do but you'll probably spend a little bit on supplies and that's painting the 34th street wall. Whether you're putting up birthday wishes for your friends or advertising your fraternity or event, this is a great experience for people who wouldn't ordinarily tag up a wall. The best part of this is, if you get the urge at some weird hour, Walmart's paint center is open 24/7. Also, you should probably date your wall art to decrease the probability that someone will paint over it the next day not knowing it's new.

Another fun outdoorsy thing to do is Ginnie Springs. You can rent a raft or a tube and lazily float down the springs. Get a cooler of beer and a few friends, and pass the afternoon. You can also dive but I should warn you, the springs are COLD at all times of the year.

Gainesville is also known for its great places to eat. If you're into sushi, Bento Café is for you. It's cheap, it's delicious and it's in two convenient locations on Archer and Newberry. The Swamp (restaurant, not stadium) is also a popular haunt, usually for Greeks, it sits right on University Ave. in the middle of everything. You can spot it by the big tree that's lit up all year round. Finally, there's Satchel's Pizza which is a little far but still worth it. The service is usually horrendously slow but the pizza is great and if you're lucky, you'll get the table in the van that sits outside.

Finally, and though this should go without saying, you can't call yourself a Gator if you've never been to a game at the Swamp. Even if you're not a football fan, make it a point to attend at least one of the games before you join the ranks of the working class. It's not just about football, there's singing, cheering, and a generally fun atmosphere.

Now go out there and paint the town orange and blue!