UF’s 6 Best Kept Secrets… That Actually Matter to You
Rachel Welch
When you first arrive at the University of Florida, you’re bombarded with information. “Join this club. . . Attend this event. . . Don’t miss this deal. . . Go here tonight. . .”
But as the enchantment washes away and you’re left with homework and Marston Library, you wonder if there’s anything to make this thing called college easier.
Believe it or not, UF has a surplus of resources available to students for discounted (or even free!) prices. And for some reason, these resources are very little known by students. Check out our list of the best of the best.
You’ve been to Library West for Starbucks, but what about these weird things called “Subject Specialists”? Turns out, there are over 40 librarians who have been trained in research for your specific major.
So say goodbye to Google’s Scholar Search or the confusing world of online databases. These librarians are experts in everything from narrowing topic ideas, locating relevant research, or navigating for those hard-to-find statistics or government documents.
They can also help you create citations, learn new technologies or browse databases. Ever noticed how UF grants students free access to over 100 databases? Your subject specialist can tell you which ones pertain to you and how to navigate through them.
2. UF Apps
Ever been stuck in a computer lab on campus after-hours working on an assignment, simply because you don’t have the program on your laptop?
UF has 40+ software programs that you can access from home, including SolidWorks, Matlab, SPSS and the entire Adobe Suites package.
Access is absurdly simple. Just download their processing software, login and launch the program of your choice.
3. Free Printing
Reitz Union, duh. But there are plenty of other options (some that don’t even require you to go on campus!)
Weimer Hall has four computer labs, all with ready-to-go printers. Open lab hours are posted on the door or available online. Certain labs have color printers, but finding and selecting the correct printer can be tricky.
La Casita and the Institute of Black Culture, located beside Chipotle on University Ave., not only have off-campus locations but free printing for all UF students.
4. Lynda.com
Can’t figure out Photoshop or WordPress? Need to sharpen your Excel or Programming skills? All UF students have free, total access to this online education company, which provides thousands of video courses in everything from software, creative to business skills.
This is no YouTube “how-to” video, Lynda tutorials are taught by industry experts. The lessons are broken up into chapters and your account keeps track of what you’ve watched. Many lessons offer free practice material to supplement the videos.
Topics range from Time Management and Customer Service Fundamentals to Git Essentials and Outlook Shortcuts.
5. Microsoft Office 365
Regardless of your major, chances are you’re going to need to use some form of Microsoft Office. UF offers the most current version of Microsoft Office for free. This includes everything you want — Word, Excel, PowerPoint — and everything you don’t — Outlook.
The package can run on your PC, Mac or tablet, but also your Android, iPhone and Windows Phone (on unlimited devices!).
6. Knack
C’mon, you didn’t think we’d miss the chance for a free plug, right? If you still haven’t heard, Knack is an on demand, student-to-student tutoring service.
We do what Study Edge and Tutoring Zone can’t — our sessions are timed and payments are automatic, so you’ll never pay for more than you need. Our tutors have not only taken your class, but they received an A in it, and they’ll happily come meet for your session wherever you need it!
Still hesitant to try Knack? Your first session is on us if you use the code: “STOPSTRUGGLING”!
