Receiving Aid in '08-'09
Start-Up Costs
Use the “Start-Up Costs Worksheet" to estimate how much cash you will need when you arrive on campus. Step one is checking off items already paid. Step two is listing deferments—some items can be deferred for students who meet eligibility requirements. Students whose fees or housing costs have been deferred can check off these items. All other expenses go in the "Still Need" column. The total amount in the "Still Need" column is the amount you should have available to cover start-up costs.
Because of possible delays in arrival of funds from state and federal programs, students awarded financial aid should bring enough money with them in the fall to cover at least a full month’s expenses. See "Costs of Attendance” and the following descriptions for an explanation of how we determine estimated costs.
Tuition/Fees
Fees are due at the end of the second week of classes. You will not receive a bill. To figure fees, see University Class Registration and Calculation of Fees on the following pages. University Financial Services (UFS) accepts cash, personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, debit/ATM cards, MasterCard, VISA, and American Express.
Housing
On-campus housing costs for the entire fall semester must be paid by August 1. The on-campus figure listed is an average for an air-conditioned, double room with one roommate and includes a telephone line, utilities, and refrigerator rental. Off-campus costs include a student's share of a local apartment; allowances are included for telephone service, long distance, and utility costs.
Off-Campus Security Deposits, Hook-Up
Following are general costs of security deposits for utilities. Gainesville Regional Utilities: electric, gas, and water–$200, gas only–$50, electric and gas or electric only–$150; plus a $15–$35 service charge ($20 same-day service); Bell South (off-campus)–$40 minimum for hook-up; deposits based on overall credit and previous phone history.
Books
Books must be paid for at the time of purchase. (UF Bookstores accept checks with a local I.D., Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Students can also "shop around" (Florida Bookstore, Goerings, T.I.S. College Bookstore, etc.)
Meals
Meal costs for students are based on costs of meals as established by the U.S. Department of Labor. Declining Balance Accounts and several Meal Plans are available from Gator Dining Services at http://www.gatordining.com/, 352-392-2491. Meal plans for 2003-04 ranged from $1,098–$1,390 per semester. Gator Dining Services accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Miscellaneous
Students should bring enough money to cover personal expenses such as clothing, laundry, transportation and recreation for several months. See “Estimated Costs of Attendance” in Determining Need and “Optional Expenses” below for estimates of these types of expenses.
Download Start-Up Costs Worksheet as a pdf document (from the Forms page)