If you’ve spent any time walking along Southwest 2nd Avenue in Gainesville, you’ve seen it. It’s that sleek, modern-looking building that feels a little more "Silicon Valley startup" and a little less "cramped 1960s college dorm." That’s Infinity Hall. But here is the thing: most people just see the glass and the cool architecture and assume it’s just another luxury apartment for UF students with rich parents. It isn't.
Actually, it’s arguably the most experimental living space on the entire University of Florida campus.
When it opened back in 2015, it was touted as the nation’s first "entrepreneurial residential community." The goal was basically to stick a bunch of ambitious, tech-savvy, and slightly sleep-deprived students in a building with 3D printers and laser cutters to see if they could build the next big thing. Does that actually happen? Sometimes. But the reality of living at Infinity Hall University of Florida is a bit more nuanced than the glossy brochures suggest. It’s a mix of high-end amenities, intense networking, and the occasional frustration of being a ten-minute trek away from the actual heart of campus.
Why the Location Kind of Sucks (But Also Doesn't)
Let's get the logistics out of the way. Infinity Hall is located in the Innovation District.
If you are a Business major or an Engineering student, you’re probably looking at a decent walk. You aren't right next to the Reitz Union. You aren't stumbling out of bed and into a lecture hall at Turlington. You’re over by Midpoint Park and Eatery. For some people, this is a dealbreaker. They want to be in the middle of the swamp. For others? The "urban" feel of the Innovation District is exactly why they choose it. You’re closer to the local startups, the tech incubators, and the better coffee shops than the kids living in Broward or Jennings.
It feels like living in a city. Most UF dorms feel like living in a high school summer camp.
Because it’s technically "off-campus" (even though it’s owned and operated by UF Housing), you get a weird sense of independence. You’re right near the UF Innovate | The Hub. You see people in suits and tech bros in hoodies every day. It changes the vibe. You aren't just a student; you’re a professional-in-training. That psychological shift is actually one of the biggest "secret" benefits of the building that nobody really mentions in the tours.
The Maker Space is the Real Star
Most dorms have a laundry room and maybe a dusty lounge with a TV from 2012. Infinity Hall has the Made@UF space.
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This is where the "University of Florida Infinity Hall" brand really earns its keep. It’s a collaboration between UF Housing, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, and the George A. Smathers Libraries. We are talking 3D printers, VR equipment, soldering stations, and heavy-duty design software.
- You don't have to be an engineer. Seriously. You can be a marketing major who wants to prototype a new product.
- The tools are professional-grade. These aren't toys.
- Peer mentors are usually around. If you don't know how to use a laser cutter, someone will probably show you so you don't set the building on fire.
I’ve talked to students who lived there and spent more time in the lab than in their actual rooms. It’s a tinkerer’s paradise. If you’re the type of person who stays up until 3:00 AM trying to get a piece of code to work or waiting for a 12-hour 3D print to finish, you’re going to find your people here. If you just want a place to sleep and watch Netflix, you’re honestly paying a premium for resources you’ll never touch.
A Quick Word on the Floor Plans
The rooms aren't your typical "two beds, two desks, one closet" setup. They are suite-style. You’ve got options ranging from singles to four-person suites. Most importantly, you have your own bathroom within the suite. No communal showers. No "walking down the hall in a towel" awkwardness.
The furniture is also a bit more modern—think modular and clean lines rather than the heavy oak furniture found in the older halls. It’s bright. The windows are huge. It feels airy, which is a massive win for your mental health when finals week hits and you haven't seen the sun in three days.
The Social Dynamic: Networking or Just... Living?
Living in a "Living Learning Community" (LLC) sounds intense. People worry it’s going to be all work and no play.
Honestly? It’s still a college dorm. People still hang out, order late-night pizza, and complain about their professors. But the flavor of the conversation is different. In most dorms, you’re talking about what happened at Midf last night. At Infinity, you’re just as likely to hear someone talking about their new app idea or asking for advice on a pitch deck.
It’s an incubator for friendships that are also professional connections.
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The building specifically targets students in the Innovation Academy (IA). If you aren't familiar, IA is a specific program at UF where students attend classes during the Spring and Summer semesters and have the Fall off to do internships or start businesses. Because of this, Infinity Hall stays active during the summer when the rest of campus feels like a ghost town. It creates a very tight-knit community because you’re all on the same "weird" schedule together.
The Cost Factor: Let’s Be Real
Infinity Hall is one of the more expensive housing options on campus. There is no way around that.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the rates are significantly higher than traditional halls like Graham or Tolbert. You are paying for the AC that actually works, the private bathrooms, the proximity to the Innovation District, and the high-tech toys downstairs.
Is it a "rip-off"? Not necessarily. If you were to rent a private apartment in the Innovation District with similar amenities, you’d likely be paying even more, and you wouldn't have the 24/7 security and support of the UF Housing staff. Plus, all your utilities and high-speed internet are baked into the price. For a lot of parents, that "all-in-one" bill is a huge relief. For students, it means one less thing to manage.
What Most People Get Wrong About Infinity Hall
There’s a myth that you have to be a "genius inventor" to live here.
That’s nonsense.
I’ve seen plenty of liberal arts majors, pre-med students, and even athletes choose Infinity simply because they like the modern vibe. You don't have to have a patent pending to walk through the front door. The staff doesn't check your GPA at the door to see if you're "innovative" enough. It’s an inclusive space, but it’s definitely geared toward people who are self-starters.
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Another misconception is that it’s "quiet." While it’s certainly not a party dorm like some of the others closer to Fraternity Row, it’s not a library either. It’s a high-energy building. There are always events, guest speakers from the business world, and workshops happening in the common areas. If you want a place where you can be totally anonymous and never talk to your neighbors, this might actually be the wrong choice for you.
Getting In: The Application Process
You can’t just click a button and expect a room. Because it’s a specialized community, there is usually an extra layer to the application.
- Select the LLC: When you do your UF Housing application, you have to specifically indicate interest in the Entrepreneurship or Innovation Academy LLCs.
- The Essay/Short Answer: They might ask you a few questions about why you want to be there. You don't need to write a novel. Just be honest about your interests.
- Timing Matters: Infinity Hall fills up fast. If you wait until June to decide you want in, you’re probably going to be on a waitlist behind 200 other people.
Critical Takeaways for Future Residents
If you are currently staring at the UF Housing portal trying to decide if you should pull the trigger on Infinity Hall, consider these three things:
The "Commute" is Real
Buy a scooter or a decent bike. Walking to the North side of campus in the Florida humidity is going to make you miserable if you’re doing it three times a day. Most Infinity residents swear by their electric scooters.
Use the Lab
If you live here and don't at least try to 3D print a keychain or mess around in the VR lab, you are essentially leaving money on the table. The cost of those materials is partially covered by your housing fees. Use them.
Network Without Being a "Networker"
Don't be the person who hands out business cards in the elevator. Just be friendly. The guy you play video games with in the lounge might be the person who helps you land an internship at a startup down the street six months later.
Infinity Hall University of Florida represents a shift in how universities think about housing. It’s no longer just about providing a bed; it’s about providing a "platform." For the right student—one who is bored by traditional dorm life and wants to be surrounded by makers and doers—it’s probably the best place on campus to call home.
If you're ready to make the jump, start by checking the latest housing rates on the official UF Housing website and make sure your FAFSA or Bright Futures covers the "Gold" tier housing costs. Once you're in, head straight to the basement and get safety-trained on the equipment. That's where the real value of the building hides. Don't wait for a formal event to start creating something; the most successful residents are the ones who treat the whole building like their personal laboratory from day one.