Florida State University Top Questions

The greatest benefit I've received while attending Florida State was learning to be open-minded and accepting. I was so moved by President Barron's recent email addressing equal opportunity and our non-discrimination policy, wherein he stated "The university's policies are clear: We have zero tolerance for sexual violence, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran's or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected group status." Students should know that not all universities are so outspoken about equality for all people in every capacity, and that is part of why I'm so proud to be a Seminole. Florida State is not too large or too small, from my experience as a Writing Major. The class sizes have always been between 12-30 people, with the exception of one 60+ basic philosophy class. Perhaps those not in Arts and Sciences would disagree, but almost all of my professors have known me by name, been available to meet after class, and I've even had coffee with several of them casually to discuss my work. I have great relations with all my professors, and I know that several have offered to write me letters for graduate school when I depart. I feel that's not something all universities can say, but in our department, professors truly are oriented to the success of their students. I always get wonderful reactions when I tell people I attend Florida State. Even my uncle, who is a hard-core Gator fan, is incredibly proud of me, and has admitted to being impressed by our academia. My parents and siblings are incredibly proud, and this summer when my family vacationed in Spain, we met some fellow Florida Staters (My parents age, not students) and ended up going out for a drink with them. Again, I think this only points out the wonderful diversity and strong networking opportunities that Florida State provides to all students. I spend time on Campus at several places. Our library is a fascinating wealth of resources, from computers and programs to private study rooms to beautiful hard copies of any classic piece of literature or great work you could need. I also spend time at the Pride Student Union, the LGBTQ organization on campus, which is a safe space for people of all gender identification and type, as well as all sexual orientations. The PSU is one of the most active campus unions, and hosts several events, both educational and recreational, every year. I also spend time at The Women's Center and the Center For Participant Education, both of which seek to educate students. The Women's Center speaks to issues of abuse, rape, feminism, and gender equality, and the CPE is an organization that teaches free master classes each semester on anything from Basket Weaving to bringing Dr. Norman Finkelstein to campus last semester. This organization puts education into the hands of the students, and Florida State is very fortunate to have one. There is a college atmosphere present in the city, to be sure. You can feel it slow down when winter break approaches, but that personally has never bothered me. Tallahassee is also a very political place, which offers so many opportunities for students to be involved. I have an internship with Tallahassee Magazine right now, and I've written articles about art galleries, charity organizations, even Tallahassee's Rugby team. If you're willing to branch out of the Florida State network, there is an incredible local scene in Tallahassee. Biking, hiking, art shows, political debates and rallies, coffee shops; Tallahassee is small in ways, but there's always something new going on. Our school's administration has blossomed since Eric Barron became president. I had the privilege of having dinner with him and two other students during the first month of his presidency (After seeing Rigoberta Menchu, the Nobel Peace Prize winner). He took my friends and I out to the Dinner (where Denny's on campus used to be). We had offered to pay for him, because we were so grateful that he would give us an hour of his day without knowing us. We discussed some policies we were concerned with in the University, and he seemed understanding and agreeable about them. He then paid for our meals against our insistence, and within a few months, the policies we discussed were remedied and changed. I believe this shows just how student oriented our university is. One of the biggest controversies on campus recently was between the College Republican group on campus and several more liberal organizations. College Republicans brought an organization called GAP, which is an anti abortion group that came for 3 days and brought posters of aborted fetuses and hung them all around the center of campus. Many students were outraged, either by the anti-abortion stance being marketed, or the grotesque nature of the photos. There was a protest to the display which lasted exactly as long as the actual displays, and the controversy made front page of the FSView. However, even though students became passionately engaged in discussion and debate, there was very little said that was out of line. It was encouraging to see the student body in a completely unmoderated forum, still maintaining control over themselves and respect for their opposition whiles stating their opinion. Florida State has incredible pride for it's academia, as well as it's sports. Tailgating on game day is a wonderful experience. Walking through crowds, alumni and students bond and share food, friendly shouted conversations, and a team pride. Every student has something at FSU to be proud of, whether it's their specific organization, an event they anually partake in (like Dance Marathon or Market Wednesday), or their area of study.

I love FSU! I've certainly never regretted my decision to come here in the slightest. For me, the best thing about this school is how much it, and the surrounding Tallahassee area, feels like home. The campus is beautiful; when I lived on campus I would often just wander around looking for interesting spots, like the amphitheater by the music building and the "secret garden" between the medical school and the psychology building. There's a lot of school spirit here, which is especially evident at sporting events. Even if you're not into football (and this is coming from someone who before college had no idea what a "down" is), I would suggest going to at least one game; it's an amazing experience in the student section, and a great excuse to scream your head off for no reason in particular. As for administration, well...from my experience trying to get anything done here (especially if something goes wrong with your financial aid) is needlessly complicated. Talk about red tape! But overall, I don't think this detracts from FSU as a whole. There are disgruntled office workers everywhere, after all. Most importantly though, I've met a lot of interesting people in my time here, and I'm getting a great education in subjects that I love...which are the most important things any school should offer.

tMy overall opinion of Florida State is that it is intimidating at first, but in the end works to the student’s advantage. Florida State is the perfect place for anyone to develop and hone their social skills at any point in their life. Whether the student was a social butterfly in high school or an introvert, there is always opportunity enhance or develop these important skills that will aid you after college. The school as a whole is very large and very diverse allowing many opportunities for students to find what they are looking for in their college experience. One way to make the school smaller and less intimidating is to join an organization, club, or sport. With this, students put themselves in situations where they are forced to meet new people and expand their social limits. This allows students to network better allowing them to make more friends and meet new people in the long run. One of the more popular networking opportunities new students take advantage of is Greek Life. Greek life allows students the opportunity to meet new people in many different settings whether social, academic, philanthropic, or athletic. Greek life also allows you to network with people in different academic years, which allow them the chance to ask questions concerning their majors, professors, and classes. Knowing experienced students the first day of class, since rush is in August, also allows for incoming freshmen a chance to better understand the campus and have a place of refuge after a stressful day of school. I personally spend most of my time either at my sorority house (Delta Delta Delta) or at the English Department. When people first hear that I am a Tridelta at Florida State, they are taken back since I do not fit the blonde stereotype of Tridelta and since I am a level headed person. When people hear the name FSU, they immediately think of a “drinking school with a football problem,” which now thanks to Jimbo Fisher will not be the whole idea for long. People are often envious since they attribute FSU with partying and not necessarily academics. After being here for almost four years, I can argue that this is not the case. FSU gives their students the opportunity to grow and find themselves. Students must learn to adapt socially and academically, which will only benefit them in the real world, since time management is often a student’s biggest problem. A competitive environment in my eyes is the best since the world only becomes more competitive outside of college. By competing and socializing, students are building their network not only for personal reasons, but for those that revolve around business since it is often not what you know but who you know. Many people also often over look FSU since it is a college town, but down the street is the state capital which allows students the opportunity to meet many influential people who can often offer advice, an internship, or even a job. The people who live around FSU and are native to Tallahassee love FSU and everything it has to offer. School pride is a huge at FSU, with students dressed head to toe in garnet and gold ready to cheer on their Noles to victory. Whether playing Miami, UF, Clemson, Oklahoma, or Duke, every game is filled to the brim with students looking to let loose after a long week of classes and hoping to get their “Jenn Sterger moment” on TV. I love FSU for everything it has to offer and could not be more proud to be a Seminole.

Florida State University is an absolutely awesome school to attend. It is a unique community sitting in the center of Tallahassee. yes, we are a large campus of 40,000 students but that does not take away from the personal atmosphere that consumes every corner. Whether it is game day, when we are all painted in garnet and gold and singing our war chants in a brotherly fashion, Or if it is market Wednesday, when we all gather in the central union of campus to spend our hard earned cash on classic college memorabilia, we are a family and we take pride in giving our fellow classmates the feeling of camaraderie. One great thing about my school is the many outlets that are at our fingertips. We are filled with various clubs and organizations that are by the students and for the students, so it is easy to find an extracurricular activity where you fit in. Just this last semester I studied abroad in England at Florida State University's London campus. Even half way around the world the clubs and organizations were still accessible. I was still up to date with my writing club and I even had the opportunity to join new clubs that express a different culture. Wherever you look there is a place for you at Florida State University. When I tell people about the school I attend I get mixed responses, but the one that is always expressed is how lucky I am to attend such an interactive and beautiful University. I hear about how well the school is doing in national rank and other sorts of statistics, but that is not what matters to me. It is about the comfort I feel when I am at my campus in Tallahassee. Even as I sit here in central London I am eager about returning to my campus. We truly have it all at Florida State University.

I hold Florida State in very high regards. I think that the best aspects of going to school at FSU is a mix between the diversity of students and campus involvement with the beautiful architecture and lay out of the entire campus. Walking through campus there is always an event taking place, whether it be Market Wednesday in the Union or an art display on Landis Green. Our school is large enough to meet new people every day through campus activities and classes but still has a sense of closeness because you're more thank likely going to run into a friend or two walking to class or studying at the library. The largest problem I've found myself having here is a lack of parking during the busy middle of the day class hours, but with a new parking garage on the way and valet services popping up for students who need to get to class in a hurry, hopefully the parking issue wil start to be relieved. FSU has a strong, united school spirit that isn't just felt on campus during a game day but throughout the whole town year round.

I'd have to say, the best thing about FSU is the campus itself. Florida State has a huge, beautifully designed campus, with red brick buildings and huge oak trees. The only thing I'd change about FSU is their parking situation, however, they are currently building another parking garage. When I tell others that I go to FSU, I usually get a pleased response. FSU, home of the Seminoles, has a huge fan base, and it's easy to come across a fellow Nole. The place I spend most of my time is in the library. They have a built-in Starbucks and it's a nice atmosphere to get some work done. Tallahassee, Florida is definitely a college town. It's the capital of Florida, but the entire town revolves around FSU. The school's administration is very helpful. They tend to get busy around class registration, but when you are able to get in contact with them, they give you as much information as possible to answer any of your questions. The only recent controversy I can recall is probably the hours of finals. Some students, including myself, have had early finals this week. Florida State is unbelievably school spirited. If you are a student here, you will see that everyone is proud to wear the school colors. One experience I'll never forget was rushing FSU's Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. It's a community service fraternity, and it's where I found my best friends. The only complaint I am aware of is the limited parking space, but you could always take the bus!

Florida State University is my home away from home. With my permanent residence being a seven and a half hour drive south to Miami, I would normally get homesick. But since FSU has such a strong community of student activity and great academics, Tallahassee has become another home for me. One thing I love about FSU is the family oriented feeling that all of us students have. Everyone on campus is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} approachable, which includes staff and students a like. Walking around campus, you can tell everyone has a very positive energy that welcomes new students and students from other schools into a very tolerant learning environment. The student activity around campus is abundtly phenomenal. There are so many clubs to join and so many opportunities to meet new friends and follow a path to the future of your choice. I feel that FSU is a stepping stone to my future, helping me not only academically, but also socially because of the well rounded atmosphere of college life.

I am honored to be a Florida State Seminole! Every time I hear the warchant during games, or even when your out during the night life of Tallahassee, it gives me chills. All of the student's become so exultant, and the pride that we all have in our school makes you feel like your in a family, because we all have so much pride in our school. In the fall when we have our football games, the colors garnet and gold are the only colors worn that whole weekend, and of course even after the weekend of game days. I would have to say that FSU is definitely a "college town", because most of the night life and housing areas around the campus area, are generally college students. I like to think of it as a huge Florida State neighborhood. I'm always never hesitant to say that I attend FSU whenever someone from back home asks me. Being able to say that I am a Seminole is rewarding, and most people will answer back with such positive feedback and want to hear all about what is going on. Due to the fact that our football team has been ranked, we are very well-known around the country, and are envied by the state (since we are #1 ranked team in Florida). The campus of FSU seems to always put everyone in awe, no doubt about it. The brick buildings structures will make you want to stand outside the building and observe every inch of the building. Then there is Landis Green, the beautiful grassy area in the heart of FSU, where students always lay out, do homework, have a picnic... you name it. Yet, to all these positive aspects of FSU, there is just one thing that students wish could change...the parking. There are many off campus commuters, as well as on campus students, but not enough parking for all students. From many students that I have spoke to, all of them have preached about having more parking on campus so that students will be able to get to their classes on time. I myself am an off-campus commuter, and I make sure to leave my apartment at least an hour before my class so that I am able to find parking. Being apart of Seminole Dance Force (one of Florida State's dance teams) I have been able to perform in the Homecoming Parades, Basketball games, Pow Wow, and other events around campus. I would have to say that my best memory at Florida State was dancing in Pow Wow at the Civic Center. The feeling I had performing in front of thousands of other FSU students was simply astonishing. Being able to be apart of such a huge FSU tradition and doing what I love, is just something that you cannot even describe.

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY IS THE BEST UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD! I know that's what you want to hear, the truth is that Florida State University is a great school however, it does come with its ups and downs as does every other university or college. The best thing about Florida State is its undying pride, no matter how many times the football team lhas ost to the Haters, I mean the Gators or any negative conotations were associated with the school, the Seminoles always come out on top. One thing I'd change about FSU is the grading system. I was never a fan of the plus and minus grades, If Florida State changed the grading scale to A,B,C,D,F, the students would have higher grade point averages. On the other hand, most professors are the greatest teachers you will ever have as a student because they care about their student's success.and for all you students who qualify for financial aid,look forward to getting your net check on time. Another plus is that Florida State University is known worldwide for its academic success and cultural diversity. What can I say, its good to be a Nole!

I absolutely love Florida State; there is no other college I would want to attend. Even in high school, FSU was my first choice. At first, FSU can seem intimidatingly large, but once you find your niche, you'll have the best time of your life. You can choose to go Greek or stay independent; either way, there are tons of things to get involved in on campus. THe Student Union is a great place to go if you aren't in to the partying scene. They have a bowling alley, an art studio, a Chili's, and tons of other small restaurants like Pollo Tropical. If you are looking to have a lot of fun and party, The Strip is the place for you. It is a group of 5 or 6 bars all clustered within one building. The Strip is always so much fun, and you're guaranteed to run into many people you know. The alumni of FSU are very involved, and a lot of the activities current students participate in are funded by FSU alum. FSU gamedays are an experience you don't want to miss out on. Tailgating begins hours before the game, and the entire campus is decked out in garnet and gold. We even have the "Garnet and Gold Guys," two male students who paint themselves completely in glitter for every home football game. Their identities are unknown which makes them seem very mysterious, and it is very exciting to get a picture with them. The only complaint I have about FSU is the complete lack of parking space. Sometimes, I search for a good 20 minutes until I find a parking space that is a mile from where I want to be. However, the horrible parking at FSU gives everyone something to bond over, no matter how different you may be. It is definitely a rite of passage to survive the horrendous parking.