Kestrel
The best thing about FSU is the campus itself and the community surrounding the school. The support that Tallahassee residents show FSU and the way the welcome us to their town is amazing. Seminole Pride doesn't stop at edge of campus, it extends even further throughout Tallahassee as a whole. FSU is a large university, with over 50,000 students. The campus is so large and spread out, however, that you dont get the feel of it being crowded. I remember my first time getting lost on campus. I ended up following Legacy Walk, a trail which highlights historic architecture, statues, fountains, and historic buildings. I was late to class, but I got to see how beautiful my school really is.
I spend most of my time in the Student Union. I have a job in the Student Activities Center, the central area on campus for all student groups and organizations. It's sort of the hub of the campus, a starting point for getting involved and becoming intermingled with a diverse student population with varied backgrounds, ethnicities and interests. There's something for everyone. There also two other colleges in Tallahassee: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tallahassee Community College. The three colleges, plus local residents and workers add diversity and richness to the community.
Complaints: I was going to murmur about parking, but they've really improved on that this year (we even have VALET parking). I'd still like to see the campus bus system improve though. There are way too many student, and too few buses that don't run as often as we'd like.
Monica
I could not love going to Florida State University any more than I already do. I've visited schools all across the country and this school was the best choice by far. Florida State is an extremely diverse school, with something to offer for any and all kinds of students, which in my opinion is the best part about being a student here. Aside from the massive athletics department, with one of the nations most talked about football teams, Florida State's international programs department is ranked in the top fifteen of the nation with twenty different locations around the world. The Greek Life involvement nears around 4,500 students and is a great way to make such a large school feel a little smaller.
When I tell people I go to FSU, people are usually really impressed because of how well known the school is nationwide and generally not for negative reasons. It's located in the state's capital and is more of a "college town" than any other school in the state of Florida.
An experience I will always remember is when I studied abroad at the Florence, Italy location that FSU has. It was the most eye-opening, culturally stimulating, life changing thing I have ever done. Periodically throughout the semesters the international programs department holds "study abroad fairs" in which people from the department set up in the center of campus to answer questions, hand out flyers, and encourage people to study abroad. Doing so was easily the best decision I have made thus far in my life.
Monica
Florida State University is an extremely diverse school, with something to offer for any and all kinds of students, which in my opinion is the best part about being a student here. Aside from the massive athletics department, with one of the nations most talked about football teams, Florida State's international programs department is ranked in the top fifteen of the nation with twenty different locations around the world. The Greek Life involvement nears around 4,500 students and is a great way to make such a large school feel a little smaller.
When I tell people I go to FSU, people are usually really impressed because of how well known the school is nationwide and generally not for negative reasons. It's located in the state's capital and is more of a "college town" than any other school in the state of Florida.
An experience I will always remember is when I studied abroad at the Florence, Italy location that FSU has. It was the most eye-opening, culturally stimulating, life changing thing I have ever done. Periodically throughout the semesters the international programs department holds "study abroad fairs" in which people from the department set up in the center of campus to answer questions, hand out flyers, and encourage people to study abroad. Doing so was easily the best decision I have made thus far in my life.
Jena
My overall opinion of my time being spent as a student at FSU would be satisfying. I love the atmosphere around campus and its beautiful architecture and landscapes. There is a great sense of school pride amongst everyone and the way everyone comes together for our sports teams here is amazing! Tailgating and rooting for the Florida State Seminole football team every weekend during fall semesters has to be one of my favorite memories. Coming here for school is a great choice especially if you want the whole "college town life" experience. Tallahassee shows so much support towards the school and the areas around the campus are so closely geared towards the interests of students. The administration here is on track when it comes to telling you the right information you need instead of directing you to different departments. The school is always expanding and changing meeting the demands of its students and faculty.
Samantha
The best thing about my school is the social aspect. There is always something to do, whether you want to go to a bar and dance, watch a movie at the on campus movie theater or join a new club there is always something to do. FSU is a large school with over 40,000 students. But it does not feel that way. The school feels very small and I often see a lot of people I know just walking around campus or in my classes. I spend a lot of time at my sorority house on campus. It is warm and welcoming and I always have fun there. FSU has a ton of school pride. We are proud to call ourselves seminoles and the school has a very strong alumni association.
Karolyne
My overall opinion of Florida State is that it's a lap full of opportunity! There are so many programs at my school that help first year students get on the right path. Also, there are numerous scholarship, internship, and job opportunities right on campus! Everyone should be able to find their own niche.
My school is just right. It may seem big when you first start but as you begin to get involved... you'll find that everyone is taking part in the Seminole family. When I'm on campus I spend most of my time in class or in meetings... always interacting with my classmates and peers on campus.
One think I would change: I would add more buses to our transportation system. Though the system is efficient, sometimes the buses can be a little packed.
There is definitely school pride here! It seems as if everyone is on the same page and really, there's not much to complain about.
Anna
Florida State University is great. The size is just right; if you are someone who likes to socialize there are a bunch of people to meet, but if you keep more to yourself you don't have to interact with people you aren't fond of. However, you should get out! There's a bunch of things to do on campus from football to watching a movie at the Student Life Cinema (which sometimes has events as well) to going to a Union Production to Paint-a-Pot to Flying High Circus (one of its kind) to Market Wednesday and more! You honestly can't get bored on campus (unless you lock yourself up!) There's also a good amount of free time to spend doing these things. You don't have to constantly keep your nose in a book since many teachers are reasonable with their assignments (at least in the English and Theater departments.) Many of the teachers here are super respectable as well. There are also many opportunities that the school provides academically to have its graduates stand out in the real world. The football craze on campus is definitely obvious. Tailgates and celebrations are prominent during game weekends. Our Seminoles are our biggest pride for sure! From time to time you'll hear a complaint about the cafeterias on campus and how they need healthier food/a bigger menu selection, but it still is manageable. Tallahassee in general is a college town as well as the capitol of Florida, and there's not much to do otherwise during the day. However, the city does have its own transportation system (free for students) and two malls in the area. The city is better explored if you have your own car and it is possible to just spend your time at the university.
Honestly, one of the best things about this university is that there is literally something for everyone, no exaggeration there. There is an absolutely wonderful staff that is willing to help you both currently and for your future, academically and socially. Its obvious they care about the students. FSU maintains a friendly and comfortable atmosphere and I personally really love it here.
Anna
Florida State University is great. The size is just right; if you are someone who likes to socialize there are a bunch of people to meet, but if you keep more to yourself you don't have to interact with people you aren't fond of. However, you should get out! There's a bunch of things to do on campus from football to watching a movie at the Student Life Cinema (which sometimes has events as well) to going to a Union Production to Paint-a-Pot to Flying High Circus (one of its kind) to Market Wednesday and more! You honestly can't get bored on campus (unless you lock yourself up!) There's also a good amount of free time to spend doing these things. You don't have to constantly keep your nose in a book since many teachers are reasonable with their assignments (at least in the English and Theater departments.) Many of the teachers here are super respectable as well. There are also many opportunities that the school provides academically to have its graduates stand out in the real world. The football craze on campus is definitely obvious. Tailgates and celebrations are prominent during game weekends. Our Seminoles are our biggest pride for sure! From time to time you'll hear a complaint about the cafeterias on campus and how they need healthier food/a bigger menu selection, but it still is manageable. Tallahassee in general is a college town as well as the capitol of Florida, and there's not much to do otherwise during the day. However, the city does have its own transportation system (free for students) and two malls in the area. The city is better explored if you have your own car and it is possible to just spend your time at the university.
Honestly, one of the best things about this university is that there is literally something for everyone, no exaggeration there. There is an absolutely wonderful staff that is willing to help you both currently and for your future, academically and socially. Its obvious they care about the students. FSU maintains a friendly and comfortable atmosphere and I personally really love it here.
Alexander
During my time at Florida State I have developed a sense of pride for my school and learned to fully appreciate all that it has to offer.
I would say the best thing about Florida State is the people. I find that the people, both students and staff, are very welcoming and genuinely care about your college experience.
Were I forced to change one thing about Florida State I would move the new Intramural fields and the Engineering building closer to campus. Currently they are about one or two miles south of campus.
I think Florida State is the perfect size for a state university. The student body is small enough to provide a comfortable, almost "at home" feeling while also large enough to allow students to broaden their horizons.
When I tell people I am a student at Florida State they generally have one of three reactions. Either they are University of Florida fans and jokingly disapprove, are Florida State fans and genuinely approve, or are Florida State alumni and immediately we understand we have a connection that runs deep. Florida State has one of the best Alumni organizations I have ever seen and there is a true bond between those who have attended Florida State, a bond that will last for a lifetime.
While on campus at Florida State I spend most of my time either in class, at Cuong Nhu lessons, or working out by jogging around the campus. Commonly, I can also be found on the Intramural fields playing an assortment of sports.
Tallahassee is a nice mix between college town and small city. The areas around campus are basically designed for students, there are a multitude of places to eat within a mile of the campus' borders. And not just fast food places, but cozy little mom and pop type establishments like Pitaria or Mr. Roboto. All the shops one needs are also located near campus: multiple barbershops, a bike repair store, a computer repair store, a Publix and a Wallgreens and CVS. Further away from campus Tallahassee begins to feel more like a small city, with more expensive dining options, such as Outback Steakhouse and Olive Garden, as well as a very nice Downtown area.
My experience with administration at Florida State has been nothing but efficient and pleasurable. I have talked to administration when applying to the Honors College, investigating a possible major change, deciding on future classes and looking for ways to get involved around campus. All of the employees that I have worked with were not only eager, but knowledgeable and extremely able to help me with whatever I needed.
I am not aware of the last big controversy on campus and cannot remember one occurring since I have attended here, however this is probably due to me being a Freshman this year.
The school pride at Florida State is both ever present and unwavering. The student body is proud to call themselves Noles and will miss no opportunity to show it. I did not know the meaning of school pride until I came to Florida State.
There is something unusual about Florida State: the atmosphere. The campus seems to exude an atmosphere of acceptance. It is hard to explain, but it is a feeling that cannot be ignored. Before becoming a Nole I had no interest in school pride, or anything of the sort. Upon becoming a Nole I realized that there was more to school pride than just boasting about your school's sports teams and wearing their colors. School pride is developed by the school itself. Since I have lived here I have come to know this campus as almost a second home. There is an air about the campus that makes one feel as if they belong here. I know I feel that way.
One experience I will never forget from Florida State was being thrown into the Westcott fountain by my friends on my birthday. Every Nole knows that this is a Florida State tradition and partaking in it truly helped me to become a proud Seminole.
The most frequent thing I hear students complaining about (aside from the usual "10am is way to early to have class!") is the weather. Most of the students at Florida State have lived in Florida their entire lives. Tallahassee is a bit more northern than they are accustomed to and the winters are a bit colder.
Bret
Florida State University has provided me with the opportunity to learn about myself in the context of other people and places. I have been able to meet people and do things that I never anticipated; Florida State is a program that gives you plenty of guidance while still granting you self-direction and self-determinism. The students here have increible spirit; going down to see the game and cheering on our team is a matter of pride in our alma mater. That sense of identity and collective spirit is really important to mose students. The best part of Florida State is probably the town of Tallahassee - it's just small enough to explore and eventually become a second hope to many of its student residents. The outlying areas are beautiful and provide a nice contrast to the bustle of a campus with so many students. Although the total population of FSU is in the hundreds of thousands, the individual programs offer intimate classroom discussions, lively debates, and a more private feel. The campus itself is gorgeous, with rolling hills, beautiful brick buildings throughout, well-maintained greens, fountains, and many more secret places to explore than you would expect. It has a fully furnished student cinema, a great gym, and extensive libraries. Art installations on the campus are always intersting as well.