University of Central Florida Top Questions

UCF is growing really fast, and the school's doing its best to keep up. I've noticed the changes even after just two years of living here. The new stadium was a really big deal last year, and even people with no interest in football found themselves entering the lottery for free student tickets. Even with the growth, I like that nearly everything on campus is within walking distance. It's a nice setup for people who live on campus, but parking is always a huge problem, because most students have their own car that they drive to campus. No discussion of UCF can be complete without mentioning the fountain. It seems to be the unofficial symbol of UCF. High school kids see it on their college mail before they even know what UCF stands for. Anybody who drives a car or goes to the library passes it all the time. During Homecoming week, people swim in it. There's an annual symphony performance there, too. And it's just a nice place to lay on the grass and study (or nap).

The best thing about UCF is its location and dedication to academic excellence. It gives students an immense amount of job-opportunities and experice. On the down-side, its location takes away of a college centered life. Students are often persuaded to attend other events going on in Orlando. The professors typically have work-related experience and are able to bring that into the classroom. The school is too large, and you can get lost in the crowd. With work being a priority to many students at UCF, it sometimes takes away from the time they have to get involved. UCF's administration is professional, but like most other Universities it is best to be on top of your responsibilities and check on possible duties. UCF's school pride is growing tremendously, with the new stadium. One experience I will always remember is how Volunteer UCF brought my relationship with my boyfriend closer together.

UCF is young, very young, almost too young. I tell people all the time at my job in Disney that I attend UCF and they reply "wheres that?" I think if wait about 30 years we'll make a great name for ourselves. We need some alumni to go out there and say "Hey I went to UCF and look at me now." My grandma doesn't even know what college I go to! Could be Alzheimer's though, who knows? Theres a lot of white people here, which is weird I guess. I'm so accustom to South Florida and it's diversity, so coming onto campus and seeing a bunch of white kids was quite a culture shock. I think in terms of college pride, traditions, and academics UCF is actually pretty boring. Sure we have spirit splash, but jumping into a knee deep hole can only go so far. I think this is due to our adolescences as a university. Eventually something interesting will happen.

Best thing about UCF is definitely the location. For example, event management majors have great resources because they are near amusement parks, high scale hotels, etc. Pre-med majors have numerous hospitals and medical professionals offices around as well. One thing I would change would be how people stereotype UCF. People always think that UCF stands for U Can't Finish, but I personally think that they are saying that because they know UCF is one of the largest schools in the country and its building its reputation every day. I think UCF is breaking down the negative assumption through our athletics, academics, and our new medical school. A lot of people react pleased and say good things when I tell them i got to UCF. The people around Orlando definitely support UCF and vice versa. On campus, I usually spend most of my time in the Student Union, various buildings for classes, the gym, and library.

I love that UCF is finally growing into its shoes. With the new stadium on campus, the student body has alot more pride in the school. The school I feel is not to large or small. Most people ask where I go to school, and nothinf real negative is ever said about it, unless they go to USF. I do feel that the city where UCF is located, is not a "college town". There is only a small amount of people here that are college students. That I feel is where my college experience is lacking. The administration is not that bad. There has only been a few instances where I have had complaints.

Sense of unity and school pride

I LOVED my time at UCF and I miss it tremendously. When I reflect on my time there and I hear other peoples story they don't even compare. UCF is unique because you have a "big town" avilability to events, but being right on the edge of Orange county allows you to really experience I close, college community. I remember orientation and the campus seemed so BIG but it really starts to feel like home after a semester (depending on how involve you become). I will ALWAYS remember the football games and especially spirit splash!!!

The best thing about UCF is the beautiful campus. Many of our buildings are brand new and state of the art. Our Student Governemnt Association is top ranked in Florida. Our biggest problem at UCF is the faculty student ratio. Most of the classes are huge, and will stay large if the major is a popular major or doesn't have high academic standards to apply. I know that our school seems large, but I see the same people everyday and feel like I am still at a close-knit community. I spend most of my time on campus at the Student Union. The union contains a food court, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, The Student Government Association, Office of Student Involvement, Event Services, SGA Printing Lab, SGA Ticket Center, and little stores.I would say that the biggest controversy on Campus were the SGA elections for President and Vice-President of SGA. I causes a lot of comotion on campus and is a time when students really getting involved. UCF is starting to get more school pride because of our new on-campus stadium. This was the first year we had it. Tailgating started on campus as well and it unites the students and alumni.

Complaints: There are not enough classes offered for certain marjors so students are forced to stay for 5 years. The school isn't too large for me. I like the big size. Allows for a diverse student body and diverse events and activities. I spend most of my time at the union. Biggest recent controversy was with the frat guys and their messed up initiation practices...that was actually last year maybe there was something more recent but I can't recall. Orlando is not a college town but the part of Orlando around UCF definitely feels like a college town. Amoung the majority of students there is zero school pride. People where other college's t-shirts on our campus.

I love the location of UCF and the endless opportunities. I like the size of the school. The large number of students provides, again, endless opportunities. People think UCF is cool. I spend most of my time in my dorm (tower 3) Not a college town. Administration is great, they all strive to make UCF unique and I like the emphasis on undergraduate research. There is school pride, but there could definitely be more. There is the same amount of UF and FSU apparel at the walmart down the street as there is UCF stuff. UCF has a lot of commuter students and a lot of people that live off campus. Its part of such a huge town and that makes it different, its not isolated like some colleges. I will never forget my first football game (it was the first game in the new stadium). Parking is the biggest complaint.