University of Florida Top Questions

There is lots of cultural diversity here on campus! I can't think of a single group of people who would not be able to connect with individuals of similar values, beliefs or lifestyle. There are many clubs and organizations that were created just to connect people of different cultures, religious beliefs, and international groups. Students do interact with one another, whether through class or study groups and many to socialize outside of the academic setting. A large majority of the students here are from the state of Florida, but I have a few friends who come from out of state or from other countries. I don't feel like their college experiences have been diminished in any way because of where they came from though! Many students here are financially aware of their circumstances now and their financial goals for the future. Many students are becoming doctors, lawyers and dentists for the sole purpose of making a good living. Many also aren't.

The students at UF are so diverse. They range from all shapes, sizes, ethnicity, social backgrounds, etc. It is awesome to get to interact with such a wide variety of people. There are clubs and organizations for every type of student, including student government, La Casita, the Institute of Black Culture, Campus Crusade for Christ, Hillel, Chabbad, swimming, diving, cheerleading, rugby, Gators going Green you name it, we have it.

There is honestly room for everyone at this school. Sometimes I look around and just think to myself, "It truly takes all kinds of people...". Between classes it can feel more like a crowded marketplace than a university. Busy people running everywhere, trying to shove ads/flyers into your hands, or supporting some agenda. Student attire varies vastly across the fold. Some dress moderately, others dress extremely. Some wear lots of clothes, some wear pants I wouldn't even classify as proper shorts. Lots of people with piercings in all sorts of strange places, but also lots going for a very clean cut look. As far as campus groups go, I honestly don't interact with them that much. There are African American Greek Houses that advertise out on Turlington Plaza. They can be really rude and annoying sometimes. They'll blast obnoxious music loudly, or do these silly routines that block up half the plaza when students are trying to get places. There's also the LGBT group(s). They are very energetic and upbeat, but often I feel they're a little too over the top. Anyways, that's what makes the University what it is! Everyone is entitled to be different, and most people really are. In my experience, there is great financial polarity. Most people are either really well off, or barely getting by. You can tell by the people who are hard at work in the Hub, skipping lunch while the people who are just there on daddy's money drink $10 Starbucks lattes. I think that is a pretty common trend everywhere though? My roommate and I talk about potential earnings from time to time. We look up median salaries and typical starting rates. We talk about who we'd want to work for, and why we'd go there.

Very diverse student body. Everyday I meet someone from a different background.

I think that the student body is pretty diverse.

The student body at UF is diverse, representing many cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, religions... However, the larger percentage of students are white, upper-middle class. That being said, any student should feel welcomed at this school and should be able to find a niche.

Students at UF are very tolerant toward each other. Everyone I've met is different in their own regard, and I feel that people respect each other for it. I see different kinds of people hang out together. That's because the school is just so big and it's really a melting pot of different cultures. It doesn't feel like a small town in North Central Florida! I have friends from all over the state, as well as the world. I have friends from China, India, Europe, South America...I have friends from Massachusetts, friends from California, Hawaii, Michigan, and yes, Florida too. I love it! The school's atmosphere is very relaxing to me. Everyone wears jeans and flip flops. Sometimes you see people go to class in their pajamas, but it's not that common...at least I've not seen it that often. Not only is there a really big mix of students as far as culture, but there's also a big mix with regard to socio-economic statuses amongst students. I'm not well off at all. But I do have friends who are. I think everyone just tends to get along, regardless of how much money you have (or don't have). Everyone's just cool like that. Not to say you won't encounter jerks, because you will, they exist everywhere. But most people I'd say are really chill and are very friendly and positive. I think the school has a good strong political activity. Some students just get fired up. Others don't mind having a clean discussion regarding current events. I'd say there's a good mix between the right and left at the school, but in comparison to where I come from, I think the school is a bit more conservative politically-speaking. Students definitely talk about they expect to make. It is business school! The school has an excellent career center, and they have career fairs and activities all the time on campus. They bring in many prestigious companies to come and interview our students pretty frequently, and that's why I think people talk about future potential salaries so much.

I have a variety of friends. I am very involved with my sorority, which puts me into contact with 200 people I may have never had the opportunity to know. I am also LGBT, which is very big on UF's campus. Almost every week, there is a different LGBT-related event going on. As a Jew, the Hillel and Chabad are very good places to become acquainted with as well. I don't think too many students would feel out of place here. I believe there is a niche for everyone. The school is very multicultural and ethnically diverse. Most students wear casual wear to class or workout clothes, nothing fancy. Different types of students interact, but I would say that Greeks tend to stick to themselves and not branch out. Most students are from Florida, if you are an out-of-state student it is best to try and meet people through living in dorms or joining clubs of your interest. Financial backgrounds vary. I wouldn't say students are extremely poor, but more middle class. Some students are politically aware, some are not at all. Being that it is a big school, there are a variet of political identities, but students tend to me more left than right. Students strive and don't really talk about earning the big bucks, but rather, loving what they do in the future.

All of my classmates are very ambitious and they want to do their best in everything they do and worry that they might fail in realizing their life's dreams.

My classmates are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.