University of Florida Top Questions

I hold the highest regards for my school. Not only are the students proud to attend UF but everyone we encounter admires our accomplishment. It is a very large school which has important benefits such as providing networking opportunities. There is also an immense variety of clubs and recreational sporting activities. Even though the school has a relatively large population, it is never difficult to consult with a professor or an advisor. One frequent complaint is the size of the campus. It is a big campus and it's easy to get lost or figure out what buses to take. Luckily there is a campus map online and bus schedules as well. The most recent complaint that has caused a bit of controversy on campus has been the possible implementation of block tuition and increasing tuition rates. Our students are very passionate and active so protesting and petitions aren't uncommon in major areas of the campus. Overall I am proud to attend the University of Florida, it is an extraordinarily spirited school.

My overall opinion of this school is that it is a great university. I believe it is one of the best in the country based off of many things, especially academia. The fact that we have an professor who works here who actually wrote and published his own criminological theory is amazing. The opportunity for expansion outside of this school from its wide array of clubs to its various class choices, helps all gators become what they want to be. My only quarrel with this school is the parking. The parking at UF is horrible and needs to be better thought out. We do have a great bus system but for those who like to drive to campus it should be easier and less expensive to park on campus. One of the many things I love about being a Gator is the level of pride every student has. Everywhere you seem to go you meet someone with some affiliation to this school and that helps instill a great sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Gainesville, I would say, is definitely a college town. The main downfall, however, is most students find there is "little to do in Gainesville." Although I have heard this complaint and even voiced it myself, there is plenty to do in terms of extracurricular activities, sporting events (Gators have remarkably impressive school spirit), intramural sports, outdoor activities at beautiful parks, experiences with "midtown" bars and the very popular downtown club atmosphere, and beyond amazing restaurants. There are no major claims to fame in Gainesville as there are in, say, Orlando (Universal Studios, Disney, more visited by touring music artists, etc), and this may be the one thing I would change. By the same token, Gainesville doesn't need any more chaos or traffic, and it's nice knowing it isn't a bigger, crowded city like Orlando. Some say our school is fairly large, but I guess I'm so accustomed to it that I hardly even realize it. Coming from a small private school, I really didn't mind the apparent colossal shift; I adapted so easily. Obviously everyone has complaints about their university, as I certainly do, but overall I believe UF to be an excellent choice for any type of student looking to really learn a lot, work effectively and excel, and truly enjoy their college undergrad experience.

First I'll answer the consideration questions and then provide my overall opinion. - The best thing about this school is the opportunities you have at it. Everything you'd ever want in college you can get here -- studying abroad, challenging classes, parties, football, basketball, community service, religious organizations, artistic outlets, dance classes, everything! - The other side of the coin of having such opportunities at such a large university is that you are not spoon fed, at all. If you want those opportunities, that double major, that study abroad program, that housing arrangement, that class, you need to find out the ways to get it and get it yourself. Of course, a start is to make yourself go see an advisor (in my major, you aren't required to have an advisor), which are always there for you to guide you if you *come to them.* You need to take initiative. - Some people criticize UF for being so big but if you talk to any UF student they'll tell you the same thing: "You only realize it's so big when you're at football games and you see how big the student section is!" - People are impressed when I tell them I go to UF. They definitely respect it as a sound and prestigious institution. - I live on campus, so I guess technically in my dorm! But I go to Library West a lot, or more specifically, the Starbucks! - Gainesville is the definition of a college town. - They are professionals who take their job and the standard of the education and experience at UF very seriously. - There has been a lot of debate about making our Library 24 hours and finally it happened for this semester! So the Library is 24 hours Sunday - Thursday. This issue has been hotly debated for years among students and student government, and now finally happened. - IT'S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR. Yes, there is a TON of school pride! - One thing unusual about UF is the way some of its classroom buildings are designed. UF has won awards for environmentally friendly designs of buildings, like Turlington, but they are a maze to get around at first! - I will always remember my first Homecoming parade! - The most frequent student complaints are about not being able to get the classes they wanted or the housing they wanted. My overall opinion is definitely a favorable one. One of the biggest pull factors for going to UF is the relative cheap price of tuition, especially if you are a Florida Resident and are eligible for Bright Futures Scholarships. (And if you happen to have Florida Prepaid!) You get a very good education from a prestigious university for a very little price.

I love the University of Florida, and feel that the pride is outstanding and love the athletic department. Gainesville is definitely a prototypical college town.

I love this school. I am really glad I decided to study here. The professors are very knowledgeable, great references or role models to look up to, and always encouraging students to strive for success. Students are very friendly as well as offer help to each other. There are many leadership and resume builder opportunities on campus from different organizations, clubs, or programs available to everyone. The bus (RTS) system is a very timely and easily accessible transportation system. Also, most of the classes/buildings are within walking distance, which adds to the list of reasons why I have a positive opinion for my school.

I'm a Florida resident and wanted to stay in state for financial reasons, I chose the University of Florida because it had the most reputable name in the state, when I tell people I attend UF their reaction is always "wow, you're smart" or "congratulations! That's quite an accomplishment!" Looking back I would have payed more attention to other factors about the school instead of just the name. Gainesville is the epitome of a college town, filled with pride, Tebowing everywhere, school spirit to the max not just among the students but the mass amounts of alumni as well. Gainesviile is one of those towns where either you love it or you hate it, there is no in between.

I love the University of Florida! The community of Gainesville has really been built around the UF campus, local businesses and shops all support, cheer, and partner with the Gators. The university is quite large which makes it easy to find people with similar goals and interests in order to build helpful and fulfilling new relationships and networks. This does take a bit of effort on the students' part to seek a club or organization that promotes this, but there are hundreds to choose from. After I tell most individuals that I'm attending the UF, they react with some comment about football games, which I must admit, are one of the events I most look forward to in the Fall! I think it's safe to assume that the biggest complaints here at UF are the same as on any other college campus...having to study for exams, hard professors, not having the perfect schedule.Overall. I'm grateful that I chose to further my education here.

The University of Florida is an incredible place. It is such a college town, there are students everywhere and so many activities going on daily. I love the size of UF. I feel like I'm getting the real "college experience." You'll never be able to go on campus without seeing someone wearing a Gator shirt. We get great speakers, guests, and artists/performers coming to Gainesville all the time. Many of these events are free for students. UF is very accommodating with opportunities for everyone. I wouldn't change a thing about it..except for the lack of parking!

UF is great. It's full of smart, successful individuals chock full of Gator Pride. Gainesville is most definitely a typical "college town." People are typically impressed when they hear you're a Gator, because it's become increasingly known for very selective admission based on grades and test scores. It is a huge place, but there are hundreds of clubs and organizations you can get involved in to really find your own little niche.