University of Florida

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Students Say - Academics
A top-tier research institute that "is full of bright students who still know how to have fun," the University of Florida offers "an environment unparalleled by any other university in the world with its first-class amenities, athletics, academics, campus, and students," enthusiastic students insist. The school "has excellent academic programs all across the board: You're not limited to just a great engineering program or journalism program" here; the sciences (including premedical studies, which piggyback on "a strong teaching hospital on campus"), business, education, communications, and engineering are among the many standout offerings. In short, "UF is a great school" that's "not expensive, even for out-of-state students. Plus, there is a great sense of family here: You really are a part of the Gator Nation!" It is, of course, a very large university that at times "runs more [like] a machine than a place that fosters learning and growth." As one student reports, "The school never even knew I had a name. The first thing anyone ever asks you is 'What's your UF-ID?'" Also, students must be prepared for "the annoyance of the size of the more generalized prerequisite courses, e.g., lower- level courses required by two or three majors." Still, "the professors are almost always wonderful: They are helpful and definitely know their stuff."

Students Say - Campus Life
The greatest strength [of this school] is UF's spirit, students agree, telling us that "there's just something about being a Gator. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, UF students and alumni are everywhere and ready to greet you with open arms and a hearty 'Go Gators!' You belong there." While here, you can party to your heart's content; the university "certainly lives up to its role of number 1 party school. Every day is a weekend in Gainesville, and you will always find something going on Sunday through Saturday. There's midtown, a strip right across from the stadium that has the infamous Swamp restaurant, clubs, bars, and plenty of food to satiate hunger in between classes. There's also 'downtown' Gainesville, which houses more bars, clubs, and restaurants and shopping to keep you busy throughout the entire semester." And "if you're not into the party scene, there's the Hippodrome Theatre, Lake Wauberg, and the local mall and movie theaters to keep you occupied. Gainesville is definitely a college town, and it is perfect for anyone looking for the true college experience." College sports are huge, "and there are hardly any people that aren't proud of Gator athletes and always ready to sport the orange and blue." UF's Greek community "is very prominent, and a large number of students belong [to] a fraternity/sorority or associate with students who do."

Students Say - Student Body
The typical UF student "has a popular major like engineering or business," "is witty, loves Gator football, and likes to party. An atypical student may be someone who doesn't party or may deviate from mainstream beliefs, practices, or political parties, but for the most part, any student is accepted as a member of the Gator nation," and most "seem to maintain a well-balanced life of studying and socializing." While "the sorority/fraternity people are the most dominant group on campus," there's also "a really strong indie scene (the two never interact)." In fact, "there are people all over the spectrum," although the place is so big that "half of them you may never meet." "We are one of the most diverse campuses in the nation," one student explains, "and we are all Gators at heart, first and foremost."

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