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One of my favorite things about this school is how easy it is to go above and beyond. The Honors Program aids in getting more out of classes, and also sets the stage for undergraduate research. Professors are helpful and more than competent, and in upper-level classes one is sure to find many a-niche to go into. From the circus school, film school, college of business, college of dance, etc, FSU has a lot to offer. Take an elective in something you've never thought of doing before or even take an art class in Ogelsby Union.
When I tell people that I go to Florida State usually the most typical reaction from someone out-of-state is, "You're so lucky." My Floridian friends know about FSU's academic standing, but some people can be too quick to judge and hail UF as being the most academically valuable. However, this isn't true, and is really a moot argument. Most of my time spent on campus is lounging underneath an oak or near the fountain on Landis Green, a long stretch of green lawn that spans from the Honors dormitory to Strozier Library. Tallahassee isn't as large of a college town as some of Florida's other state universities which is surprising considering that it is the state capitol. I like the city because it has its own southern flavor with a twist of native-american feel (FSU's mascot is after all, and somewhat lamentably, a Seminole indian). Hills and oaks covered with spanish moss line some streets, and the campus's buildings are in rusticated brick Oxford-Uni style. I've had no problems with the school's administration in particular, although I do know budget cuts have been of some recent controversy. Going into the fall of my freshman year (2010) many classes and majors were cut, including Anthropology which was an interest of mine. While I can still take Anthro courses, the department is being broken up and will soon cease to exist. Garnet and gold school pride is evident from the dress of students to all of the FSU gear and stickers that go around. Personally I'm not too big into the football, but I don't mind the tradition of it and the excitement of a packed football stadium. Some unusual things about the school are how it was built after Oxford University, a ghost-hunter show filmed an episode in Caruthers hall (the music dormitory across the street from the library), and also that we have a literal circus tent on campus that is completely student run. One experience that I'll always remember is as a freshman going to a place off campus called "The Warehouse" where poetry and stories are read. Then it really hit me how being at uni is very fulfilling when individual interests are fused into a social setting with other interested people. The most frequent student complaints as of late would have to be about the increasing prices of classes.
Yanelis
Florida State University is a huge campus with an endless amount of majors and classes to choose from. It makes everyone that attends diverse and there are many opportunities for everyone no matter what they want to do with their lives. This is one of the greatest things about the school. The size may seem intimidating at first, but the fact that the University is a town itself makes it more enjoyable. Everyone is young and pursuing similar interests throughout the town because most students that live in Tallahassee go to FSU. I live on campus, so whenever I get the chance, I spend most of my time at Strozier, the huge library that facilitates students. The school pride on campus and around the city is tremendous. Even the few that do not attend the school are overjoyed when the Seminole's score a big touchdown and you see waves of garnet and gold throughout the school whenever a game is approaching. I would not change one thing about Florida State. The education and the people are all inviting and enriching. I have no complaints and have not heard of many from my fellow classmates, housemates, or roommates.
Gregory
My favorite thing about this school is the sheer amount of organizations. There are literally hundreds of groups, each very unique and each passionate about their interests. I spend most of my time with the Black Actor's guild, which despite the name, allows anyone to join. That's but one example of the organizations on campus, they accept everyone.
The school is huge and constantly expanding. Sometimes the construction gets in the way and you have to navigate around it. However, each new building brings more variety and something new to the campus.
One experience I'll never forget is being thrown into the Westcott fountain on my birthday, in 21 degree weather. Although I woke up the next day with a sore throat, it was my right of passage as a freshman and I actually felt prideful because of it.
The biggest recent controversy on the campus is the implementation of a policy that forces teachers to only give twenty-five percent of their classes A's. This discourages work ethic and is unfair to those who deserve an A but don't receive one because of this policy. However, this policy has been implemented before and hopefully will be revoked again.
Charneisha
Florida State University is an exceptional University. One thing that sets FSU apart from other universities is our undeniable school pride. Once you are a student at Florida State University, you will truly believe you bleed garnet and gold. There are is an amble amount of opportunities awaiting you here. Although we are a large institution, there is no way one can say that don't feel as though they fit in. We have over 450 recognized student organizations, and you're guaranteed to find some place you fit in. We have community service based organizations, greek letter organizations, and many other support systems. If you are all about academics, we also have eight libraries on campus. Furthermore, school athletics is another huge part of the Florida State atmosphere. For the last two years we have been the Florida state Champs. I love the university because it not only cares about academics and research, but it cares about the well being of their students. The university does what ever is needed to get student involved and to have an active campus. The life of a Seminole is great!
Benjamin
I've got to say, I love this school. Lets start with the good things. I'm in love with our campus. Even though it's huge, it's got a very homey feel to it. Every campus building (with the exception of a very few) are made from brick, or at least appear to be from the outside. Something about that aesthetic really pleases the eye. You get a very "traditional" sense from it. Also, I love the landscape of the campus. One of my favorite spots would be Landis-green. It is a central spot on campus; it's just a big field with a cool fountain in the middle. People go out there, especially when the weather gets nice, to play frisbee, read a book, or even just lay out and soak up the sun. To say the least, we have a pretty campus. One thing about the school that I don't necessarily enjoy is the amount of people. I'm an English major, so I don't have to worry too much about huge lecture hall classes, but they're out there, and they could potentially bore the hell out of you. But then again, that could just be how my brain works, I function better in non-lecture classes, or in more intimate environments.
Charneisha
Florida State University is an exceptional University. One thing that sets FSU apart from other universities is our undeniable school pride. Once you are a student at Florida State University, you will truly believe you bleed garnet and gold. There are is an amble amount of opportunities awaiting you here. Although we are a large institution, there is no way one can say that don't feel as though they fit in. We have over 450 recognized student organizations, and you're guaranteed to find some place you fit in. We have community service based organizations, greek letter organizations, and many other support systems. If you are all about academics, we also have eight libraries on campus. Furthermore, school athletics is another huge part of the Florida State atmosphere. For the last two years we have been the Florida state Champs. I love the university because it not only cares about academics and research, but it cares about the well being of their students. The university does what ever is needed to get student involved and to have an active campus. The life of a Seminole is great!
Benjamin
I've got to say, I love this school. Lets start with the good things. I'm in love with our campus. Even though it's huge, it's got a very homey feel to it. Every campus building (with the exception of a very few) are made from brick, or at least appear to be from the outside. Something about that aesthetic really pleases the eye. You get a very "traditional" sense from it. Also, I love the landscape of the campus. One of my favorite spots would be Landis-green. It is a central spot on campus; it's just a big field with a cool fountain in the middle. People go out there, especially when the weather gets nice, to play frisbee, read a book, or even just lay out and soak up the sun. To say the least, we have a pretty campus. One thing about the school that I don't necessarily enjoy is the amount of people. I'm an English major, so I don't have to worry too much about huge lecture hall classes, but they're out there, and they could potentially bore the hell out of you. But then again, that could just be how my brain works, I function better in non-lecture classes, or in more intimate environments.
Sandra
For me, Florida State University truly is home. I love almost everything about it! The climate is a bit spontaneous, what with summer's being unbearably hot and winter's being incredibly cool, but it's easy to adjust to that. Our academics are top notch, and I was surprised to learn that we are ranked in almost every department. Even though 40,000+ students attend FSU, I never feel overcrowded (except in the library during finals week!) The campus is small enough you can walk to all your classes, but large enough that you don't feel closed in. Some people like to complain that Tallahassee is "boring", but it's all about knowing where to look. There are two state universities and a huge community college, so there are always events that cater to college aged kids. It is also the capital, so for students interested in politics, this is the place for them! I adore Florida State, and I have made lifelong friends and found teachers who have gone above and beyond to make sure I am where I need to be. I could not imagine going anywhere else than good 'ole FSU!
Sarah
Although Tallahassee is the capital of Florida, it is the most perfect college town I could imagine. Everything is close by campus- restaurants, bars, apartments, the interstate, stores, the greyhound bus station. The sense of school pride that radiates from our campus is phenomenal and the large student body feels more comforting than overwhelming. The administration and members that work to run the school help students out in a variety of situations; they really do care about the students that attend the school. I'm in a sorority on campus and am an English major, so I spend most of my time in those two places. I wasn't in a sorority my freshman year and still had a wonderful experience, so being greek or non-greek doesn't change the positivity of your experience one bit, they're both fun college experiences. The only crowded place on campus is Strozier, the main campus library, during finals week. FSU has a phenomenal study abroad program, so if that's something you're interested in, I highly recommend it. I had the time of my life studying abroad at FSU's London Study Centre. The only part about Tallahassee I don't like is how it is so expensive to fly in and out of, so for people that have 7+ hour drive homes like myself, it's difficult to get home quickly with such expensive flight fares.
Layni
I absolutely love Florida State. The campus, the students, the faculty, you name it! There is such a great campus unity. My first day on campus as a student, I met so many people, and everyone was unbelievably friendly. The people are considerate, and are eager to make new acquaintances and friends, you'll never be lonely! (Unless of course you're a recluse: you have to at least meet people half way. How are they going to befriend you if you never put yourself out there?) I'll never forget my experience at Orientation. I met three of my now really good friends, and had such a great time. We were all in the same group and we all became friends during the mandatory Orientation events, but then continued to hang out during our free time playing cards with everyone in the dorm hall. It was just another reassurance for me that Florida State was the place to be. The campus itself is one of the most beautiful places I know. When making my decision for where to go for college, all it took was one visit for me to know that Florida State was where I was meant to be. The architecture is beautiful and the grounds are kept up and always breath-taking. There has been so many times that I've tasted inspiration on the grounds, whether it be inspiration for a project, or inspiration leading to insight on my life and fixing potential problems. It only takes 15 minutes to walk across campus, making it manageable to attend classes that are spread out from each other. Other campuses with just as many buildings/classes/population as FSU can be difficult to navigate because they are so spread out, but the compactness of our campus makes it easy. There is always so much going on around campus, Student activist groups can be found petitioning or promoting a cause. (One of the most scandalous student run petitions is the anti-abortion display put on by the College Republicans. Though graphic, and sickly to see, exposure to things like that allows students to get involved in the cause whether they are for it or against it.) It allows students by exposing them to controversial subject matter to form their own opinions and discover things about themselves that they may have never even known before. It's character building, essentially, to walk across campus and reflect on your reaction to all the things around you. One of my favorite things to do on campus is to attend Market Wednesdays. Every Wednesday in the Student Union, peddlers set up booths and sell goods ranging from posters and movies, to makeup and clothes. Each week generally brings about something new, and the black fraternities usually perform a step show for everyone to watch. It's such a good atmosphere to be in. As for my favorite place on campus, I'd have to say that it is Landis Green. In good weather, you can find students off all types playing Frisbee, throwing a football around, playing soccer, reading, doing homework, or just catching some sun. It's a wonderful place to meet people, as you can always join in and kick the ball around. Football games and basketball games are always so excellent; it's almost ridiculous how much school spirit and pride the students and everyone involved at FSU has! There's also a great night life in Tallahassee near the school-for all of you party animals out there. There's the strip across the street from campus (it's a plaza that contains multiple clubs/bars), Potbelly's (another bar) two blocks from campus, along with multiple other bars and clubs across town. When it comes to academics, FSU does not disappoint. I've always done exceptionally well in school and never once had to study for any of my tests. Once I came to Florida State, I realized that I would have to change my ways. The courses are challenging enough so you're not bored, but not too challenging that you lose all hope in getting a good grade. I personally think that the courses teach you something outside of the subject matter of the class: they teach you to challenge yourself and to strive to do your best, and not to settle for less than your best work. If they were too easy, would you really learn anything from them? Or at least retain the knowledge you garnered from them? All of the professors and other faculty that I've had the pleasure of dealing with are incredibly nice and try their hardest to help you when you have problems, and are generally more concerned than just having you pass the class. I've had a few times where other things going on in my life have affected me, and my professors were so understanding, and worked with me to help ease my situation in terms of me not being overwhelmed by the class on top of everything else I was dealing with. I've never felt more at home than I do at Florida State.