University of Florida - Gainesville  -  UFL

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University of Florida - Gainesville Summary

What's this?
Welcome to the University of Florida, otherwise known as Gator Nation, where the weather is always pleasant, the campus sprawling, and the football unforgettable.
The school is home to 16 colleges with more than 100 majors to choose from; one of the most notable is UF’s journalism program, which has consistently been ranked in the top 10 for the field. It is possible to stand out in the sea of students bedecked in UF’s orange and royal blue by joining some of the organizations that together represent every minority group, cause, interest, or hobby under the Florida sun. School administrators are always focused on ridding UF of its party image and lending more attention to its prominent research centers, but the reputation seems inescapable. Greek life is huge and drinking is usually associated with the parties that students attend. There are other options, however. “Gator Nights,” sponsored by the Student Activities Board, cater to non-drinking students and provide free movies and other forms of entertainment.
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University of Florida - Gainesville Review

 What's this?
The University of Florida-Gainesville is one of Florida’s top schools, and students take great pride in being there. “UF is a great school and campus, and Gainesville is a great location for the average college student. For people who enjoy sports, there is no greater school, because our varsity level athletics are among the best in the country in every sport, and the intramural and club sports have every type of activity one could want to participate in. UF also has a great social life, with things that anyone can enjoy, from movies and theater, to dancing and clubs. The level of school pride is outstanding, and the students are friendly,” writes a junior majoring in economics.

With more than 35,000 undergrads on campus, it’s easy to feel lost at first, but once students find their groove, they relish being a part of the gator nation. “When I first came to UF I was a little overwhelmed by the size. I thought I might be just an 8 digit UFID number in a sea of students. But it's really not like that at all. Once you learn your way around campus you see that it’s really not so big. Also your classes will be in the same general area based on your major so that will become your campus. I feel like everyone at UF finds their niche and a place and crowd they feel comfortable in,” writes a journalism student.

As far as academics go, there are a few basic general requirements students must fulfill to have a well-rounded education, but classes are meant to help students find employment after they graduate. “The majority of UF education as typical of big universities is geared towards career training. You pick your one concentration and stick with it. This sometimes causes a lack of academic seriousness among the students. Business students want to work for top companies. Pre-med students want to be doctors. Liberal arts students gravitate to law or other professional schools but most commonly law,” writes a junior at UF. That doesn’t mean that student don’t have the chance to take classes for the sheer academic pleasure, however. “One thing I like about UF is that the people here like learning. So, yes I'm going to take an assortment of classes and learn for learning’s sake. But I also know that, once I’ve finished the curriculum I’m going to leave prepared for whatever career path I have chosen,” writes a freshman involved in Greek life.

The majority of UF students are from Florida (more than 95 percent) and with so many people on campus at any given time, students say finding someone with similar interests is not difficult. “The student population here is so large that everyone has an avenue for expression and feeling welcome within a group of their own. I don't think that many students would feel out of place here. There is a Black Student Union, as well as an organization only for Lebanese students. Religious organizations cover everything from Baptist Collegiate Ministries to Pagan Student Union. There are organizations for every political cause, academic track, minority group, hobby, or remote interest available,” writes a junior involved in community service. About a third of UF of students are minorities and student interaction is generally pleasant. “We have a diverse campus. There is a fairly large minority population at UF but the university is still predominantly white,” writes a junior journalism major, adding, “However, that is not to say people are racist or discriminatory, most people are friendly no matter your race or religion. As far as political activism, it’s no Berkley but a lot of students are politically involved and you see a lot of interesting groups like Hare Krishna.”

In the fall, the average UF student’s social life is dominated by Gator football, which last won the Bowl Championship Series game in 2007. “There is nothing like game day in the perfect college town! Campus is packed with orange and blue Saturdays in the fall. The energy is perfect – I have never seen anything like it. The Swamp (the football field) is electric once that game starts. It echoes and vibrates with the voices of crazy fans, students and non-students alike come together to pump up the gators. The school pride is so apparent the second you even get near campus. Students are decked in school colors every day of the week! That is by far the best part of being a part of what is truly the Gator Nation,” writes a freshman involved in student government.

Outside of the Gator Nation, many students will attend a rowdy party or two during the weekend, but that circuit is not everyone’s cup of tea. “Though such routines are common, UF has provided me with other ways to spend my time - service projects and fraternity socials, free recent movies every weekend, great restaurants, and plenty of engineering work to sink my teeth into,” writes a junior computer science major. Students seem to agree that one thing’s for sure: having a great time as a UF student. As an alum involved in Greek life puts it, “You will have the time of your life at UF. It won't always be perfect, you might have schedule issues/grade issues/transportation issues but you will never find yourself regretting choosing UF. UF is a school that will give you great post-graduate options and the most incredible undergrad life you could ask for. You can expect nothing better elsewhere.”
See all 98 University of Florida - Gainesville Reviews

UFL Quotes

Sterling
History
Freshman
We truly are the Gator Nation, and once you are a part of it, you are a part of it for life.
Chris
Other
Sophomore
"The Swamp" on gamedays is probably going to be declared the 8th wonder of the world.
Laura
Journalism
Freshman
Walking into a store or restaurant is like walking on campus, everyone there is your age. It's rare to see children or older people.
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98Student Votes

Campus Media

Newspapers:
The Independent Florida Alligator

Magazines:
The Brechner Report

The Communigator

Featured Student Work From International Journalism

The Mangrove Review

Newszine

The Open Line

Orange and Blue Magazine


Guide for Parents:
University of Florida
TV Stations:
WUFT-TV/DT

Radio Stations:
WRUF-AM AM850

WRUF-FM ROCK 104

WUFT-FM Classic 89

WJUF-FM Nature Coast 90

WUFT Radio Reading Service

Blogs:
Blog Toplist

Covering Florida

UF Student Marketing Team Blog

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Psychology, Finance

Basic UFL Info

Founded:
1853
Location:
Gainesville, FL
Total Undergraduates:
35,189
Total Grad Students:
16,536
Tuition (in state):
$3,257
Tuition (out of state):
$17,841
Selectivity Rating:
More Selective

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Best Thing About UFL

school spirit and the quality of education
alexis, boca raton
Major: Sociology
The Gator Nation
Niki, clearwater beach
Major: Economics
The school spirit and unity and the fact that everyone loves the school so much. Nobody regrets their decision coming here.
Monica, North Lauderdale (north of Fort Lauderdale!)
Major: Other
The way that Gator Pride unites us all.
Kristin , Orlando
Major: Journalism
because its so big, there are TONS of opportuniites
Mary, Naples
Major: Communications

Worst Thing About UFL

religious groups that corner you, some greeks
escambia, Pensacola, FL
Major: Psychology
The worst thing about UF is probably the size of the campus, for most people. With 50,000+ students, it can get overwhelming.
Sterling, Jacksonville Beach
Major: History
Dorm life! Some love it..some not so much! I am a little tired of it. Also people said it was really easy to get involved. I'd say its a little harder than they all made it out to be.
Lindsey, Jacksonville
Major: Nursing
lack of use of public transportation and public transportation options and effectiveness for a college drinking town
Anonymous, Weston, FL
Major: Other
The registration process is overwhelming.
Caitlen, Bradenton
Major: History
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