I really love FSU: the large, perfect number of new people to meet, the "birthday fountain" you traditionally get thrown into on your birthday, Landis green where you can lay out, study, sit under a tree, cool off in the fountain, play frisbee, football, or even walk your dog. I love that the library has 7 floors and that the Student Union plays music 24/7. It's fun to go out to the smoker's bench outside of Smith Hall in the middle of the night, whether to smoke a cigarette, a hookah, or even just to see what kind of people you'll meet-it's always interesting. I am fascinated by Market Wednesday each week; the clubs are always there handing out new information and the local businesses and boutiques of Tallahassee are selling trinkets that are always fun to look at. The diner is open 24/7, which is fabulous.
However, I think it's terrible that the on-campus Einstein's Bagels, Zia Juice, and Quiznos are closed on the weekends. I don't like that parking is nearly impossible at certain hours of the day and it's frustrating when you're at a bus stop and 3 buses pass you because they are full. I really don't agree with the dorm staff having liberty to go into your dorm room, especially if you aren't home. I don't like that you only can lock yourself out 3 times before you are charged-the doors have a tendency to lock on their own (at least in Smith hall)!
As for on-campus controversies, a major one is being protested in the near future: The Coalition for an Equitable Community and Pride Student Union are hosting a demonstration to try and make an inclusive non-discrimination policy become a reality. FSU is one of only a few campuses in Florida who has not yet adopted an inclusive non-discrimination policy, meaning that by not including protections in the policies the University reserves the right to discriminate meaning that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students, faculty, and staff have the possibility of being discriminated against. I will be attending the rally.
There is a lot of school pride, and at orientation all of the incoming students will learn the tomahawk chop and the fight song!
It is really awesome because during orientation the orientation leaders take students on a "ghost tour" of the campus-explaining any strange phenomenas that tend to occur. For example, the roof in Smith hall used to be open for people to smoke outside or just get out, but a few years ago a girl committed suicide off of it, and now it is locked up. The ironic part is that all of the windows open and the screens still come off- for which I am thankful, the fresh air is great.
The most popular place to go out in Tally is the strip on Tennessee street. It is within walking distance of the campus, right across the street actually and really fun, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Also, for night time transportation, the safe bus is provided in which students just have to call their number and they will pick them up and take them anywhere on campus. As for off-campus, the Night Nole travels all around Tallahassee.
I will always remember living on the 10th floor in Smith hall. We call it the Penthouse. The elevator only goes to the 9th floor, so we always walk to the 10th and it's like a private floor. I have met some of my best friend's in Tallahassee on my floor. We always keep our doors open and it's like one big slumber party. It's so much fun.