University of Central Florida Top Questions

Describe the students at your school.

Katherine

The students at UCF are diverse. That is really all there is to it. We have students from every state, numerous different countries, and all parts of the world. As far as my experiences have been, I have had nothing but pleasant encounters learning about new cultures and walks of life. The University has an office of Diversity Initiatives which sets out to create inclusion for all, regardless of your race, religion, or preference of any kind, and having worked on a project with them, they really know what they are doing and how to make anyone welcomed and comfortable at the school. Students usually keep to themselves about their financial situation, and as far as the future goes, everyone at UCF believes and wants the same thing, to be successful, however they define success, exactly the way we like it.

Justin

UCF definitely has its fair share of every background you could think of, as well as its fair share of every political, moral, and religious viewpoint you could think of. As with real life, some of these groups are louder than others--UCF permits students to demonstrate their views in accordance with first amendment rights. A notable example I remember is that of an anti abortion or "pro life" group demonstrating their views--peacefully, mind you. All in all, no one should feel out of place at UCF regardless of background, or their moral or political views.

Carl

One of the things I love about UCF is the vast diversity that is there. From infancy onward I have always been around people who come from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures; for example, 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students that attended my high school were not Caucasian, with groups from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Vietnam, and Colombia. The same is true of UCF--it is nothing out of the ordinary to walk from the Student Union to the Library and see a group of Middle Eastern students, followed by a Latino organization with some black and European Americans scattered about. Thus, I feel right at home. The diversity at UCF stretches far beyond just ethnicity. Groups of Muslims, Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, atheists and other belief systems can easily be identified across campus, bearing thorough witness to the school's religious diversity. The same can be said of political matters--democrats, republicans, and other groups all exist on campus. Moreover, the punk, hip hop, cowboy, Gothic, and LGBT cultures are all present on campus, excluding virtually no one from a group that they feel they might "belong" to. Many students are from Florida, while sizable portions come from out-of-state. Understandably then, one would think that with all of these differing views, there must be a lot of discord and a lack of unity here at UCF, but instead the opposite is true--all of these different cultures blend together beautifully, much in the same way that the different instruments in an orchestra complement each other seamlessly to create a pleasant musical piece. This remarkable diversity has made me embrace UCF all the more so for its uniqueness.

alina

"Community" is another pillar of the UCF creed. It stands for respecting the rights and contributions of everyone in order to create a supportive environment on campus. It really is one of the most diverse schools I have ever seen, not just in terms of students, but also evident in faculty and administration members (since they practice an Equal Opportunity Employment system). Our student government body itself has all ethnicities represented, which shows every one gets an equal opportunity. Every religious student organization is welcome to table and advocate its literature, of course in a non-imposing way. So far I have seen Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, Hindus, Atheists, etc., all promoting their materials outside the student union. The same kind of freedom is also provided to political and LGBT organizations. A noteworthy aspect of our campus is the designated "free speech" areas including one located outside the library as well as in six other areas on campus. These spots are used for anyone to freely speak about, sometimes even scream, their opinions and concerns. In terms of the socio-economic status of students, theres diversity in that too. I consider myself someone who belongs to a middle class family, and I do just fine at school thanks to financial aid, bright futures' scholarship, and UCF's scholarship. Majority of students work and go to school to support themselves. So I would say, most students come from humble backgrounds and take care of themselves for the most part. This also means you see students in casual and comfortable outfits around school, further enhancing their images of every day college students. To help students out a little, University of Central Florida has a unique program called Knights Pantry. It's a medium sized storage place in the middle of campus where fellow knights donate canned food, clothes, and necessary items for those knights in need. All you must have is a valid student ID to get whatever is needed. UCF is as diverse as it gets, in terms of race, ethnicity, socio economic status, academic capabilities, interests, etc.

Miranda

One of the greatest things about UCF is the unique and diverse population of students. There are students from all over the U.S. and other countries that I have met at UCF. Many of the students are very friendly and there are always groups that any student could fit into. To me UCF does not seem to have any general cliques in student populations so the possibilities of meeting and finding great friends are endless.

Miranda

One of the greatest things about UCF is the unique and diverse population of students. There are students from all over the U.S. and other countries that I have met at UCF. Many of the students are very friendly and there are always groups that any student could fit into. To me UCF does not seem to have any general cliques in student populations so the possibilities of meeting and finding great friends are endless.

Miranda

One of the greatest things about UCF is the unique and diverse population of students. There are students from all over the U.S. and other countries that I have met at UCF. Many of the students are very friendly and there are always groups that any student could fit into. To me UCF does not seem to have any general cliques in student populations so the possibilities of meeting and finding great friends are endless.

Jeffrey

They're a few knotches above the normal crowd.

Melissa

I believe that UCF really emphasizes diversity amongst their students. Of course, in a classroom, there is always that one person that everyone hates that always asks the teacher with one minute left what the homework assignment is, but despite that one person everyone is culturally diverse. I have learned about so many different types of cultures due to UCF. I had never even met a jewish person before coming to college, and sophomore year I lived with all jewish girls. I might even describe some activities, such as chabad, with them as a cultural shock not being brought up in the jewish faith. Also, in my french and spanish classes I am exposed to different types of religions and ideas from all over the world. I love going to UCF because I am able to learn about the world during an ordinary day on campus.

Danielle

The students at my school vary. You have the ones that are passionate about school and the ones that really don't care.

Samantha

UCF is a very diverse school. You are going to be required to interact with diverse students in all of your courses. I personally love this because it opens my eyes to other cultures and views. I don't think any student would feel out of place at UCF. There are some students who like to look their best in class everyday and there are others, like myself, who most of the time like to be comfortable and wear sweats. It doesn't matter what you wear as long as you are happy with it. I think most students at this school are from middle class families. A lot of students rely on financial aid and their jobs to support themselves. There aren't many families who can support their children while in school. Students do discuss how much money they will make one day which is important and most professors will discuss this in their courses.

Shonn

Many of the students here are very liberal and you are more than likely going to meet so many different types of poeple from so many different backgrounds that you have ever met in you're life and it's great because you get the opportunity to learn and expose yourself to different cultures.

Amanda

I am pretty sure it is impossible to feel out of place at UCF. I say this because we have about 55,000 students!! There are so many different types of people, you are bound to find at least one other person that is awesome just like you. Think of every stereotype you have ever encountered in your life, and you will find it here, plus more! Most students dress "cute" to class in the first week or two. Then, it slowly turns into sweatpants and t-shirts, or whatever you wore to bed the night before. Honestly, you can wear whatever you want and you'll blend in just fine. I have seen some wacky outfits and nobody gives them any extra attention. In a college setting, you will find that not many different types of students interact. Usually same type students stick with "their kind." I feel like this is just human nature, though. You are supposed to stick with the people who are like you, right? My favorite part of UCF is how diverse it is. We have students from all over the world coming to this school. Take my experience, for example. In the few years that I have been here, I have made friends with kids from New Zealand, Venezuela, Japan, The Phillipines, Germany, India, England, Brazil, France, Pakistan, Vietnam, and the list goes on and on. Most students are from America, yes, but there is such a heavy international influence. It's really cool! The financial background of students varies. You're going to find your typical snobby rich kids but you're also going to find kids that are only getting an education thanks to their scholarship money. I feel like financial differences have never played a part in my relationships, so nothing to worry about there! On whether students are politically aware and active, that's up to you, the student! If you want to be active, there are so many ways to do so, and if you don't.. then don't! Same with political affiliation. It's all up to you! I think that's the coolest part about college. YOU shape the kind of student that you want to be.

Kayla

There are so many students on this campus, there is somebody from every culture, every race, every religion, every state, lots of different countries, every financial situation, every political affiliation with every different interest in the world.

Dustin

Everyone you come across on campus is here for one thing, and that is to learn. The classroom atmosphere ranges from comfortable in the lower level classes to more professional in the upper level courses. It all really depends on the professor. During the average day of class in the engineering department, you can find students casually sitting in either atrium hard at work. However, when it comes to presentations and demonstrations, you can bet that UCF's engineering students know it's time to be professional. You can also count on making friends that will be there to help you out with classes and are very interactive to the learning process. Everyone just wants to learn something, be they poor, rich, middle class, republican, democrat, independent, gay, straight, or transgender. I have yet to come across someone who won't put their differences aside to help some one out.

Dustin

Everyone you come across on campus is here for one thing, and that is to learn. The classroom atmosphere ranges from comfortable in the lower level classes to more professional in the upper level courses. It all really depends on the professor. During the average day of class in the engineering department, you can find students casually sitting in either atrium hard at work. However, when it comes to presentations and demonstrations, you can bet that UCF's engineering students know it's time to be professional. You can also count on making friends that will be there to help you out with classes and are very interactive to the learning process. Everyone just wants to learn something, be they poor, rich, middle class, republican, democrat, independent, gay, straight, or transgender. I have yet to come across someone who won't put their differences aside to help some one out.

Trevor

As the Diversity Initiatives Coordinator of UCF's SGA I will have to say that along with our school being diverse, we are also very inclusive!

Ian

UCF has probably more diversity than Epcot! And that's saying something. With nearly 56,000 students enrolled, it's kind of hard not to appreciate diversity. I don't think anyone would feel out of place simply because there's always going to be a "place" where you fit in, no matter what your interests are.

Scott

There are all kids of people that attend UCF. I have see everything from elders to young teens to students that can not speak one word of english. UCF offers a little bit of something for everyone. There is not a specific financial class, race, ethnicity or any of that here, students are spread out over everything possible. It is always fun to meet people from different cultures and share experience. Its amazing what some people have done/ gone through in their lives. It is a experience on its own just talking to people, both students and staff are usually all friendly.

David

UCF has every type of student

Taylor

My classmates were friendly, fun, and they each brought their own unique backgrounds that my college experience truly the best time of my life.

Destiny

The students of UCF all have different backgrounds, standards, and beliefs! All mixed. You ask and you will find.

Justin

Friendly, motivated, and excited to be there.

joanna

My classmates are very friendly and helpful.

Melissa

My classmates are under-prepared by Florida's school system, and tend to think that their classes are too hard when in actuality they are extremely easy compared to mid-western schools; nevertheless, they the majority of them become hard workers, learn to deal with hard teachers, and are able to balance academic learning with their social lives.

Lacey

Work as a team

Eileen

Creative

Jeysie

My classmates were seriously focused and involved when it came to schoolwork.

Alexa

Having the second highest student population in the nation, the University of Central Florida offers a diversity amoung students, all of whom are willing to acheive a higher education.

Nataly

My classmates have been helpful when I requested assistance and have always given me feedback when needed by being accomadating even in the largest auditorium sized classroom.

Alyssa

My classmates in the music department are very focused and dedicated to their field. At any given time, several of them can be found practicing and working hard at improving their musical skills. My classmates in the Honors College are also incredibly focused, and they definitely study hard with little to no wasting of time. So far, all of the people that I interact with have been very friendly, respectful, and helpful.

Christian

The students of the University of Central Florida are well-educated, driven individuals with a passion to study and excel in their coursework in order to advance in their lives.

Kayla

My classmates all want to succeed. Everyone pays attention in class and puts effort into their work. You can always ask for help from a peer and everyone is very understanding.

Mehwish

Very helpful to each other and willing to work together if help is asked

Syed

It's hard to describe my classmates, but I would say we all have the same achieving attitude.

Karen

We work well as a team.

Nephthaly

Diverse; my classmates range from the typical, race, to the not so typical, sexual orientation. Everyone has different views on everything and the large class sizes contribute to the diversity of each student.

Lauren

My classmates can be described as unique, opportunistic, and ready for life's many challenges.

Ashley

My classmates this semester are boring. They don't like excietment or a little joke during class to break the ice. My classes are very dry because they don't have any sense of humor.

Johany

I find my classmates to be hungry for knowlege and hard working individuals that are here to do something great with there lives.

Darcie

Very young and have not had a full time job yet.

Bradley

Most people are open to making friends but keep to who they already know before making new friends.

Corenne

Each of my classmates are completely different from one another, there are no two people alike at the University of Central Florida.

Ashley

The classmates I have met at the University of Central Florida are nothing but kind and considerate, reflecting the outstanding values one must have to attend such a university where students can meet life long friends.

Kyle

They are racially diverse, but in the center of it all they are all college students looking for a degree in a higher institution of knowledge.

Adrienne

A small city.

Danielle

My classmates are all activitely pursuing very varied interests and are very creative.

Keith

My classmates are generally great individuals who are dedicated to their school work.

Kayon

My classmates are courteous, helpful and generous; these students hardly think selfishly.

Justin

My classmates are extremely friendly, and are great when it comes to study groups.