University of Florida Top Questions

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

Samantha

The stereotype at the University of Florida is that everyone is intelligent, and is going to school in order to achieve the best degree they possibly can. I think a lot of people who don't go to the university think the students are full of themselves and ignorant. But being a student here, I can say that most people are here for the common goal of getting a more elite education than other schools in the state of Florida.

Stephanie

I wouldn't exactly say that there are stereotypes at the University of Florida. Sure there are "frat guys" and "jocks" but they don't always fit the stereotype for that. Some of the "frat guys" are friendly and involved with many other organizations on campus like a Christian club, or the LGBT community. I wouldn't really put a label on the entire school because each person is so different than just one thing that they are involved with. For instance, I'm a female in a fraternity. I'm not a "frat girl" or "typical sorority girl", I'm just a Brother in an amazing Brotherhood. No matter where you go, you will find people that do fit a certain stereotype, however, I wouldn't label that entire organization as a specific sterotype because each person within can be very different.

Laura

Intelligent Students

Megan

The stereotype seems to be that UF students are uppity and assume themselves to be better than everybody else at other schools. I would say that this stereotype is generally accurate, but I haven't seen it cause any harm. UF is ranked among the top public universities yearly and is always listed as the #1 school in Florida. The pride of the students is certainly justified. While they make take their enthusiasm to some levels of extremity, the rivalries and trash talk are almost always in good fun.

Lizzy

UF students have are stereotyped as being smart. This is true.

Joyce

I will say that the stereotype student here is a good student, because it is not an easy school. Other than that, it is hard to have a stereotype because the school is so diverse, I am not able to describe a stereotype.

Brittany

I think the stereotype at this school is all the really smart nerdy kids. This is true in the way that everyone at this school is very intelligent, but trust me, we know how to have fun.

Kassie

Many people believe that UF is full of overachieving geeks and foreign students. While both of these stereotypes are true to an extent, UF is not confined to just these two types of students. The University of Florida actually has one of the most diverse student bodies, ranging from the super smart chemistry wiz to the bubbly sorority girl.

Arlithia

Everyone is a member of a Greek Fraternity or Sorority- False There are a lot of jocks on campus- True All of our sports teams are amazing- True There are a lot of Geeks on campus- Our school is home to a lot of intelligent individuals The food on campus is not that great- Definitely false Getting around campus is impossible- False, there are various ways to do so: The bus, SNAP, etc. Professors are mean and cold- Every professor that I have came across has been warm, inviting and willing to help me in any way that they possibly can. Campus life is not that fun- False. There are over 900 clubs and organizations at the University of Florida plus various activities on campus and in Gainesville on a daily basis. Our rivalries with other schools are serious: True Every class is huge- False. There are many small classes where you get one on one attention from a professor.

Alissa

The most well known stereotype about UF that I constantly hear about has to be that it is completely made up of Greek Life. While I myself am a part of Greek Life, only about 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the total population of students at UF participate in it. I love Greek Life and I feel that if you want to join, you should definitely try it out. I can without a doubt say it's not for everyone, but even if you can't find a Frat or Sorority that you fit into there are still tons of other options to get involved. There are over 900 organizations at UF, including coed Business, Pre-med, Pre-law, etc. fraternities that you are kind of like Greek Fraternities and Sororities. There's even some clubs that will take you away on vacation (for a small price). For instance, my current roommate went on a weekend trip to North Carolina where she went camping and hot air ballooning with about 20 other UF students. There's tons of things to get involved in, don't let the rumors of "Go Greek or Don't Go Here" scare you!

Olivia

The main UF stereotype would be that of a party-going, easy-going, lackadaisical student who loves sports. Yep, you’ve got it—a marketing major who is really into Greek life and going out and less into figuring out whether rationalism or empiricism is more valid. While this is very (and frustratingly) true of those who are prominent in Greek life (trust me, I’m a doctor…uh…former sorority girl), it is not the case for the overall UF population. While we don’t, on average, have the most innovative or quirky people, but most of the students here do care about getting a decent education. Plus, if you’re looking for a more artistic crowd, Gainesville has an, albeit hidden, interesting, hipsteresque vibe downtown and there are multiple organized art shows and the Hippodrome to keep even the most artistically inclined continually cultured. After dropping out of my sorority this year, I tried out for the Gainesville Fashion Week and made the cut to be able to walk for local designers. This will put me into contact with local photographers and designers, and so I find myself becoming somewhat part of that artistic culture. The artistic culture aside, it is pertinent to mention that the sports culture here is suffocating if you’re not into them (e.g. it took me what should have been a five minute drive fifteen minutes last night because of an influx of people to the basketball game), and you will soon become annoyed with the lack of parking if tailgating just isn’t your thing. But going out with all of your sisters/brothers for tailgating can be really fun (the personal lack of allure of sports was what took the fun out of it for me) because girls wear pins representing their respective sororities and the guys, well, host parties filled with free food and cheap beer. In this way it’s a definite American collegiate experience in regards to the overwhelming spirit for the Gators.

Kaitlyn

The main stereotype typically applied to UF students is "party." That's not really an adjective, but UF is among the top five party schools in the nation, which makes people believe that all of us are frequent party-goers. While this is true for a lot of students at this school, and while we have an extensive Greek life, there are plenty of people who don't hit the party scene as much as would be expected. I, for one, hardly ever go out. And while that may make me a "social hermit," I have enough friends and good times to be able to have fun without hitting the parties every night. More importantly, the friends I have share the same ideas as I do. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you want the stereotype to apply, that's definitely not difficult, but you can also avoid the stereotype and still have a good time. There are plenty of things to do on campus, such as open mic nights, dorm activities, movies, Gator nights, and simply being with great people. You don't have to fit into the party life, but if you want to, then feel comfortable knowing that you'll always have the option.

Emma

The stereotypes are that we are a party-school that doesn't take our work seriously, and that we are all in the Greek system. However, Greek life is a minority at our school. Also, while a lot of people do party (some even every day of the week), it definitely does not define the student body. Those that do party tend to be found in the library studying first, anyways!

Piero

Typically the students that attend University of Florida are classified into 2 groups, South Florida kids who live in MIami/Ft. Lauderdale listen to electro music go clubbing and dress flashy. The other group being composed of "Southern" kids, who chew tobacco and like to go hunting and fishing, while there girls are classified as southern belles. Also students here have a reputation of being smart.

Raul

In the University of Florida are a large diversity of people . There are people from all nationalities and I personally dont think there any stereotype in particular

Joyce

The stereotype is that the students are full of themselves and think they're the best. Stereotypes are never accurate.

Oriana

A few years ago the University of Florida was named the number 1 party school in America. So not true. While we do know how to have fun, the majority of students at this university work smart and work hard!

Oriana

A few years ago the University of Florida was named the number 1 party school in America. So not true. While we do know how to have fun, the majority of students at this university work smart and work hard!

Joshua

Katherina

Greeks and Frats, it's pretty accurate because people think that if they don't join a sorority or a fraternity they won't have fun in college but that's not true at all. I know a couple of people who are being successful without being Greek, that being said there is also some advantages to joining a sorority and fraternity.

Catherine

I always heard that students at UF were rabid sports fans and partied all the time like there was no tomorrow. Like most stereotypes, there is a degree of truth to it. Gainesville does have a vibrant nightlife with plenty of clubs and parties. However, UF is such a large school that you can find every type of person so while it's true some people party almost every night, other people rarely go out. Also, you don't absolutely have to be a sports fan to enjoy UF.

Alexandra

I think the main stereotype of students at my school is that all of them are partiers. Although, the University of Florida has been ranked among the top "party schools" before, it's not all about that here. Just because some students are not the most responsible, that doesn't mean that all of the students are.

Christina

There is an assumption that all students at UF are either snobby or jocks. I'd like to say that you are about as likely to find these stereotypes at UF as you are at just about any school in the country.

Nia

There are a lot of stereotypes at UF that everyone is a part of or wants to be a part of the greek system. In addition, there are a lot of stereotypes about people who participate in the greek system. For example, I have heard that sorority and fraternity members are promiscuous and are more concerned with having a good time then getting good grades.

Cindy

One of the more common stereotypes of our students is that they party all of the time. Our party school reputation isn't accurate; there are various options regarding night life but most our students would say that academics are their top priority.

Joei

The stereotype at my school is that we are all sports fanatics. There are the different types of students to include jocks and geeks. However, the school is so large and diverse that it doesn't cause poor relationships amongst any students. As for the stereotype that we are all sports (gator) fanatics, it is not true because many people, like myself, come to the school for the academics and education as opposed to the sports team.

Kyle

University of Florida is notoriously know for its nerds and jorts stereotype. Being the flagship public university in the state, UF prides itself on offering one of the top higher level educations in the South East. While the admissions process is very competitive, UF brings in a diverse group of individuals who excel at more than just academics. And while the course work is very challenging, students find a wide variety of activities to keep themselves entertained outside the classroom. Intramural sports, clubs, SGA, youth groups, and greek life are just a few of the organizations that students get involved in. Library West may be crowded most nights of the week, but you'll always be able to have fun with other Gators by cheering one of Florida's 17 NCAA teams, at the Reitz Union Gator Nights, or even at the bars. Gators work hard, and party harder. Maybe only because of the stereotype, but you will inevitably see a fan or two wearing jorts on Gameday. But no, jorts are not something worn by the student population on a daily basis.

Sara

I would say that University of Florida students get stereotyped most often as Greeks (fraternity guys and sorority girls) and aloof, arrogant students who believe themselves better than students of other schools (such as FSU) because of the prestigious school they attend and the difficulty of acceptance into the university. I have heard both of these stereotypes from students of other schools, including FSU.

Leila

Many people say that University of Florida student's are "stuck-up" because of the fact that they are Gators. This stereotype is in fact untrue. We are so lucky and fortunate to be a part of the Gator nation, which is why we are so proud to boast about our attendance UF. UF is such a big school, and it prides itself on the diversity of students. There are so many clubs, institutions, organizations and opportunities open to versatile students, so it is impossible to stereotype a school of over 50,000 students.

Marybeth

The great thing about UF is that it is like a microcosm of society! You have big party people, jocks, hipsters, geeks, frat kids, religious kids, musicians, and everything in between! No one stereotype applies to all of our students... Except maybe our GATOR PRIDE!

Julie

Sure, there are a few. Most people don't care though. Throughout campus everyone is generally mingling together. The are foreign students that often keep to themselves, but I think it's due more to the language barrier. The greeks are another one. You get asked that a lot, but more for a conversation starter. There are a LOT of greeks. The greeks are known for partying and being crazy, but they are not all like that. The partying can be accurate for some, but not always. There are many greek associations based on interests such as business.

Marybeth

I think a big stereotype of UF students is that they are big party people. This reputation was especially heightened when we won national championships in football a few years ago and we were voted the #1 party school during that time by a magazine. I don't think its accurate in that all students are loud, obnoxious "party-ers." If you want to drink a lot and go out a lot, that opportunity is there for you. But you wouldn't feel lost if you didn't, and there are many, many students who don't like that kind of lifestyle. The great thing about UF is that you have every kind of cleavage of society in its student body. It is like a microcosm of society. So you do have big party people, you have jocks, stoners, geeks, frat kids, religious kids, artists, and everything in between!

Jennifer

Frat kids Football fans Gator pride

Alexander

In my opinion the typical stereotype of the University is that it is a very diverse community with students interested in sports, students into the greek life and students very dedicated to their studies.

Esmeralda

The stereotype of students at my school is that they party excessively; sometimes referred to as binge drinking. However, this stereotype is not accurate. I have been attending this university for four years and my experience has showed me otherwise.

Wade

When people think "UF," they typically think of fraternities and partying. But while Greek life is prevalent and a big part of campus life, UF also has renown academic programs in journalism, health, business, and more.

Caroline

Greeks rule the school at the University of Florida-and yes the stereotypes are true! I'm in a sorority at UF and have been exposed to far too many frat stars on campus. Frat guys seem to be a staple at UF with a website dedicated to how idiotic they look daily. Greeks rule the UF campus, they are the most involved students in every organization. However the Greeks are elitist. There are tell-tale signs of being greek on campus (frat tanks, croakies, anoraks, and Sperrys) that students look for to identify you as either greek or GDI (God Damn Independent.) The Greeks tend to socialize with their kind and stray away from GDIs.

Mike

Judging from my experiences at the University of Florida, you have a mixture of many different stereotypes. While the Greek population is only a small percentage of students, it seems as though they have a dominant control over the university. For example, the Unite Party, which usually cleans house during election week, is essentially supported by the Greek party. This partnership ensures the party's success. In addition to Greek life, you have a significant portion of nerds. Because the University of Florida is one of the best public schools in the state of Florida, it is difficult to be admitted. Therefore, you will find a good number of studious kids at the university. Furthermore, you will find what I believe to be the largest portion of the population, the normal folk. I would describe these people as the average college student. They drink moderately throughout the week, may smoke weed or experiment with other drugs, and probably average a 3.0 GPA.

Karlyne

If the amount of stereotypes (STs) UF has had a sound, and the amount WAS an actual stereo, UF would be blasting all the way to Zimbabwe! There are so many STs, it's not even funny. But there is a kernel of truth in all of them. :) You have the "snobby" Gators. These are the ones who rep UF no matter what; if every sport lost every game, UF is still THE BEST. Merely because we are UF. Duh. But beware of the people who really only came to college for school and do not claim the "Gator" title. Some of them have the guts to admit they are friends and fans of the enemy that shall not be named!...Next, "Greeks". A day will not pass when you do not see letters from alpha to omega somewhere on campus! They are everywhere!! You have the white frat boys, the black frat boys, the Asian frats, Hispanic, Indian, it just does not stop. And then you have the sororities of the same kind! It is actually very fun to see the brother- and sisterhood they share with each other! And the random displays of their chants and dances on Turlington on the way to class! Next.. PARTY IN THE UFL!!!! Yes. UF is constantly seen as a HUGE party school. C'mon, UF is right off University Ave., probably THE busiest street in Gainesville. Clubs, bars, pubs, restaurants, and Mochi?? You basically just got down on your knees and begged for a paaaaaarrrttayyyyyyy!!!!!!! And wait!...can't forget the huge athletes who are always decked out in the nicest Gator gear. Sometimes I wish I was on the volleyball team just so I could wear their sweats...and those glorious moments when you see a star athlete like Trey Burton pass by you, yes ladies, it is quite an experience. HA! UF is basically it's own city, and there are many different people from many different places so there will always be someone to confirm your stereotype: this, I am sure!

Karlyne

If the amount of stereotypes (STs) UF has had a sound, and the amount WAS an actual stereo, UF would be blasting all the way to Zimbabwe! There are so many STs, it's not even funny. But there is a kernel of truth in all of them. :) You have the "snobby" Gators. These are the ones who rep UF no matter what; if every sport lost every game, UF is still THE BEST. Merely because we are UF. Duh. Next, "Greeks". A day will not pass when you do not see letters from alpha to omega somewhere on campus! They are everywhere!! You have the white frat boys, the black frat boys, the Asian frats, Hispanic, Indian, it just does not stop. And then you have the sororities of the same kind! It is actually very fun to see the brother- and sisterhood they share with each other! And the random displays of their chants and dances on Turlington on the way to class! Next.. PARTY IN THE UFL!!!! Yes. UF is constantly seen as a HUGE party school. C'mon, UF is right off University Ave., probably THE busiest street in Gainesville. Clubs, bars, pubs, restaurants, and Mochi?? You basically just got down on your knees and begged for a paaaaaarrrttayyyyyyy!!!!!!! And wait!...can't forget the huge athletes who are always decked out in the nicest Gator gear. Sometimes I wish I was on the volleyball team just so I could wear their sweats...and those glorious moments when you see a star athlete like Trey Burton pass by you, yes ladies, it is quite an experience. HA! UF is basically it's own city, and there are many different people from many different places so there will always be someone to confirm your stereotype: this, I am sure!

Amanda

Because of the fairly high ranking of some of our athletic programs (namely football and basketball), I think one stereotype of our students here at the University of Florida is that there are a large amount of jocks and athletes here on campus. Overall, it is normal to share classes with student athletes, but they're just that, students who play sports. There is also a fairly large Greek community here on campus as well.

Talia

A lot of people assume that the University of Florida is a school just for kids who want to get drunk at football games. Although we do love some Gator football, this is not the case. Everyone I know that attends UF is there first and foremost for academics. People are very serious about their work. The students here are extremely studious; the library is always packed and office hours never go wasted. Yes, we love to go out and have a good time, but we don't ever forget why we're at the Gator Nation to begin with, and that's learning.

Sarah

I know a few years back UF was picked as the top party school in the country, so people might have the impression that that's what we're all about here. While I won't deny that Gators know how to have a good time, there's alot more to get out of your experience at UF. We have an outstanding academic program. Great professors, top-knotch research, and more. And there's always something to do to stay busy, even if you'er not the party type.

Bahar

There's a million nerds, a million people in the Greek life, and If you look hard enough, there's a perfect niech for everyone.

Stephen

I don't honestly know what the perpetuated stereotypes are for the University of Florida students, but the University of Florida's student population is anything but stereotypical. There are so many different diverse groups on campus. There's an organization for most of the nationalities you can think of. My major is mostly dominated by Chinese and Indian students, and I've gotten exposed to a lot of their culture through meeting some of my teachers, teaching assistants, and fellow students. One woman I've met is from Taiwan, and a man I met is from South Africa. Honestly, the students here are just plain interesting.

Michael

There really isn't a typical stereotype of students at the University of Florida because there is such a diverse student body. Many people do think of a lot of Asian students and a whole lot of engineers because UF is known for it's high academics and a good engineering school.

Melissa

The school revolves around football. Yes, all of Gainesville is blue and orange and full of gators.

Melissa

Blue and Orange

Zarna

Students that go to UF are typically stereotyped as a variety of things, including frat kids, snobby sorority girls, and of course, the obnoxious gator fans. Being an SEC school, our greek system seems to be pretty prominent. However, only about 25{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of our 50,000+ population is in a fraternity or sorority. There are many other ways to participate in social life. So we're not ALL frat guys and sorority girls. The only other stereotype that really exists is that we're obnoxious about your loyalty to our school. Yes, we're rowdy. Yes, we might call the other teams names. Yes, we know that orange and blue don't actually match, yet try to wear them together on any occasion.

Samantha

In the past, the University of Florida has been stereotyped as a party school. Therefore, many people would think of the students at the University of Florida as "partiers." However, I have spent three and a half years at the University of Florida, and I have found that the majority of students do not simply party all the time. The University of Florida has a very diverse group of students. Everyone can find his or her place at this wonderful school. I have found that if you want to be a "partier," then it really does not matter what school you attend because you can find parties at every university. Any student can find something he or she loves to participate in at the University of Florida, whether it is sports, greek life, or volunteering.