The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL, USA

Reviews

The University of West Florida

Eric from Pace, FL

a current student here
27 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Everyday I go into a classroom I learn something that I can use almost everyday.
Am enjoying being here
I love it at UWF!! I love the small population, and knowing most everybody who I walk by. And the fact that we're on a nature preserve is amazing itself.
Bang for the buck
UWF is the CHEAPEST university in Florida.
Tips for prospective students
-Go to class, a lot of people I know like to skip and ask me why they failed at the end of the semester.
-Pay attention, just sitting in class won't make you learn, you have to LISTEN to what the professor says
-Get involved on campus, whether it be by going Greek, working with CAB, or helping some other way.
Great for these types of students
-Personal attention from professors
-Strained for money
-People who love being outdoors

Rachel from Babson Park, FL

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love this school. The teachers are welcoming and helpful and willing to work with you. The resource center has an open door. This school wants your attendance and treats you like family.
Am enjoying being here
I love the campus. I feel safe. The campus sits on a nature perserve. It has numerous nature trails, this campus is environmentally oriented and beautiful. I feel welcomed and have joined several campus organizations. If you need help writing labs and study lab centers are readily available.
Bang for the buck
I researched most Florida public universities before applying. The University of West Florida was my number 1 pick. It has small student body, close to the coast, the cost for tuition and books reasonable. The cost of housing was higher than most but location, the sense of security and welcoming atmosphere overrides that cost.
Tips for prospective students
Know what you want in a school before applying. If your looking for a Rah Rah party campus West Florida is not for you. We are academically oriented with some partying.
Great for these types of students
West Florida has a diverse population of students. We are goal oriented, campus based. Some athletics allot of research buffs.

Lindsay from Pensacola, FL

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The staff treats you as if you were someone majoring in that field of study. they are very well educated and are helpful in anyway.
Am enjoying being here
Pensacola is a very nice town. Being from a large city, Pensacola is a nice change from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bang for the buck
The college is well thought out and is a relatively small campus. Most of the classes are located near or around the dorms and are within a ten min walk from any part of campus.
Tips for prospective students
Mainly a science and business school. Scholarships are available at school.
Great for these types of students
Beachy, easy going students but are willing to learn in the fields of Science and Business aspects of majors.

Karyssa from Navarre, FL

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Once you push through your general studies courses, you really do learn quite a bit, but it's extremely difficult going through the basics again. I suppose this is true for any college though. Other than that, the teachers are helpful and kind. They make sure you get what they're teaching you.
Am enjoying being here
I've lived in the panhandle of Florida my whole life, so it only makes sense that I'm growing tired of it. The beach is about 15-20 minutes away, and that is where most of the students hang out.
Bang for the buck
UWF is an extremely cheap school, which is always beneficial. The campus is beautiful and all the buildings are completely original. You never feel like your on another perfectly cut lawn, with perfectly trimmed bushes, etc. Again, the teachers really help you out. All you have to do is ask.
Tips for prospective students
The counseling center is helpful, as is the career center. It'd be wise to make use of both, especially the career center.
Great for these types of students
You definitely need to be self-disciplined because it can be extremely tempting to just forget about class and head off to the beach or chill with your friends.

Alvin from Pinellas Park, FL

researching this school
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Professors seem very nice and approachable
Will enjoy being here
Love the people but hate the dorms. No private bedrooms for freshman on campus. Rooms are tiny.
Bang for the buck
Exellent value and good scholarships available. Beautiful campus.

Tien from Pensacola, FL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here are extremely nice and willing to help you! The class sizes are relatively small compared to other colleges and that allow them to know you on a face-to-face basis if you let them! So far, I'm learning so much here-- the opportunities available is really amazing!
Am enjoying being here
I am definitely loving it here. The friends that I've met here will last for a lifetime and the campus itself is extremely beautiful. Trees and flowers are everywhere and there is even a nature trail with animals all around for those who are nature inclinced.
Bang for the buck
I do not have much experience in the cost to education analysis, but I can definitely tell you that UWF is an excellent choice given what I know. The tuition fee is relatively low and, as mentioned before, you can learn a LOT(!) with tons of oppertunities to use it in the real world.
Tips for prospective students
I highly, highly recommend e-mailing and meeting up with the professors during their office hours. It can really make a difference!

I also recommend that you talk to your majors' advisors. They can help keep you on track and prevent potentially costly detours.
Great for these types of students
Any student who enjoy nature, low student:faculty ratio, and oppertunites in applying lectures to real life

Lacey from Pensacola, FL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
If you love learning, then you will love it at UWF. You can even study outside under a tree with your toes in the grass. UWF is THE place to be.
Will enjoy being here
I love being outside. When I first visited the UWF campus, I was swept away. I regret not coming to this University last year. If you love to be outdoors, or biking, or birds, then you will ABSOLUTELY love it here. The vivid greens of the campus will take your breath away every day. It's really an amazing place to wake up in, if you live on campus.
Bang for the buck
This University really is the cheapest on in Florida. The staff members are nice, as are the students. And the campus is GORGEOUS and is located on a 1,600 acre wildlife preservation! There's no bigger bang for one's buck than it is at this University. You can drive 30 minutes south and be on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Panhandle. Really, REALLY a bang for your buck!
Tips for prospective students
- Whatever you do, get to class on time. From personal experience, you can miss A LOT of information, even if you're just 5 minutes late. In those 5 minutes, the professor could be telling the class what that day's lesson was going to be about. When you walk in later, you're disturbing the rest of the class, and then you have to ask one of your classmates what the professor is talking about, further disrupting the learning environment.
- BE ACTIVE! Get down and dirty with the University activities. It doesn't matter whether you just like standing on the sidelines and watching, or being proactive, just GO. That's the best way to get to know the peers you're going to be in class with throughout the years, and possibly graduate with. I doubt they'll bite; just get in the game.
- USE YOUR PROFESSORS! Talk to them; they will listen. GO to their office hours; they're there for you. Ask them questions; that's the only why you'll find out the REAL answers. They are being paid to help you succeed, so take advantage of the opportunity.
Great for these types of students
The University of West Florida is GREAT for students who love the outdoors, and a tidy community. You'll get to know the people you're going to be in class with MONTHS before you actually start school, which is really helpful for transitioning from high school to college. There's nothing to be afraid of.

Christopher from Grand Ridge, FL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of West Florida has a beautiful campus, a friendly faculty and staff, and excellent and fast services available to its students. Most of the services (such as the library, polices station, on-campus restaurants, the commons, etc.) are open late if not around the clock and provide superb service, the teachers are highly skilled and most make appointments to work individually with students on issues, and the amount of spirit shown by everyone at the school through crazy and interesting school activities is unparallelled. I'm really glad I found UWF.
Tips for prospective students
The workload at UWF is a little heavier than some colleges, but not so much that you can't handle it. Just be sure to keep track of your grades and deadlines right from the start of the year and you will be fine and it will be very worth it.
Academic Rigor
The workload at UWF is definitely heavier than what I was used to when I transferred, but it was so worth it in the end.
Dorm Life
There are many different types of dorms on campus, from on-campus apartments to the cheaper Southside dorms, but all are excellent in my opinion. I live in a Southside, and apart from being small (which isn't even really that big of a deal), the dorms are excellent.
Food and Dining
Most students get their food from the Market, the central cafeteria. It's all you care to eat for 7 dollars, or you can get a meal plan and get several meals a week for a swipe of your student ID. If you eat at one of the restaurants on campus, the food is a little pricey, but depending on how hungry you are and even compared to some restaurants, the food is totally worth the price.
What to do for fun
UWF is built on a nature reserve with a nature trail and water ways that many people like to canoe on. The athletics center has tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball sand pits, baseball fields, open fields for soccer and miscellaneous sports, a fully stocked workout room, indoor track, indoor rock wall, several large gymnasiums, and a pool. The gyms are used by the many groups on campus, such as martial arts groups, the fencing club (which I am a member of), and the paintball club. The commons is located at the center of the college and is basically the colleges collective living room. You can borrow an Xbox or a PlayStation free of charge and play it with friends on one of the commons' huge TVs, hang out with friends on one of the many couches/tables, or play the piano. Right outside the commons is the Cannon Green, which is just a big patch of grass in front of the library, which is excellent for picnics or just relaxing in the sun on a Spring day. The school's many organizations are constantly coming up with events for students to have fun with, like the Open Mic Nights in the Argo Galley, Pool Battleship (where you try to sink enemy canoes in the pool with buckets full of pool water), and carnivals like the enormous CAB After Dark. The library has a multimedia room stocked with current movies, and Pensacola beach is only 15-20 minutes away.
Bang for the buck
DEFINITELY. UWF was absolutely worth the time and hard work I put into trying to go there. I look forward to going back this year.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are many sororities. God only knows.
Great for these types of students
People that love nature and community. Also people that love challenges and diversity.
Clubs and Activities
I have never seen so many groups in my life. Before coming to UWF, I had doubts about how many clubs there could actually be at a school. The commons is covered in plaques from different organizations of every size, kind, and purpose. Sports, academic, sorority, fraternity, discussion boards, you name it. There is a place for everyone. It really is really wonderful.
Greek Life
I find it hard to comment not belonging to one of the groups myself, but there is definitely evidence of their presence. They seem to be very involved in school activity and the members love being members.
Campus Safety
The campus has its own police station and is littered with police call boxes that call the police if they are opened or even hit too hard. The police station is open 24-7, so someone is always available. There are obvious campaigns against discrimination and hazing, and everyone seems to feel safe to express their ideas and beliefs freely. I very rarely feel any disease as far as my safety is concerned.

Haley from Pensacola, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The area is amazing! I love being close to the beach, and the sunny warm weather most of the year. The campus is not too big, but it has plenty of things going on for new students.
Tips for prospective students
Apply Early! The quicker you get your application in, the more chance you have to get in and to get scholarship money. Also, ask around before you sign up for just any professor. Try to make the most out of your first year!
Academic Rigor
I am pre-med so I have to make A's in all of my classes.
Dorm Life
I hear people love it because they do not have to compete for parking and they become familiar with the campus much faster.
Food and Dining
There are tons of good places to eat on campus. You dont have to do a meal plan to eat good food.
What to do for fun
Go to the beach! Also, there are tons of clubs on campus you can join- I love the equestrian club.
Bang for the buck
Great value for college!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Rush week is really fun.
Great for these types of students
Work hard your first year!
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs to pick from. Pretty much anything you are in to has a club, and if not, students are encouraged to start a club.
Greek Life
There are a lof of ones to choose from. Everyone is so nice, and they are strict on the no hazing.
Campus Safety
Campus police are always around.

Emily from Pensacola, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of West Florida is an eco-friendly campus that applies to any type of student. All of the staff and professors there are friendly and are always trying to make sure that you do your very best in each and every class. The University has many different places for every student to go if he or she is struggling in a subject or just needs a little help.
Tips for prospective students
Come to UWF with an open mind and ready to make lots of friends! The spirit here is so amazing you'll be knocked off your feet. The campus isn't too big but everything has a good distance between it. Attend all the events on campus because you get so much free stuff and food!!
Academic Rigor
Just like in any college, it will challenge you to your fullest. It isn't high school any more and you cannot procrastinate on a lot of the classes that they have to offer. Take everything seriously, if a Professor takes the time to write down something you really do need to know it. Attending class is mandatory for most of them and each and every class is unique in its own way.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is absolutely amazing! You make many great friends, that hopefully you will get to keep throughout your college career and even longer. The rooms are fairly nice and everyone there becomes your family.
Food and Dining
The food in the Argo Galley is really good but very pricey. The Nautilus Market is good, but the food does get old very fast. They don't really update their menu often enough, but they do hold events in which they make extremely delicious food. The Market has different types of food, a salad bar, breakfast area, burgers, Italian, and even Mexican. It is very versatile.
What to do for fun
The campus holds many events all year round, whether it be comedians to musicians they are always making sure the students are having a very fulfilling college life. They have dances, and concerts, and a few festivals. There is a gym on campus that has some of the latest equipment and the gym also has a rock climbing area. A personal favorite of many students is the Olympic size pool with two diving boards available for use.
Bang for the buck
The tuition is one of the best in the entire state.
Clubs and Activities
All the clubs and activities are very active in the life on campus. It is thanks to them that many of the events on campus are as fun and free as they are now. Everyone is so very welcoming in each and every club.
Campus Safety
UWF makes sure the each student is protected with the utmost care. The campus police are always making rounds no matter what time of day it is, and will come to help any one in need of it.