University of Florida
Gainesville, FL, USA

Reviews

University of Florida

Jerry from San Antonio, FL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
125 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
This is the best school in the state hands down, and is also a powerful name amongst all colleges in the nation, both private and public.
Will enjoy being here
Gainesville is a great university town. There's lots to do especially if you like outdoor activities. Sports at this school are top-notch and there are plenty of things to do when not concentrating on academic endeavors.
Bang for the buck
UF was rated #2 in value recently. Don't remember the source that rated it, but at just over $4,000 in tuition/fees for a year, it's really a no-brainer.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early and get all required documents in early.
Great for these types of students
If you're amongst the best of your peer group, then UF is for you. This school has a very strong, long-standing reputation, and only the best and brightest are admitted.

Amanda from New Port Richey, FL

a current student here
74 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the professors are always willing to help out and make you want to learn. There is also TutoringZone for those classes which pose more of a challenge or teaching assistants who sit around and wait for you to ask questions.
Am enjoying being here
The school spirit is so infectious it's crazy. You will love being around for any sporting event whether its gymnastics or football. There is always something to do whether its tubing at Lake Wauburg, floating down the river at Jennie Springs or partying at Midtown.
Bang for the buck
One of the least expensive state schools in Florida and also one of the cheapest housing areas in the state. There is also buses to take you practically anywhere in the area so you don't have to waste your own gas.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely get involved with whatever organization/group you can. It will help you get over the whole idea of being away from home. Make sure you study for classes and don't wait until the last minute cause you will regret it. I would recommend living on campus for the first year but not wasting your money on the meal plan.
Great for these types of students
Those who are self motivated as the curriculum can be very difficult and no one is staying on top of you to make sure you get things done. Also great for those who like getting involved and are very school spirited.

Guirlande from Miramar, FL

a current student here
54 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of Florida is among the nation's leading institutions for research. Top ranked in Florida for academics, students at the University of Florida are guaranteed to learn an ample amount in any field of study. Equipped with professors that are experts in their field, students are given the opportunity to learn, discuss, and watch from the best. The University of Florida is also known for its large student body and large lecture halls. However, the university also provides small discussion sessions for its courses. For an even more intimate setting, office hours with professors and trained teacher assistants are provided for students to take advantage in their studies. As well, the variety and amount of courses offered at the University of Florida seems endless. I have only spent one year of study at the University of Florida, but the amount that I learned during that year can almost rival the amount I learned during my high school years.
Am enjoying being here
There must be something in the Gatorade or the food that is served because by the end of the year the least school-spirited and least optimistic person that comes to the University of Florida will be chanting “Orange!” and “Blue!” The University of Florida is known for its school spirit, athletics, and student activities. Since the University of Florida is located in a college town (Gainesville, Florida) everything is centered around the school. The Saturday football games are a town affair. On Saturday mornings, you can literally walk outside your dorm hall to tailgating stations, music, and gator fans excited for the coming game. Besides athletics, many student run activities are held at the school. From talent, comedy, and fashion shows, multicultural and diversity showcases, pageants, and the weekly Friday Gator Nights, there will rarely be a time where you do not have something fun to do.
Bang for the buck
A great education for a great price is what you’re going to receive if you attend the University of Florida. The University of Florida is top ranked nationally as one of the universities that provide a great education for a low cost. The expected cost of attendance and the financial aid that I received from the University of Florida was one of the deciding factors that made me chose the school.
Tips for prospective students
Going to college is an exciting and overwhelming time for many. It is easy to lose yourself in all the things that are going around you, especially at a large university like the University of Florida. I would advise incoming students to have a clear cut objective before attending the school. You can play but you have to work harder because it is easy to fall behind on your school work. A common problem that students run into at the University of Florida is making a large school feel homey. You can simply solve this problem by joining the endless clubs and organizations at University of Florida. These organizations range from SGA to fencing which makes finding a place to fit in and make friends easy. Another tip I would give is to form a study group for each course that you take and to attend your professor’s office hours. Doing this could be the difference between getting an “A” or “B” in a class. Final tip, live your college years to the fullest because they only come around once!
Great for these types of students
The University of Florida is the perfect fit for students that are dedicated in their studies and career path, willing to be an open book and learn something new, able to play hard but work harder, ready for a passionate school spirit, and has an appreciation for diversity.

Amanda from Boca Raton, FL

a current student here
32 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes here at UF are informative and the information is useful. The professors that I have had are knowledgeable about their field and have a lot of insightful views into the subject. I feel more aware of the world around me and am genuinely interested in the subjects that I am taking because I feel that there is much that I can benefit. Another reason why I feel that I am learning a lot is because of the enthusiasm that some of my professors have for the topic that they are teaching. I am fortunate that my professors can make their lectures educational while at the same time entertaining. UF has many resources that a student can use to receive additional help outside the classroom to ensure that one fully understands the class material. There is a Broward Tutoring Center on campus that provides aid to a various of classes such as chemistry and calculus.
Am enjoying being here
I love being a Florida Gator. I enjoy being in Gainesville and have come to call UF my home away from home. UF has a lot of organizations and clubs that students can get involved with to meet other students and make connections. One of the reasons why I enjoy being at UF is because of the people that I met through becoming involved. Joining an organization or club that one is interested in is a great way to meet others who have similar interests. UF has about an organization or club for about anything that I can think of. In addition, Gainesville has a lot of great places to dine at (another reason why I enjoy UF). Mochi is a great place to grab a snack and Bento is an inexpensive place to grab a meal. I love the cohesiveness that comes from being a part of the Gator Nation. I never watched a football game until I came to UF. It was an amazing experience. To see so many people cheering and having a great time. The atmosphere during a football game is exhilarating. It definitely instilled in me a sense of Blue and Orange pride.
Bang for the buck
The quality of education that UF gives is worth the price. The tuition is reasonable and affordable. Especially with the financial help of Bright Futures and any additional scholarships or grants, UF is a great place to go to for a good solid education that does not empty the bank. UF is a respected institution that offers some of the best ranked programs in the country.
Tips for prospective students
Do not be afraid to go to a professor's office hours. Although it is intimidating in the beginning, office hours is a great way to get individual help and for the professors to get to know you on a personal level which will be great for recommendation letters in the future. Also, I recommend taking a class on a subject that interests you that you never took before. It will help broaden your horizons and help you discover what you want to do. Anthropology was a subject that I was interested and I decided to try it out. I enjoyed the class that I decided to minor in it.
Great for these types of students
UF is a great fit for students who want to continue to graduate school or professional school because the academics at UF are among the best in the state. UF has a very diverse student population. It is perfect for students who want to learn more about other cultures and network. Moreover, athletic students will love the many sports and physical activities that UF offers. UF provides students with lots of opportunities to try new things.

Melissa from Neptune Beach, FL

a current student here
20 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
With every class I take, I learn so much more than I thought I would! UF has such diverse classes that you can take just about anything and you're guaranteed to learn tons! From foreign languages to math classes, and Russian literary styles to entomology classes, Florida offers anything you could possibly be interested in, and presents it to you in a way that will make you WANT to learn.
Am enjoying being here
Granted, UF has a huge campus, but there are so many ways to get involved, you'll forget how big it really is! There are sororities and fraternities, clubs for anything and everything, intramural and team sports, and religious groups for several denominations. No matter what your interests or affiliations, UF will have something for you. And every group has meetings and events to keep your calendar and social life happy. It's incredible what you can find to be a part of, and all the awesome people you will meet along the way. And your classes are a great place to start! Find someone to take notes with or study with, and you could end up joining an ultimate frisbee league with them! Even if you aren't a part of any club or team, there are always movie nights and bar-b-ques provided by student groups where you can get out for a good time and meet people who live in your area of campus. Long story short, there's never a dull moment on campus.
Bang for the buck
Let's face it-- college is expensive! But even with rising tuition costs and sinking economic times, Florida offers so much more than you are paying for. The classes are excellent; top-rated professors, an esteemed curriculum, and a wide variety of topics to study; it's definitely worth the money. On-campus housing rates are about the same as paying rent for an apartment, but you don't have to worry about being too far from your classes. Plus there are lots of great places to eat on-campus, and meal plans to make dining both affordable and manageable. The over all college experience is more exciting and fulfilling than any price you could name!
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend to any incoming student that they live on campus! It's such a great way to meet people and really get a feel for being on your own without having to live too far away from your friends and awesome campus resources. There are things on campus that an apartment complex can't offer you, like the infirmary for if you get sick, the dining halls when you don't feel like cooking, the campus police on duty all the time to help keep you safe, and the friendships with people on your hall and in your building. There is so much more to living on campus than having to live in a dorm versus an apartment off campus. It throws you head first into college life, and provides for an incredible time!
Great for these types of students
Florida is great for virtually any type of student. Students who love to study in groups, and those who would rather go it alone; students who want to join a sorority or fraternity, and those who just want to hang with their dorm-mates; students who are outgoing and want to get involved, and those who just want to go to class and relax for the next four years. UF offers so much, you're bound to find a place no matter what type of person you are. The only thing I would caution you on is that UF is a large school, so there are thousands of students and you could feel overwhelmed if you're not fully prepared for that type of environment. If you want your college experience to feel more personal and secluded, then maybe you should look at finding a smaller school.

Nicole from Clermont, FL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
UF is a Research 1 facility. Most faculty conduct their own research in their academic fields and are great resources. There are a multitude of tutoring services available & professors are very approachable at office hours.
Will enjoy being here
The great thing about UF is that the students love being Florida Gators. I haven't even started classes yet, and I (like many freshmen) already have a weeks worth of Gator shirts. We take great pride in our campus, and there's an overall positive aura of school spirit at UF.
Bang for the buck
This is particularly true if you are a Florida resident. Many students attend on a Bright Futures scholarship, which covers most of tuition. Attending a Top 50 US University for next to nothing is incredible.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved on campus! UF is a very big place, and it's easy to feel isolated at first. We have over 800 organizations, so join a few and make friends. Also, be proactive about your education. With so many students on campus, you have to make an effort to stand out. Go to professors' office hours and meet with an academic advisor once a semester.
Great for these types of students
University of Florida is great for students who: have a genuine interest in learning; are willing to ask and work for what they want; appreciate school spirit; can find a balance between work and play.

Shawna from Gainesville, FL

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Florida is a prestigious public university dedicated on accepting prospective students with not only a yearning for higher education, but a passion for involvement in extracurricular activities which allows the student to grow socially, and learn about their self, which will enable a great success after college.
Tips for prospective students
Just like any post secondary choice you decide to take, apply for financial aid and scholarships and do not stop once you're out of high school. Also, think of college as a way of being whoever you want to be, it's your time to mature and find yourself and become independent, utilize this time!
Academic Rigor
Many classes offered are easy A classes, allowing you to keep your G.P.A consistent. Your required coursework classes are large and because of this size your teacher will not be able to cater to your specific needs. Thus, study on a two hour per each lecture ratio (more if needed!), and look for study groups, attend office hours, and possibly get tutoring. The university offers free tutoring as well.
Dorm Life
Dorms are what you make of them. Living in a dormitory can open your college life up to a world of new friends, social events, and even study groups. It's hard to make friends in college since your peers will mostly change in each class you attend, so living in a communal habitat is the perfect way to make lifelong relationships. Just be sure to make ground rules with your roommate and respect those rules, and personalize your living space!
Food and Dining
I'm biased because I found an amazing job with Gator Dining. The food options are somewhat limited because there are multiple food locations with the same fast food such as Subway, Starbucks, Freshens, and Chick- Fil- A, but the locations make it easy to get food when you need it, and the hours are decent. There are two dining halls which you can always find something to eat and it makes a great location to make study buddies as well! The university offers many payment options as well so you can find an option that not only works for your schedule, but your wallet.
What to do for fun
The university excels at offering activities for students for free or low priced fun. For example, on Fridays the university offers a free movie night for students. You can get soda, popcorn, breakfast at midnight, and also get free things that the university brings in. By free things: a realistic metal street sign with your saying of choice, caricatures, cotton candy, and many more! There are a ton of clubs to join (almost 1,000) that you can join such as a quidditch team for Harry Potter fans. There's also recreational sports, free water skiing and boat rentals at lake Wauburg, and if going to night clubs is your cup of tea, there's that as well.
Bang for the buck
The university is prestigious and the degree will look great for future employers and Gator enthusiasts, however many classes are online and paying the exact same price for online instruction for me is unnecessary. However, upper level courses are catered to your interests and are much smaller than the lower level courses.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
An unusual tradition is each winter The Great Underwear Dash takes place on campus. Like the name states, students donate their clothes to Operation Cover-up Gainesville which gives the clothes to homeless in the city to bear the colder months, and then run through the campus bearing their down unders. A little obscene, but a loved tradition nonetheless!
Great for these types of students
There's so many majors and things to do on campus, and off that literally anyone can have great success at UF. Just put academics first, and look rigor in the eye and face it without fear, and the university is great for you.
Clubs and Activities
Almost 1,000 clubs, need I say more? There are endless choices and opportunities offered for students. If you have an interest chances are a club is already made. If it's not made, you can make it! There is a division of the university set aside just for students to find an activity right for them.
Greek Life
Kinship, charities, academic success, Greek life is active and making a statement on campus. If going Greek is something you would like to do there's an option for you!
Campus Safety
Campus is swarming with safety patrols. Also, speed police dial stations are lit up and working for what it seems every 30 yards. At night a free service is set up to drive students on campus called S.N.A.P. If there is any suspicious activity, the university sends out both a text and an email so you can know what locations to avoid if there is a situation. Also follow up texts are sent .The university makes safety a huge priority at all hours.

Kathryn from Gainesville, FL

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am definitely learning a lot more here than I did in high school. I thought I had a great background in some areas, such as chemistry, biology, etc., but at college, professors go into a much greater depth than I ever expected. I am a pre-med student and I have learned so much in all of my classes. I especially learned quite a bit of useful information in my Physiology class and knew I was doing the right thing with my life.
Am enjoying being here
I was really worried that the University of Florida was going to be too big of a school for me seeing as I was looking at smaller private colleges; however, after being here for 3 semesters I have come to love UF and being a Gator. I actually fell in love with it during the first game day my freshman year. There is so much to do for free on campus and all over Gainesville. Will NEVER be bored.
Bang for the buck
The University of Florida is definitely worth the tuition and other costs to attend here. Not only do you get an excellent education (one of the top in the country and state might I add), but you also get a numerous amount of other free perks with the money you've paid. First of all, there is free printing on campus to print out notes and papers. The libraries are excellent places to study. If you are bored on Friday nights, there are Gators nights where you can get free food, watch the latest movies (for free), and create crafts. If money is an issue, there are many job opportunities on campus that are great ways to get some extra money. I have two on campus!
Tips for prospective students
Try to get involved in something that you absolutely love. Don't join every single thing, but join one or two things that you are truly passionate about. Also, try new things because you never know who you are going to meet or if you may decide to fall in love with it. I decided to rush for a sorority my sophomore year, and I am so in love with it now and I do not regret my choice. As far as schooling goes, read and takes notes, go to class, and use Tutoring Zone (an off campus tutoring service). As long as you put time in, you'll do fine.
Great for these types of students
Students who loves sports, passionate about the Gators, enjoy a great academic setting, willing to try new things.
I feel like UF has a place for every single person. You just have to search out and find it.

Olivia from Largo, FL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
The best in the state for my major (Biology/Biochemistry). An engineering powerhouse and recipient of the most national grants for health-related research in the state of Florida.
Will enjoy being here
Gator Nation is infectious! There is not one city in the state of Florida that isn't aware of who Tim Tebow is. The sports culture is a bit over the top, but it makes for excellent school spirit and an exciting atmosphere filled with internationals and out-of-staters attracted by the ra-ra atmosphere.
Bang for the buck
Because I have 100% (100%) Bright Futures, I will end up paying only $1,004 in tuition over the next FOUR YEARS if I am a full-time student (I calculated this per credit hour - and I will complete 12 credit hours/semester). Living expenses total about $10,000, and a little more if you decides to bring a car (though it's completely unnecessary if you're in a pinch - all Gators get free bussing around Gainesville via the bus system).
Tips for prospective students
Get everything together early and be as prepared as possible to apply by that November 1 deadline - UF has scrapped Early Decision along with a few ivies in the country.
Great for these types of students
You are safely within the top 5% of your class (in terms of class rank). You have one or more passions (a team sport played all four years, volunteer service, arts/drama, etc.). Your SAT/ACT composite exceeds or meets the 88th%-ile. You have a lot of good ideas to share and are a good essay writer..you're not afraid of a challenge or of being surrounded by like peers.

Stacy from Gainesville, FL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I came to college with 33 credits from high school. I have taken a full semester here and absolutely love it! While the classea re challenging, the professors care for your future and are always open to helping students with material.
Am enjoying being here
UF is the most amazing campus I've ever seen (including tours of various colleges). The atmosphere is academic as well as allowing time for social activities. There are hundreds of clubs to choose from here also. There are religious groups, science based groups, sports and intramural groups, even salsa dancing lessons! There is amazing fellowship at this school and I would recommend it hands down to any other university.
Bang for the buck
Bright futures will cover most of tuition cost. There are scholarships on campus but most are for graduate students, unless your specific college has them. Jobs are easily accessible and form to your school schedule. They are flexible around midterms and finals, they understand.
Tips for prospective students
Buy your books online. Do not buy them before your classes begin unless you are positive you will be taking that course (i.e. chemistry). But for electives and such, wait until you go to the first week of classes to see if you will stick with that class. Do not buy your books from the bookstore unless absolutely necessary. It is a rip off. Online books are cheaper and you can also go to uloop.com where students sell their previously used books for cheap.
Great for these types of students
All types. I am a very introverted individual and I get a lot out of being at this university. While my roommates rang from the crazy extroverted one to the happy-go-lucky one. There is a place for all students. There is a wide variety of culture on this campus which I love also, it is very diverse.