Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL, USA

Reviews

Florida Gulf Coast University

Joni-marie from Coral Springs, FL

a current student here
39 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love the learning environment, the class sizes are relatively small and the professors i had , have been reachable and easy to talk to.
Am enjoying being here
I am pretty involved Im in sorority which I love very much and Im apart of the e-board of the Black Student Alliance. Although, FGCU isnt a big school there is alot of things so do and many great ways to make friends.
Bang for the buck
FGCU , I feel is quite affordable for Florida residence
Tips for prospective students
Study hard and learn how to balance your time between school , work and friends. Getting involved helped me gain confidence and many friends
Great for these types of students
Studious , well rounded people

Catherine from Dunedin, FL

a current student here
26 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning a lot both through lectures and self-teaching. When your professor says read, READ!
Am enjoying being here
I love the atmosphere! It's not huge, but it's big enough. The people are amazing and always there to help. Most of my professors knew me by name and I wasn't just a name on a long list to them.
Bang for the buck
It's affordable for Florida Residents.
Tips for prospective students
Make multiple copies of the syllabus and keep them everywhere. Keep up with reading and it helps to start studying when you find out a test date, not the night or just hours before. Also, go to extra help if a professor offers it and participate in class.
Great for these types of students
This is a great school for someone that wants to attend a major university, yet one where they won't be lost in the chaos. People who like being away from a major city but also close enough if they need one will do well here. The campus is beautiful and the people are great!

Amberose from Osprey, FL

a current student here
21 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I learn something new everyday in and out of class. I joined the Honors Program and love it. All my professors wished me the best in my classes. The classes are small which presents the opportunity to get to know the teachers and receive one on one help.
Am enjoying being here
The University campus is beautiful. I have a dorm right on the waterfront. There is always something to do. Plenty of clubs and activities to keep you involved. It is what you make of it.
Bang for the buck
Every University is expensive, but if you want to get the most out of your money while living on campus FGCU is the place for you. The North Lake Village apartments are so nice. You have your own bedroom in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, kitchen, and living-room apartment.
Tips for prospective students
Biology is the hardest class I had ever taken. It was a wake up call to me. Just study, go to class, pay attention in class and you will do fine.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students who like small class sizes and want to enjoy all that Florida has to offer.

Allison from South Elgin, IL

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning more than I thought I would and it is because of the way my classes and professors are. The class sizes are perfect for me which are typically around 30 students. Even the few lectures that I have are still small enough where I don't feel intimidated or lost. The professors are very open to help and the class environment gives each student as much attention as they need. I feel like I learn something new everyday and most of my professors teach with passion which makes me remember everything.
Am enjoying being here
Being from Illinois, I love everything about FGCU. Of course the warm weather is nice, and my stay at the beautiful water front will never be over spent. Even though FGCU is still growing, there is still plenty to do and get involved with. Personally I am in the Honors program, a sorority, and I also participate in intramural sports. There are shopping centers nearby, numerous school events and concerts like Eaglepalooza and Bird Bash to attend, and everything is in pristine condition because the school is still young.
Bang for the buck
If you are a Florida resident, this is the place to be. FGCU offers amazing scholarships and 'Bright Futures' to Florida residents. However, don't be scared off if you are out of state because there are also scholarship opportunities for you such as an 'Out-of-state Tuition Waiver'. Either way, you could attend this school for a reasonable price.
Tips for prospective students
MEET WITH YOUR PROFESSORS! Going in for help makes all the difference so take advantage of office hours. Also, make sure you don't procrastinate. You know all your assignments from the first day of class so if you keep up with deadlines you will do just fine. FGCU is a growing university. Don't be scared off because it isn't as big as the other Florida colleges. It is still a lot of fun and provides an amazing education. Several of FGCU's educational programs are amongst the top and have great credibility. I visited over 20 college campuses and FGCU stood out the most to me.
Great for these types of students
Students who want one-on-one time with their professors, want a medium sized school, who are okay with doing a lot of assignments online (we are a green campus), and students who like to take on leadership roles. Since everything is developing, there are numerous leadership opportunities. I would also say someone who likes to enjoy the outdoors!

Carter from Fort Myers, FL

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Every teacher here is willing to help you if you are struggling or have a question. They actually care about you and will try their best to help you succeed. All teachers have a amount of hours they are available outside of class if you need the extra assistance.
Am enjoying being here
I am a Freshmen here and so far I love it. There is always activities to participate in. This school is still new and is constantly improving and expanding all parts of campus. It is also super easy to make friends as it is a good community of people.
Bang for the buck
For the most part your money is well spent here. They offer reasonable tuition and and fair meal plan. I do believe housing fees are a bit on the high side compared to other Florida schools.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared for Biology! It is an eye opener to college and one of the hardest courses they offer here. Although for the most part if you follow the syllabus, go to class, pay attention, and study for test, you will do just fine.
Great for these types of students
This school is perfect for someone that wants to be a name and not a number. The class sizes are around 20-30 students. This is also a perfect school for someone that is interested in the environment and wanting to promote a greener Earth.

Alicia from Bonita Springs, FL

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This school is a great school. Of course you will learn, but this school really provides a great learning experience. The faculty & staff are helpful and will give you a good education.
Am enjoying being here
This school is not exactly a big school yet with a lot of things to pull people together, but there is some clubs & sororities & fraternities of course. They also like to make it a habit to get everyone out to the lake for swimming and jet skiing and things like that. It's fun though!
Bang for the buck
This school is definitely a bang for the buck. They have plenty of scholarships for you to apply for as well as having one of the lowest tuition rates.
Tips for prospective students
Do your homework. The syllabus is your Bible! Show up to class. Have fun and get involved!
Great for these types of students
Honors, Education majors, Anyone!

Jennifer from Cape Coral, FL

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I've been attending FGCU for two years now, and though I was originally reserved in attending the college (most of my friends were going off to larger, more well-known schools) I am exceptionally glad that I decided to stick around. All the teachers I've had have been just phenomenal. My primary focus of study in English, and though that's my passion, the teachers for my other required courses have lent to me the enjoyment of their fields of study as well. As for my regular professors (those I end up having multiple classes with in line with my major), all of them are absolutely brilliant. It's great to see how much they genuinely enjoy what their teaching, and in turn, it is a lot easier for the students to get caught up in that love of knowledge as well. Within the short while I've been at the college, I've learned (and enjoyed the subject material) more than I could ever have imagined.
Am enjoying being here
Living off campus (and being a bit reserved as is), I initially thought it would be difficult for me to make new friends and enjoy the college lifestyle. I was quickly proven wrong. The other students that I've encountered while here have all been extraordinarily nice. Campus involvement also helps, and there are a ton of clubs to join, as well as school-funded activities to participate in (lots of tournaments, concerts, game days, etc.)
The campus is laid out beautifully and provides an ever-relaxing setting in which to either study, hang out with friends, or just sit an relax. The campus itself is lovely enough, but there's a lot more to be done just outside school grounds at either GulfCoast Town Center, Miromar Outlets, or my favorite, the Estero Community Center. Because the college is centrally located, there's always something to do whether you want to stick around school or not.
Bang for the buck
Overall I can't imagine enjoying college much more than I do at FGCU. The classes are reasonably priced for the education provided, and it's a great place to be. The school always has scholarships running as well, so participating in those helps cut down on the funds needed to attend. My one gripe is with the prices of food at the on-campus dining areas (mainly the convenience store), but I've seen this happen at a lot of other colleges too, so I suspect it's pretty common.
Tips for prospective students
One main tip I go by is to scope out your classrooms beforehand. By doing this, on the first day of school it'll be a lot easier to find your classes and calculate how much time you'll need to get from one place to another. Also, parking is usually hectic, so make sure to give yourself a good extra 10-15 minutes to find a parking spot if you'll be driving to campus.
Great for these types of students
Those with an avid love of learning, looking for a college with a smaller community (though it is rapidly growing), and anyone looking for an affordable college education in SW Florida

Nicole from Weston, FL

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Florida Gulf Coast University is a small school in Fort Myers, Florida that is rapidly growing. It is fairly new and has great on campus housing for students. This university is a great place to spend your four year education, especially for a student who loves the outdoors and water.
Tips for prospective students
Try and take as many of the interesting pre-reqs Gulf Coast has to offer before you hit your upperclassmen years.
Try to live on campus for as long as possible, almost no university compares to our lake side housing at FGCU.
Academic Rigor
The academic rigor at FGCU is very fair. Most often students pass with A's and B's if they put in mild effort.
Dorm Life
Dorm life at FGCU is beyond amazing! The apartment style dorms have 4 bedrooms 2 full bathrooms a huge living room and best of all a full kitchen in each room. Oh and might I add that these apartment style dorms on overlooking the campus lake where everyone hangs out at all day everyday.
Food and Dining
The campus dining is called Sovi and has the most delicious variety of foods you will ever find in a school cafeteria. Even if your picky and use to only your moms cooking, trust me...Sovi will always have something for you.
What to do for fun
Besides all the wake boarding, paddle boarding, sailing, tubing, tanning and tons of other water sports there is for you to do just outside your door on the campus lake FGCU also offers a great nightlife area. Theres tons of local bars and clubs to hang out at. And other things for the more calm student such as mini golf and bowling.
Bang for the buck
FGCU is a moderately fair priced school. The housing is a bit expensive but worth every penny, considering its condition and age. Meal plans at FGCU are also very fairly priced.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Ever heard of Club Apple? Didn't think so. Interestingly enough FGCU student have managed to turn the Applebee's resturant just across from campus into one of the most popular clubs to go to on Wednesday nights. You may not believe me, but its a blast. Another place to see literally everyone with a social life on campus is to go to Bar Louies right up the street for $1 burger nights every Monday, and trust me when on a college budget you will definitely be takeing advantage of $1 burgers!
Great for these types of students
FGCU is great for a variety of students but its especially great for the college student who loves the beach, lake, and all kinds of things that involve being outdoors and in the water. Our campus is filed with nature and water and being right on the west coast of Florida its the best place for this!
Clubs and Activities
FGCU offers almost every kind of club you can imagine. From hockey (right across from a huge ice arena) to baking to religion. FGCU makes it almost impossible for a student to not be involved, theres something for everyone!
Greek Life
Greek life is a huge part of FGCU! Greek life is probably the best way to become involved and make life long friends at college. Unfortunately FGCU is to new to offer housing to its greek life just yet, but it is in the near future.
Campus Safety
FGCU was voted Florida's safest university this past year and its no question why. Theres a university police station right on campus with officers on duty 24/7. In each room theres also something we call a rape cord and if you ever feel in danger you just pull it and an officer will be at your door within minutes. We also have emergency polls within almost every few feet all around campus, all you do is press a button and you'll have an officer around within minutes as well.

Rachel from Sunrise, FL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
It's college, the classes are harder than high school. But we have awesome teachers who are always willing to help you. We have great resources like tutoring and Supplemental Instruction where another student sits in on your class and holds their own meeting time where they pretty much teach you the lesson over again in a way that you understand it. You pay for these resources in your tuition price so you might as well use what you're paying for. Also, if you use these resources, you really won't fail.
Dorm Life
Our dorms are very new and in great condition. We have three neighborhoods that are considered campus housing. South Village was originally strictly for freshmen, which was great because everyone around you is going through the same things, whether its first time away from home, learning to manage your time, money, school and social life, etc. Every dorm room has either 2 or three bedrooms, one for each person, allowing everyone to have their own space.Its the same with North Lake Village, which is available to all students, no matter what grade. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full sized kitchen and living room. North Lake Village is located right on our lakefront. West Lake Village is similar to North Lake, but it is off campus and for upperclassmen.
Food and Dining
On campus we have a lot of choices like Subway, Chick-fil-a, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Einstein's, and a sushi bar as well as an organic pizzeria. In South Village there is SoVi which in my opinion has its days. Some things are good but others aren't, it all depends what you like. I didn't have a meal plan, I didn't find it worth it for the amount you spend on it.
What to do for fun
If anyone ever tells you there's nothing to do, they're wrong. On campus we have intramural sports and sports clubs depending on what you're interested in. FGCU is very green so they're always trying to motivate students to go outside. We have nature trails and we have a lake where you can go paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and you can reserve a time slot to go tubing or waterskiing (all for FREE). Around town we have movie theaters, mini golfing, restaurants, and bars. Also, Fort Myers has festivals that they have every year like ZombieCon around Halloween where you dress up as a zombie and walk around downtown while bands play and restaurants are open. I promise you there is always something to do.
Bang for the buck
FGCU is one of the cheapest public universities in the state. For the amount you're spending, you're getting dorms that are practically brand new, awesome professors, entertainment, and an experience you'll never forget.
Great for these types of students
I think FGCU can be a great place for anyone. This is my fourth year and I have met so many different people, which has enhanced my life through allowing me to be more well-rounded.
Clubs and Activities
We have many different clubs from sports to art to religion to honor societies, you name it. Once you find the right niche for yourself, I can assure you you will have a great college experience. Here is a link to our Registered Student Organizations(RSOs).
https://fgcu.collegiatelink.net/organizations
Greek Life
We have 5 sororities and 8 fraternities. Even with greek life, everyone is very friendly and I feel like there isn't much division between greeks and non-greeks. You will make friends no matter what you decide to do!
Campus Safety
There are emergency blue poles all around campus that if something's wrong and you push the button, an officer shows up within 60 seconds. They're not just for emergencies; if you're ever walking from your car to your dorm late at night, an officer can come and escort you to ensure you make it safe. Also, the dorms in North Lake Village have cords that you can pull if anything is wrong.

Nicola from Pembroke Pines, FL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers at this University are very helpful,forgiving, and willing.Many of the profeessors here like intereact and get to know each student to help them and make a difference in your life.Its just to good be true.Thet also have a Writing Center where professors sit down with you and help you with any type of paper you are writing to help you succeed and get an A.
Am enjoying being here
I love it here in Fort Myers.Theres always something to do. People here are very friendly which took me by suprise; theres never a night or day where you'll be bored to death. And the best thing about this school is that it is fairly new building tradition's year after year. So if theres something you stand for and want to start a club the collge willl let you.
Bang for the buck
The school is worth every penny in your pockect, besides the food plan; only because sometimes its better to cook your own food and not eat out all the time.
Great for these types of students
It you;re a nature freak this school is perfect for you. And if you are not...like me then this school will open your eyes and allow you to meet many friendly people from all over.