The Basics
Why Choose Florida State?
A + Features
Needs Improvement
New Collegiette on Campus
All About Academics
Learn from the Best
Interests & Involvement
Team Spirit
Girl Power
Food & Drink
Social Scene
Dorm Life
Exploring Tallahassee
Learn More!
The Basics
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Funding: Public
Size: 31,000
Percent Women: 55%
Tuition (one year): $19,167 - In-state; $34,333 - Out-of-state
Most Popular Majors: Criminal Justice, English Language and Literature, Finance, Political Science/International Affairs, Psychology
Greek Life: Yes
Acceptance Rate: 54%
For more information about financial aid, scholarships, majors, study abroad, and average test scores, visit Florida State’s website at http://admissions.fsu.edu/
Why Choose Florida State?
"I chose to attend Florida State after taking a tour of the campus; it was BEAUTIFUL. I could sense that there was a long history of tradition here at the school, and I wanted to be a part of that tradition. Also, there is a lot to do in the surrounding areas of Tallahassee; there are lots of restaurants, music and cultural venues, and outdoor activities to keep everyone busy when they're not studying. There are a large amount of resources and opportunities for students in every field, and everyone can find their niche at FSU."
"I love the atmosphere that being a Seminole provides you with. You are surrounded by love, support and excitement. I am most proud to me a Seminole when the student body gets together to support one another's' ideas and actions. A football game is the best example of that. The turn-out at the Stadium is exceptional, and when we get together and War Chant....chills. It's so awesome."
"First and foremost, FSU had a creative writing program; not all Florida schools do. Some only offer journalism or generic English majors. Originally, I wanted to go out of state for school, but unfortunately couldn't afford it. When I toured FSU, something just felt right. The red brick buildings and the canopy trees, the fountains and the statues, everything just felt like home. I could see myself, walking the hills to class, sitting out on Landis green, just being there, felt right. It was something I didn't feel at any other school."
"I loved that FSU gave me the quintessential college feel. You had a beautiful campus, a football team to be proud of, and so many different things to be a part of. I know that if I attended FSU there would be endless possibilities. I had majors to choose from, so many different classes to take, and an endless choice of organizations to be apart of. There is something for everyone here."
"I knew that FSU had a wide range of majors. There's even a major called "Exploratory" which allows students the opportunity to explore their options before they commit to a major. Professional advisers are always there to guide you and genuinely want to help. I love this aspect of FSU."
A + Features
"Studying abroad with FSU International Programs was one of the best decisions I've ever made! With FSU IP, I didn't have to worry about housing accommodations, where to get food or how to get around because the FSU IP staff was so awesome with great tips!! I also loved how I was able to experience the Italian culture just by walking to class! FSU's Florence study center was steps away from the Duomo, our apartment was across the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza della Republica was was just a 10 minute walk. Start saving now because you will regret it if you don't study abroad with FSU International Programs.""I love the atmosphere that being a Seminole provides you with. You are surrounded by love, support and excitement. I am most proud to me a Seminole when the student body gets together to support one another's' ideas and actions. A football game is the best example of that. The turn-out at the Stadium is exceptional, and when we get together and War Chant....chills. It's so awesome."
"How easy it is to get involved. For my first year or so, I spent a lot of time just hanging out with my friends. But as soon as I realized I wanted to start involving myself in more, I went out there and did it. I found a plethora of options for me to really dedicate myself to. I became a staff writer for two on campus magazines (this one included), got a fabulous internship that led to me getting a paid-job and it was all because of FSU's many different organizations. It taught me a lot about putting myself out there and making a name for myself."
"My favorite part about FSU is the amount of opportunities that are available for everyone. Students who are interested in research have a wide variety of labs, programs, and assistantships that are available to them. Students who are more creative have access to the Digital Studio, audiovisual equipment, and writing centers. There are clubs for almost every major that allow students to gain valuable experience.
"Being part of the Greek life has helped me make friendships that will not only last through college, but through my entire life!"
Needs Improvement
"I don't like that there isn't a journalism program, but there are plenty of opportunities for students who are interested in that field."
"If there is one issue with FSU, it would be the constant struggle of finding parking and getting stuck in traffic."
"The party atmosphere definitely weighs on me. I am not particularly fond of going out every night of every weekend, and so it gets quite annoying when I'm trying to sleep on Thursday night and my neighbors are throwing a rager that shakes my apartment floor. Sometimes it feels like that's all anyone ever does and I wonder how some people keep their grades up and how others don't do anything else with their lives."
"Though I feel like FSU includes a diverse population of students coming from different backgrounds, I feel like there could be more integration between different ethnicities. Most people usually stay within what is familiar to them; I think this area could be improved."
"The buses around campus stop working at 7 p.m. during weekdays of the spring and fall semesters. I think this is way too early!"
New Collegiette on Campus
"College is hard in ways you wouldn't expect-- it's not necessarily the school work, but the transition, at least for me it was. All of the new responsibility and freedom can be too much, so it's just really important to keep your priorities in check."
"Join clubs! The sooner you get out there, the sooner you're going to meet people with similar interests who could potentially be your lifelong friends. I started joining things super late in the game and I've been kicking myself ever since. Clubs are the best. Also, don't be too afraid to take classes that interest you that don't fit under the requirements for your major. If you're a chemistry major but you really want to take that introductory ballet class, do it! You will have plenty of time to get all your required credits to graduate, but you need to enjoy yourself along the way. College is what you make of it."
"I have one piece of advise for incoming students: get involved. Find your interest and get involved somehow, whether it be through volunteer efforts in the community, joining a club or student organization, going Greek, or attending events on campus. Interact with as many people as possible, gain connections, and you will thrive at Florida State."
"Advise for incoming Collegiettes: make sure to take advantage and research what FSU has to offer. There are free classes you can take at the Leach (our awesome gym) super as spinning, yoga, and zumba. There are also a lot of discounts you can get as a student. For instance, about 10-15 minutes from campus, there is a beautiful area called the Reservation, "the Rez" for short. Here, you can kayak, rock climb, and water paddle for free."
"Definitely consider studying abroad. It will be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime! Plan this out and apply early to scholarships!"
All About Academics
"Florida State offers a variety of locations to study when you really need to get work done. During the fall/spring, the Strozier Library is open 24 hours, 5 days a week; finals week it's open 24 hours every single day!"
"I love the academics for the most part, I feel challenged in my classes, but not beyond what I can handle. FSU can be a very competitive place. Whatever you want to do there's another student who wants to do it just as much and will work just as hard to keep that accomplishment from you. It pushes me to do more to stand out and be a better person in my community and in my school work. I enjoy the atmosphere that surrounds campus most of the time. One of excitement and involvement."
"Florida State is great at creating well-rounded majors for students. For instance, my major is "Editing, Writing, and Media." It encompasses essential aspects of writing, editing, and literature, all while including relevant courses on communicating through different media such as online platforms, videos, etc."
"There are a few notorious "weed-out" courses known to be ones that will make you pull out your hair. Among these, are Financial Accounting and Chemistry 1. Make sure to take these classes seriously, but don't come in with a defeated attitude. You need to have an open mind with these courses and be willing to put in the extra effort to get through them."
"If you want to conduct research on any topic of interest, the Office of Undergraduate Research is a great resource. If you're really passionate about your field, FSU makes it a possibility to take learning outside the classroom."
"The half of knowledge is to know where to find it."
Inscription found on Dodd Hall at Florida State UniversityLearn from the Best
"I've had a lot of amazing professors in the three years I've been here. I can't pick just one, and I think that says a lot about the quality of instructors we have at this school."
"It's hard to pick just one. I've loved almost every single professor or TA I've had in the English department at FSU. They're all exactly what you would imagine writers and literary nerds to be. They're down to earth, very approachable, and comical. You can sense their passion for books and for writing, and that they want to share that with their students."
"Take advantage of your professors' office hours. They want to talk to you! Even if they seen like the most unfriendliest person during the lectures, chances are they'll be more responsive in a one-on-one situation. I've had to take plently of classes that have over 200 students so I personally found the office hours helpful."
"Florida State hires quality professors who are truly experts in their filed. I know that a couple years back, the president of the American Psychiatric Association, was a professor here."
"The advisers here are not very consistent. I've had around three different advisers in one semester which is frustrating when I'm trying to creating an academic plan."
Interests & Involvement
"There are so many resources that are available to FSU students, such as internship programs, clubs, the Career Center, and activities on campus. FSU also has such a diverse student population, and I feel that everybody can find their place in an academic program or organization. Plus, free movies at the SLC Theater are always nice!"
"Being part of rugby has opened up many doors for me and my teammates. I have met a lot of great people, traveled to some awesome places, and all while playing a sport I love. It's also great to know that one of my teammates, who just graduated, is going to the Olympics in 2016 representing USA."
"The opportunities to get involved on campus are endless. There is really something for everyone. Whether you want to embark on a medical mission trip abroad, join a salsa team,or be part of the student government, there are countless of of leadership and community involvement opportunities here."
"There are over 650 recognized student organizations at Florida State, most of which have an event or social every week. Also happening every single week is what Florida State calls "Market Wednesdays" where organizations come out to showcase and promote themselves. Apart from that, local boutiques and venders set up and sell their unique merchandise!"
"I love how Florida State offers such unique organizations to get involved in such as the Swing Dancing, Wakeboarding, Tango, and even Skydiving. There is no room for boredom here!"
Team Spirit
"We are like a large extended family that I know I can always rely on. Everyone is so kind and encompassing that it really just makes you feel like you are a part of something really big. I get chills whenever I hear the chop."
"My favorite part about attending Florida State University? I can only pick one part?! But I love it all! I guess if I had to pick, though, my favorite part about attending FSU is the students' school spirit. Students support each other here. They support school newspapers, magazines, sports, clubs, events, etc. You'll never be alone or lacking support. The feeling you get when the whole student body is together and chanting the War Chant is just unbelievable."
"The school spirit felt at Floridat State is like no other. Especially winning the 2014 BCS Championship game and being number one in the nation, the student body definitely came together to support and cheer on our team. The determination, strength, and diligence our atheletes have inspire us to excel in whatever our passion is."
"The Florida State Marching Chiefs are one of the best campus bands I have ever heard. They never fail to give an excellenet performance and add to our school spirit."
"Florida State is a university full of unique traditions and energetic students who are radiating with pride for their school. Homecoming week is one of my favorite times during the fall semester because of how the many activities and celebrations bring the student body together. Plus, who doesn't look good covered in garnet and gold?"
Girl Power
"The gender ratio on campus seems pretty fair to me. As far as I know, there are more females than males (as is true with most college campuses). FSU may have a larger female population because it was originally an all female college. The campus tends to be very accommodating towards gender nonconforming peoples which I personally think is a super cool attribute not all campuses have. There are gender neutral bathrooms in a few of the buildings and the Pride Student Union raises a lot of awareness about the various gender identities out there."
"I believe FSU offers a variety of programs and opportunities for women on campus that makes us feel connected, empowered, and fully represented."
"It is what you make of it. There are plenty of women who are strong, mature, and others oriented, who are bettering themselves academically and personally. But there are a lot of girls who fall into being objectified. They let the guys make the rules. Most guys on this campus do not want to date. They want to hook up or have sex with you and as many other girls as possible. And you know why they think they can do that? Because girls let them. There aren't enough girls who say, "No, I deserve more than that. I am not an object, or a toy for you to play with. I'm a person, who has feelings and needs, and if you can't meet my standards then you won't get any of the benefits of being with me." I wish more girls would. I wish that I could do this more, because I too fall into the trap of trying to impress boys and letting them define."
"In 2013, the student body President at Florida State was a woman; she was a perfect role model for what other women on campus strive to be. I feel like opportunities for women here at FSU are vast and limitless!"
"We have an excellent Women's Student Union. They are super active around campus and hold really informative and entretaining events to empower women in every aspect - academically, personally, sexually, etc."
Food & Drink
"I ate in the dining halls as a freshman and I recommend it to anyone starting at FSU. Not necessarily because of the food, but because it puts you in a social environment and allows you to meet or interact with different people. It fires you out of your room and into a new situation. Ive had many a lunch dates with new friends, roommates, and strangers allowing me to expand my group and friends and get to know people."
"Yes! I ate at Suwannee every day freshman year while I was living in a resident hall. It is a really nice dining hall. It often gets compared to Hogwarts, but I love it because there is a variety of options every day. You can have healthy or totally pig out if you want. The staff is so nice, too! I miss the warm breakfasts! It's not so easy waking up and cooking breakfast for yourself."
"There are so many GREAT restaurant options to try outside of campus. For example, Mr. Robotos that serve Japanese hibachi among many other options. Their atmosphere is super relaxed and friendly: good place and great food, what more could you ask for?"
"The cafes that Tallahassee has are super quaint and perfect for catching up with an old friend or zoning out to study. I highly recommend "Black Dog Cafe" which is perfectly location right next to a picteresque lake. There is a lot more to Tallahassee than meets the eye!"
"We have a Chick-fil-A on campus. Need I say more?"
Social Scene
"While FSU has been labeled a "party school" for many years, I have personally never felt pressured to drink. Perhaps it is the people I surround myself with, but even though I can legally drink I always know that it is my choice to drink and no one has ever forced or pressured me to drink."
"Floriad State has had the reputation of being a party school for a long time. Honestly I think because Tallahassee is a college town and almost everything revolves around college students, it may seem that we are constantly going to parties or clubs. This wouldn't be the case at larger university in a larger city because students wouldn't be concentrated in one designated party area."
"There are a ton of things at Florida State outside of just going partying. There is a FREE movie theater on campus! You can also bowl, play pool, or paint-a-pot. On select Friday nights, FSU hosts "Breakfast for a Buck" when you can enjoy a buffet style breakfast for just one dollar!"
"On the weekends, most students head out to clubs or bars. There is something for everyone! If you want to have an "Ultra-Music Festival" experience, then you would probably want to head to Coliseum or Menace Beach. If you're more the type to listen to a live band play and have a couple of beers, you go to Bullwinkle's Saloon or All Saints Hop Yard."
"One of my favorite places in Tallahassee is "The Other Side Vintage" store. Every single time I go, I discover something new which I love because it breaks the monotony of the mall."
Dorm Life
"I lived in a dorm for two years and it does have its pros and cons. You really feel apart of campus when you live in a dorm. You are close to classes, dining halls, and on campus events. For freshman I think living in a hall allows you to meet people especially if you don't know anyone yet. My biggest regret is living in a dorm with people from high school. It limited my friend group and I eventually moved out due to conflicts. The random roommate I moved in with ended up becoming my close friend who i still talk to this day. It also force me to get out and meet new people. After moving off campus I missed being able to walk everywhere and knowing about everything happening on campus."
"I loved living in a dorm. If I could have done it over again, I would have lived in a community style dorm. Those dorms I ended up spending most of my time in and people really just built a relationship on their floors unlike the suite style dorms. But it was nice because I got to have a for sure friend with my roommate. We explored campus together and I loved being able to easily access the on campus events and amenities." "I lived in Smith Hall my Freshman year. It was notoriously known as the worst dorm on campus. I would tell people I lived in Smith, an their first reaction was always to say, "I'm sorry." Looking past the mold problem and the elevator that frequently broke down, I absolutely loved my dorm! it was cozy, had a great view from the eight floor, and there was always something going on in the common area or in the study rooms. I have friends I still hang out with on a regular basis whom i met int he halls of Smith. Everyone knew everyone. Also, the communal showers sounded like a horror story at first but you begin to love not having to pay for toilet paper or clean up after yourself."
"I never lived in a dorm on campus, but I lived in an off-campus dorm-style residential hall my freshman year. It was both good and bad; sharing a bathroom sucks (obviously) and everybody knows your business and drama, but I developed some really long-lasting friendships from the tight-knit community."
"I currently live in a rent-free Scholarship house called the Southern Scholarship Foundation. It has been the most valuable and priceless experience to live with 21 girls from diverse backgrounds. I've made some of my best friends here and have learned a lot about myself along the way."
"Everyone will tell you to avoid the dorms Kellum and Smith. Frankly even though they are not the newest of dorms, I do think they are the most social, which is a big plus when you're new to Tallahassee."
Exploring Tallahassee
"Tallahassee is full of hidden treasures! For one thing, their restaurants are absolutely excellent. One of my personal favorites is a small sushi bar called Jasmines; perfect for a date. Also, the best burgers you will ever have are at Wells Brothers (Monks). You're welcome.""One of my favorite 21+ bars in Tallahassee is Bullwinkle's Saloon.There is almost always a live band playing outside, while on the inside there is a dancefloor with a DJ playing the latest hits and awesome oldies. Best of both worlds!""There is so much to do in Tallahassee apart from clubbing. One activity you can do, which is usually free of cost or really cheap, is explore the great outdoors! Tallahassee has awesome parks for hiking, biking, or simple strolling around.""I really enjoy shopping around in Tallahassee...and I don't mean at the mall. There are so many unique boutiques around here to make a girl crazy! One of my favorite boutiques is called Avant-Garde. It's a very cool vintage store where you can find one of a kind garments!""Being that Tallahassee is the capitol of Florida, there is a lot of exploring you can do inside our Capitol. There is a historic museum, senate chambers (which you can tour), and an observatory on the 22nd floor!."Learn More!
Want more information? Visit www.hercampus.com/fsu
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