Thinking about how to build a college list? Thinking about how to pick colleges to apply to? Thinking about how to pick the right college? In this series, you will get a first-hand perspective of our Matriculate students at their different campuses. Get a glimpse into University of Florida campus life!
Why did you decide to commit to the University of Florida? What factors drew you to this school?
I always say I shot myself in the foot by touring the University of Florida first (but in a great way!). I was giddy about the bustling Plaza of the Americas, awe-struck by the football stadium, and in love with the brick buildings and large oak trees. All the other colleges I would go on to visit paled in comparison. Even beyond appearance, the University of Florida offered the libraries of my dreams, a solid choice of majors should I decide to change my mind, and more clubs than I could comprehend.
Can you share more about your experiences with classes, class size, lectures, and professors? What about clubs and extracurriculars?
Despite (or perhaps due to) the University of Florida’s huge size, I’ve had a bit of trouble finding opportunities. For example, as a future EMT, I wanted to get involved with the hospital on campus, but there were only 50 spots for 850 prospective volunteers. I gave up on that long shot and started working with the hospital about a 15-minute drive from campus. Even if I didn’t have a car, this would still be feasible because the public transportation (buses) is great in Gainesville! The opportunities on campus are amazing but very competitive. I was lucky to find an incredible, intentional community at the hospital who is happy to help me figure out what I want to do with my future.
My upper-division English classes are great, typically about 15-35 students, and very engaging. Even my large lecture is interesting enough that I don’t find myself zoning out. I haven’t had a bad professor yet!
The University of Florida is wonderful about communication and because of newsletters they’ve sent out, I’ve also gotten involved with workshops preparing me for grad school applications next fall.
Tell us more about the dining hall and dorm situation! How is the food - are there enough options for those with dietary restrictions? What is the dorm and housing situation like?
I live in a dorm about a two-minute walk from the new dining hall, so honestly it couldn’t be more convenient! The food is decent, I wouldn’t say wonderful, but certainly not awful either. There are plenty of allergy-friendly options and a lovely nutritionist on staff whom I’ve had a great experience working with. My dorm is a traditional double in one of the older residence halls and I will say that it is FREEZING to keep out mold, and not always the cleanest, but overall, not too bad.
Share more about the social scene - how did you make friends? Do most people join Greek life or are there ways to make friends outside of Greek life? What is there to do for fun?
I made friends through my roommate, and I joined the club equestrian team! Greek life is definitely a large part of the culture here, but there are many ways to make friends outside of it. In fact, during rush, while most everyone was at the sororities, my friends and I took advantage of the Great Gator Welcome Week with trivia nights, speed friending, and more! We also have a bowling alley/game room in our student center and love to hang out there!
How did Matriculate help you get to college?
In my college application process, Matriculate helped me mostly with my supplemental essays. This was especially needed in terms of the University of Florida because their highly competitive nature demanded responses to extra prompts. My Advising Fellow was especially kind in reading over what I had written and helping me edit it down into the most vivid and convincing piece possible!
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Selena Schulz
Selena is a High School Fellow Recruitment Ambassador and currently a student at the University of Florida. She is an English major with a minor in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. She is involved at UF as part of the Equestrian Club’s Western Team, a volunteer at a nearby hospital, and employed at the performing arts center on campus. She plans to apply to graduate schools in the New England area, pursuing a master’s degree in education or social work with a focus on literacy and trauma/resiliency-based approaches.
During her senior year of high school, she went to a small semester school on the coast of Maine where she found a new perspective on outdoor education and conscious classroom strategies. As a part of the Matriculate team, she looks forward to helping students find the educational environments where they will thrive!