Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)

Many students are drawn to Florida Gulf Coast University thanks to its “very low tuition,” which stems from “many opportunities for financial aid.” In addition to that, enrollees are quick to highlight the fact that “undergraduate research opportunities are ample,” some even citing the chance “to be published even prior to graduate school.” In general, they note that the university’s “major programs are amazing and well planned out,” in particular engineering, nursing, and the College of Education. The classes within those programs “are reasonably sized,” which allows students “to form close relationships with many … professors.” And speaking of professors, by and large, undergraduates report that they’re “passionate about their subjects and willing to go above and beyond.” One student says, “They dedicate so much of their time … and it is very obvious.” But fair warning: “They want you to put in the effort as well.”

It’s “not hard to make friends” at Florida Gulf. The campus is “extremely inclusive and diverse” with students who “come from all walks of life.” But while they may bring plenty of experiences to the table, they’re all described as “friendly, respectful,” “honest, and intelligent.” Looking around campus, you’ll find individuals who are “highly eco-friendly and environmentally conscious,” and those “who would rather spend a day outside than inside.” Students also state that “integrity is very common [around] campus.” This is especially illustrated by a student who shares, “I left my MacBook in a classroom [all day] and found it right where I left it and it had never been moved.” That might be because, as one student assures, “Everyone on campus always seems to be having a … good time and happy with their life at FGCU.” Another concurs, stating, “The students are here to chill out and have fun.” Overall, those at FGCU are “motivated [and] environmentally conscious people looking to better themselves and their communities.”

Students at FGCU certainly prioritize their academics, typically spending the majority of their week “dedicated to classes and studying.” That said, there’s plenty to enjoy in lulls between work. Often “music is playing on the library lawn or different clubs and organizations are tabling and have fun activities for you to try.” Undergrads also love that “the housing areas have game rooms, video game rooms, and massage chairs.” And for anyone looking for even more unique activities, students cite things such as “working in the Food Forest [which is a student-run botanical garden highlighting edible species from the area], blindfold yoga, or dancing in the rain.” Of course, many students flock to the on-campus beach to “hang out or rent kayaks, paddle boards, and more”—some even go there just to study.