University of Central Florida (UCF)

The University of Central Florida is a comprehensive research university with over 69,500 students. As one of the nation's fastest growing and largest universities, UCF enrolls a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 149 countries. The University offers educational and research programs that complement the economy, with strong components in engineering, business, education, science, film, health, nursing, social sciences, and hospitality management. UCF's programs in communication and the fine arts help to meet the cultural and recreational needs of a growing metropolitan area. The University also offers many graduate programs leading to masters and doctoral degrees.

UCF has established extensive partnerships with businesses and industry in the central Florida area and beyond that provide students with exceptional research and learning experiences. These partnerships bring practical learning environments to UCF students through co-op and internship programs. Joint curriculum development strategies are used throughout the university.

The on-campus and campus-affiliated housing facilities include traditional residence halls, apartment-style options, and Greek housing that accommodates approximately 12,140 students. Several thousand students live in apartments located within walking distance of the campus.

Students participate in over 650 organizations, including special interest clubs, multicultural associations, fraternities and sororities, honor societies, and academic and pre-professional organizations. The Office of Student Involvement schedules a wide array of extracurricular programs, including concerts, movies, and guest speakers. The innovative LEAD Scholars Academy fosters leadership and service commitment through a comprehensive student development program for freshman. The Major Exploration Program (MEP) helps entering freshmen define their career goals and develop an academic strategy to reach their goals. UCF offers Air Force and Army ROTC programs.

The University of Central Florida is a member of the NCAA and the American Athletic Conference. All teams compete on the NCAA Division 1 Level. UCF's men's teams compete in intercollegiate baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women's teams compete in basketball, cross-country, golf, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Intercollegiate coed club activities include championship cheerleading, crew, and waterskiing teams. The university offers an extensive intramural sports program.

"My university is one of the largest in the nation and with that comes ... a mix of cultures, personalities, and traditions that allow for everyone at UCF to feel at home." Benefits of this "vast and diverse" student body extend throughout campus life, so you'll hear "many different ideas in the classroom." The only drawback for some is that the school's size "makes it difficult to make connections on a deeper level. You will see thousands of different faces every day." That's why students swear by the importance of clubs in forming relationships: "I was part of a club specifically for Latinos in the medical field, which made me feel included and seen on campus." While Knights hail from "all ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds," one student describes the "students at UCF" as "young and full of energy." Another student agrees: "Mostly everyone I've met since coming to UCF has been warm and welcoming." One student sums up their experience by saying, "I have studied with some of the brightest and best."

If there's any doubt about school spirit for the University of Central Florida's Knights, just look "all around campus at all events...[for] the massive amounts of crowds (students and non-students) that come together." It helps that "athletics tickets are free for students" and "it's very popular to tailgate in Memory Mall before football games." Other popular hangout highlights are the on-campus arcade and the "rock climbing wall in the gym." UCF also features "a huge arboretum with trails; I am able to go for a short hike between my classes." Students are even enthusiastic about the parking garage, which is also used for band practices that can be enjoyed across campus: "My favorite memory here is going to a rooftop rock concert, the crowd was amazing, everyone participated and would help anyone that fell in the mosh pit."

With 650 student clubs and a thriving Greek scene, there are plenty of on-campus social events at any given time. Orlando itself also provides "big city energy" and is a great option for those who want to go "exploring new places" or visiting the familiar attractions of nearby Disney World and Universal. Those wanting a less-structured outdoors experience appreciate that "beaches and wildlife habitats" are just a 30-minute drive away.

Career Services is the university’s hub for all things job and internship related, and offers résumé critiques, an Employer Practice Interview Program, lunch and learns, and career expos. Plus, the more than 150,000 UCF graduates that still live in Orlando or central Florida also provide “networking capabilities out of the wazoo.” The UCF Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program lets students get real-world training relevant to their major while still in school, and UCF has many connections to firms, “all of which [come] on campus in career expos so it's easier to look for a career for post-graduation or an internship while in college.”