Reviews

The staff of Florida Southern are so helpful and passionate about the students' endeavors, it's a breath of fresh air. Not only would you learn in the classroom, but there are so many other opportunities for students to grow and become active members of society.

Love it!! It's really a home away from home. From the personal relationships with the staff and the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright architecture to the rich history and innovative and on-going activities, there's no way one couldn't get involved! FSC makes sure not to only provide the tools for academic success, but it also provides the nurturing environment that one could fall in love with.

Keeping in mind that FSC is a private institution might help when the bill comes in the mail. The student has to realize it's also their responsibility whether FSC is worth the price, such being serious about their education (not skipping classes just because they don't feel like it, etc.) and getting involved.

* Get Involved!! There are way too many opportunities at FSC just to sit in your room or the library all the time. Even if you're a commuter!
*Keep An Open Mind!! And this is a tip for any prospective college student. Even if you have the next 10 years planned out, test the waters a bit. FSC staff will be more than glad to assist you in not only following your dreams, but achieving it!
*Have Fun! :)

Florida Southern is a hub of energy on a beautiful campus; it may be expensive but you definitely get your money's worth. The professors are some of the most kind and caring individuals and so are most of the students in the student body. I had high expectations of college and I was sure they would be dashed once I got here, but FSC completely lives up to those expectations!

If you need more financial aid from the school don't be discouraged. Ask about it and contact the financial aid office, if you genuinely need help they will do everything to get you the money you need.

Once you get on campus get involved in something! The organizations here are fun and active and will only enhance your experience (and we all know the college experience is half of what matters in college).

Do things out of your normal comfort. If you're a jock go see one of the awesome shows in Buckner or attend a music concert or recital or go to our awesome art gallery! If you're a nerd that doesn't get out of your area of nerdom much then sign up for the spring water skiing class (Rodger [the water skiing instructor] is amazing and hilarious) or go to a swim meet (They get pretty intense) or go on one of the many outdoor recreations trips (we have swim with the manatees and deep sea fishing and paintball and all sorts of fun trips for little to no cost), dare I say it? join greek life. There's so much to do and in college you really should expand beyond your comfort zone and test the waters; FSC offers an expansive amount of options and is a great place to learn about you!

It really depends on what classes you take, but in general the classes are not an easy A for the average student. If you did well on your AP exams you shouldn't have much of a problem in your first two years. But I do hear that those science courses can be difficult (Organic Chem is supposedly hard. I don't have to take anything like that, but I think I remember my roommate saying it was a tedious class). However, I have heard of no one serious about their major doing particularly poor because of the difficult and I know professors are always there to help as is the student learning center.

It can get a little rough sometimes because parts of the school are quite old, but in general it's not bad. The female freshman dorms are better than the male freshman dorms (sorry guys). However, upperclassmen dorms are really nice and in Wesley and Nicholas the most you will share a bathroom with is 4 and the bathroom is just for your little nook (or you can luck out like me and only share the bathroom with your roommate). Once you become a junior and if you have good GPA you can live in the off campus apartments, which are really nice. I lived in the Lake Morton apartments for a few months and loved it (I moved out because of roommate situations, not the apartment).


Tip: - Ask for the show room your freshman year. You get $500 from the school and get a nice, big room (with an a-mazing lake view- for the girls. I've never seen the guys show room.) and all you have to do is keep it clean and let a few tours gawk at your room every day. I did it and I miss that room! Haha.

The caf (cafeteria, if you couldn't guess. AKA: Wynee's Bistro) is nothing to write home about. The breakfast is pretty good and the cold sandwich/ wrap/ pressed sandwich area makes life pretty good. Every so often you get a really good day and stir fry night is usually looked forward too along with catered nights (we've had Chipotle and Sonny's BBQ along with some others that I can't remember). There's always a fairly large salad bar with rotating and seasonal toppings and on Sundays it often is shared with the make your own Sunday bar.

The undercaf (AKA Terrace Cafe) is general fast food fare. The quesadillas are a favourite as are the chicken sandwiches and grilled cheese. I try to not eat there often (mostly because I never gained a freshman 15 and I never plan to) but it's good to grab things late at night or when you really need something quick.

The Mocmart is like a little convenience store. It's a bit overpriced, but if you live on campus you'll have a full meal plan your first year and generally enough points to spare. All sorts of things can be found here and usually if they don't have it you can request it and they'll get it.

The Grill Master... oh, the Grill Master. Easily the yummiest spot on campus, but it is often packed. And I mean line twisting down a ways packed. It's well worth it for some good food that is cooked right when you order it. (Hot breakfast sandwiches before early classes on cold days are the best.)

TuTu's Cyber Cafe has some of the best staff on campus. Period. No argument. They make going there completely worth it and make Starbucks beverages better than Starbucks (I seriously can only drink coffee from TuTu's now). The sandwiches are just cold cuts and are pretty good for pre-prepared cold cut sandwiches. Every so often a really good special shows up and is worth eating at least a couple times that week. By far the best part are the DELICIOUS big cookies. They're soft and gooey and amazing when put in the microwav...

Go water skiing, bike around Lake Hollingsworth, take a run around the lake, go see a show in the theatre (you'll see me there), go see a student recital, go to a concert, go to the art gallery, join intramural sports, check out camping equipment and go camping, explore the niche shops and yummy restaurants in downtown Lakeland, go see a movie at the Cobb, go to Yogurt Mountain (because it is the most delicious place on earth), go to a sporting event, sun yourself by the pool, shoot hoops in the pool, get a workout in the wellness center, go to ZUMBA, go to yoga, AB ATTACK, go on one of the outdoor recreation trips, play pool in the rec room, check out cornhole equipment and play that with your friends, go to community living events such as the fall festival, the farewell festival (where we throw a gigantic carnival that is completely free to students [including food and games] to wish everyone a good summer vacation), greek life, join a club, bake something in the 4th floor kitchens of Wesley and Nicholas, play sand volleyball in the courts behind Dell, go ghost hunting on our highly haunted campus, go to the worship events, or just hang out in the common areas!

FSC gives you your money's worth. The professors are excellent and the services offered (tutoring, physical training, outdoor rec, career advice, tech center, ect) are all handy and top notch. Everyone I know misses FSC when on break and can't wait to go back!

There are many urban legends about the campus and a ton of supposed ghosts. The most haunted building currently is Buckner Theatre.

Our president, Dr. Kerr, is only ever seen is school colours. She is always wearing at least red.

In Edge hall one of the classrooms was used to film the classroom scene in Water Boy with Adam Sandler.

Looking for a close- knit community of friendly students and staff with professors that care and will remember you (and will remember you even long after you graduate). Everyone here really cares and genuinely wants to give you the best college education and experience that they can.

There are so many clubs and so much to do here that there is no way you couldn't find something to suit you.

I'm not involved, but I'm very good friends with many people who are (in fact, one of my best friends is the president of his fraternity) and they love every minute of it. Even if you don't think it's for you, give it a try and you might be surprised because Greek life is different here in the best way possible.

The campus is completely safe and to make it extra safe we are given button that, when pressed on both sides, set off alarms and immediately alert the campus security to your live GPS location and shows your picture and basic info. So, if an emergency ever happens (and I'm nearly 100% sure it hasn't- if it did, everyone would know since it is a small campus) you will have security there in very little time.

Besides emergencies and general safety, security has golf carts and are happy to give you a lift if you're injured or it is late at night and you have a ways to walk (this is especially nice for us females). They have even asked if I wanted a ride when it was cold and when I was running in a dress with my heels off because I was about to run late to call backs (and would have if they didn't give me a lift). They're all really nice and are always there to help.

I chose to attend a private college for many reasons, but two of the most important factors were smaller class sizes and the students are more than just a number. At Florida Southern College you definitely have that. My largest class has 40 people, including the professor, and every professor I've had still remembers my name, as well as facts about me like my major and what organizations I'm involved in. The professors here are so friendly and love to get to know each and every student. One of the best professors I have ever had is my mentor, advisor, teacher, boss, research partner and friend. I've learned so much from him and come so far not only as a student, but as an individual, that I am extremely glad to have chosen a small school where I can shine, as opposed to a huge school where I'm just another small fish in a vast sea.

I absolutely LOVE it here. Sure, school gets stressful and you want to escape every once in a while, but you'll find that anywhere. FSC's campus is absolutely gorgeous and friendly, or as my friend from University of South Florida likes to say, It's like your campus is giving me a hug. The people are also fabulous, everywhere you go everyone is smiling, laughing, and having a grand time. There are always events going on on campus, but if you don't want to stay on campus, Lakeland is a great area to explore. Downtown Lakeland is within walking distance from campus, there are lots of lakes around where you can feed the ducks and swans, and if you want to go out jogging, FSC is located on Lake Hollingsworth, where people are running/walking/biking/etc around it at all times of the day and night.

While FSC is a great place to go to school, it is also very expensive. The school offers a lot of scholarships and financial aid to the students, but there's still quite a bit of money that comes out of pocket. But don't let that discourage you! The education, experience and relationships you will make here are worth every penny!

When I was looking at colleges and deciding which I wanted to go to for the next four years, I did everything I could to get the full experience. I went on many tours, attended lots of informational sessions, talked to current students and professors, stayed the night with current students and even sat in on classes. I very much recommend that anyone looking into coming to FSC do the same. The Admissions Staff is really great about accommodating any requests you may have, and the professors are really good about letting students sit in on their classes and answering any questions you may have. Doing as much as you can to get the feel for the college is a very great thing because it gives you an idea of what the next four years will be like, all of which will hopefully be great, as long as you choose the school that is right for you. That may not necessarily be FSC for you, but then again, it might be, just like it is for me.

FSC is a great school for students who like a small, bubble-like environment. Everyone gets to know everyone rather quickly because it is such a small school, but the relationships you build with fellow classmates and the professors are very close and very rewarding. If you like to get to know people really well, enjoy having a tight-knit family within your organizations and majors, then FSC is definitely the place for you.

Florida southern offers a variety of courses including half semester courses that can boost your gpa. one unique class here is modern family or modern myth. it is a sociology roughly based off the television modern family.

the atmosphere around campus is so amazing and the scenery is beautiful. it is a peaceful environment with many places around campus to hang out at or just study at we even have a cyber cafe that stays open until 4am

i absolutely love the professors and faculty here. most of the professors here have doctorate degrees and are amazing teachers and leaders of this college most of the faculty here go beyond there job title to help out students in need and just be great role models to all of us.

definitely visit the campus before you start school so you can get a feel of the environment and meet people right away to make connections with faculty and your future peers. it will come in handy when you ever need help or have questions.

students who want to get involved around campus or love community service and projects. our school is always active in community service and there is almost always some event going on around campus!

There are plenty of departments for everyone to go into. This school will fit to your standards.

The education system at Florida Southern College is by far the best I've ever been through. The teachers are very knowledgeable and you are most certainly NOT a number. My name was known by all my professors through the first few weeks of classes. The other students here are very accepting of everyone and extremely nice. There are plenty of ways for one to enjoy their time at Florida Southern. It is definitely a true college experience.

Florida Southern College has recently started a concept called engaged learning. This helps the student really take hold of their education and run off with it. You are in control of your future and Florida Southern follows through with that.

Florida Southern College isn't just a school, it's my home; where my heart is. The community atmosphere is only paralleled to the connections you can make. It is where careers and life-long friendships are made.

Freshmen living conditions are not up to my standards so you'll need to be twice as diligent with your personal hygiene. Utilize the career center and your adviser because there are so many opportunities and doors they can open for you. Attending this amazing school does not make you better than any other college student. It makes you better than you could ever be on your own. Florida Southern College helps you reach your highest potential in every aspect of life.

For science classes especially, the classes to require a lot of out-of-class studying as well as it is mandatory to be in class. Some schools simply doing the online homework and showing up for exams are all it takes but not here. If you do not attend the class and simply do the homework you will drown in work. The professors spend a lot of their own time in their offices willing to help everyone who comes to them. It is more than possible to pass, it just depends on how bad you want it. Also, Florida Southern College policy states if you do not pass the Lab you cannot pass the class; it ensures that if they send their students into the world with a degree that they are competent enough to succeed.

If you are used to living in a crystal clean environment, your immune system may not be prepared for the historical freshmen buildings (so freshmen girls, choose Spivey over Joseph Reynolds for your residency hall when signing up). However, upperclassmen residency halls are gorgeous some have their own full kitchens, where as others, have one hall kitchen. No matter where you live, though, the residency advisers make the living atmosphere enjoyable and fun creating hall events, games and tournaments.

For the selective eaters, when they say 'steak dinner,' they don't mean filet mignon, they mean a NY strip steak. Besides that minor let down, they tend to fry most of their protein options and when trying to eat healthy, fried isn't the way to go. In total, there are almost always four completely different food stations open; a sandwich bar, Italian pasta and pizza station, a home-cook style food, and a specialty station not including the salad, cereal, fruit, frozen yogurt and desert stations throughout. However, that is for Wynee's Bistro. Campus dining as a whole has thousands of options on a daily basis. They have a mini food mart where you can always find soup and frozen meals to prepare. There is the under cafe, which has a grill so you can choose a healthier protein option from there in addition to smoothies, salads, fruit, frozen yogurt, custom-made sandwiches, fried specialties and soup. There is also the grill-master which is open for lunch until 4pm. It has fresh custom burgers, hot dogs, chicken, tofu and grilled vegetables and is set up in the middle of the educational buildings to you can have a hearty and healthy meal in-between classes to stay focused. Last but never least is Tutu's Cafe. It is a cyber cafe where they proudly brew Starbucks and Tazo brand coffees and teas, as well as, specialty drinks and serves bagels, muffins, fruit, salads, chips, cereal, sandwiches, soup, the best cookies on campus and a different hot meal every day. Service here is ALWAYS great, and there are computers for use as well as free wifi. It is right within the library, and open until 3am so you have a late night option if you're studying. Tip: Try not to stay too late, because the mind is most alert after rest, even if it means getting up a few hours earlier to finish the next morning instead of staying up late.

For fun, you can do anything under the sun-Literally. Florida Southern College is the most beautiful campus in the nation. It is on Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida. On any day, you can go to the wellness center and sign up for lessons or outings in any water sport. In addition, with your student ID, you can rent any sporting equipment imaginable. Florida Southern has tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, roller skates, bicycles, ping-pong tables, billiards, a fully equip fitness and workout center, basketball and volleyball courts, sand volleyball courts, and a gorgeous pool. This school also has a group dedicated to planning events on Friday nights for students to come out and enjoy such as dances, movie nights in the garden, pool parties and more. As for off-campus, the downtown is always a fun trip, but the school has buses that can take students to the mall, beach and Orlando attractions such as Disney World, Universal, Wet and Wild, rock-climbing and more on scheduled days. The school also offers classes in yoga, Zumba, weight-training, and boot-camp for all different skill levels weekly and has a plethora of movies and books to rent and common rooms in every residency hall for you to use. In addition, they have chorus, band, political debate or diversity groups, as well as politically active groups, and campus ministries you can involve yourself in if you don't want to be too physically active, or you can always start a group yourself. There are also intramurals where you can join teams to play either the typical sports or crazier events like bat mitten, Tailgate Triathlons, extreme Frisbee, flag-football, water polo, and water-skiing.

It's a little pricey, but once you accept your Admission's Adviser will try to find you scholarships within the school to make tuition more affordable. On Campus, use your swipes, you prepay for them and it is open buffet all you can eat,and take some fruit with you as you go for a snack later. Coffee at tutu's is great, if you like fancy coffee drinks with flavors and espresso, cremice's are tasty bu expensive, get an ice caramel macchiato or a flavored ice coffee for same great taste but less money.
Florida Southern does have some campus books where it is specific for that campus but having worked there, with an employee discount on used books it is still cheaper to buy books elsewhere; online, from a former student of that class, really, anywhere else.
All in all, Florida Southern College is the best decision you can make, honestly.

The Sunday before finals, the school always has a Pancake Supper where it's free pancakes at 930pm so you can have a full belly while you study. For most holidays they throw parties in the caf with music and a photographer. The best is the end-of-year carnival where it's free food, rides, photos, music, T-shirts, games, character-drawings and more. Its fun and everyone goes because it is the last event with the seniors. Seniors however, have one more thing to look forward to after graduating. There is a beautiful water fountain outside of the library called the Water Dome in addition to being beautiful, on hot days it is often alluring to jump in it. However, anyone who jumps in the water dome has to pay a $5000 fine, except after graduation, when they set up the water dome and let all the seniors jump in.

If you are just looking for an easy degree and just mull by your days, Florida Southern is not for you. Florida Southern is great for people who want to make connections, start careers and do so while having fun in a social and active environment. The only way this school wouldn't behoove those people is if you were looking to be an Olympian in winter sports, in Florida there is a drastic lack of snow and excess of sunshine.

There are over 70 more non-greek clubs to join. They have an American Sign Language club, foreign debate team, a non-denominational worship group, Young Democrats and Republican committees, as well as many other interest groups, volunteer groups that as a whole have donated over 32000 hours of service this year alone such as American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, To Write Love On Her Arms, TzeDek, Up Till Dawn and Best Buddies. There are also 23 honor societies not including professional societies and extracurricular clubs. There are also dance teams, horn clubs, international student organization the AMSA pre-professional society, student government, and ACE. It is virtually impossible not to find a club with an interest of yours.

One word to describe Florida Southern College's Greek Life is exceptional. Greek life is stereotyped as a source of parting college derelicts, except here. We live on a dry campus and no organization wants to have their name associated with alcohol. Not only does it look bad internationally, but it can get you thrown off-campus. Greeks are also stereotyped for hazing, except here. Hazing is prohibited and not tolerated to any extent. Why would you want to harm someone who is going to be your brother/sister? Greeks are again stereotyped as cult members for being exclusive and secretive, except here. 40% of the student population is Greek. The Greek's here are active all over, for a few examples the student government, tutor tables, honors and professional societies, campus ministries, campus staff, and more. Greeks are stereotyped everywhere as self-rich kids, when really it's those very people that start campus organizations to give back and dedicate hours of their own time and money to give back. They are he most philanthropic group of people on the campus. Most people join for the connections and opportunities given within the Greek community but stay for the friendships they make. The only word that can describe the Greek experience is exceptional, because there are no other words to describe the outstanding men and woman that make everything possible and that become such good friends in full justice to their names.

Campus safety is checking for security leaks 24 hours a day seven days a week. Not to mention you are given the option to pay for a safety button, and at any moment if you press that button, sirens blare and an emergency safety officer will speed to your assistance ready to protect you from any harm. The safety here are extremely nice, almost like scouts, and can help you carry your stuff from your car, walk you to your dorm if you are scared, even spray wasps away from your bike if you need them to; they are genuinely good, trustworthy people.

The small classes are amazing, and so helpful. I love the beautiful campus. Everything is perfect for small town people.

It's a big change living away from home, but definitely the school has resources to help, USE THEM! They have lots of fun activities to get to know people, and Greek life is AMAZING!

Teachers help so much, it's amazing. All my professors know my name, what my major is, and who my advisor is.

The RA's help with everything, and they match roommates very well. I love my room, and roommates.

There are so many options for food. We have a huge cafeteria, that has every kind of food imaginable, Saturday night is steak night! We have nice places to eat outside, Grill master. A great cafe for homework or just to hang out with friends, Tutu's. And the Under Caf!! Best food ever, open late, and nice people. We also have the Moc Mart where you can get groceries and stuff.

There are a lot of campus activities to do, we have like greek life, and the lake, and the gym, and lots of organizations that put on events. Also, there are a few places in Lakeland that are fun to go to.

It is really expensive, but most definitely worth it.

People who love small town atmospheres, and who are people, people. If you are the outgoing type, it is so cool to walk around campus and people just are so nice. Just strike up a conversation :)

The best thing in the whole school. Every sorority and fraternity is amazing. And just because we have individual sororities or fraternities, we all get a long and we all hang out. It is the best part of the school, and I am so glad I found a home away from home.

Campus Security is everywhere. They will give you rides, and will help with anything. Even moving something, they are amazing and helpful.

Florida Southern is the home I have been looking for in every school I attended. You really are not a number here, but a person, and there is always someone to help you. I have found a family here and know that my college experience will be everything I've ever dreamed for it.

Contact the admissions office before you apply, often there are codes to waive the fee. GO TO SCHOLARS WEEKEND. It is worth it just for the book money but it is also a great chance to get to feel out the campus, people, and environment.

There are definitely some easier classes, but there are also some really difficult ones as well.

There are two new dorms that are great, though they cost a bit more to live in. The appointed freshman housing gets mixed reviews (I was not put in it, as over flow from my class' size). The biggest complaint people seem to have is that some of the housing is quite far from classes.

Tutu's is the best. Best food, best employees, best atmosphere. The cafe has a lot of variety but I guess the quality depends on what you are used to. My mother didn't cook a lot so I thought the food was great!

There is always some sort of campus activity going and if you want to go off campus, the city of Lakeland is lovely. Besides that, the city is located about 40 minutes from both Tampa (Busch Gardens etc) and Orlando (Disney, Universal, etc).

The school is great about giving scholarships to make the school affordable for you, and while the tuition is still on the higher end, I believe it is well worth it. The attention difference between my school and my brother's (a state school) is tremendous. My professors know me, other faculty know me, and because of this, the school is willing to listen to your unique situation and help out in unconventional ways if necessary.

Students looking for a small, mostly calm, school.

Safety is the greatest. We receive help buttons that let them know we need help and where we are as long as we are within a certain distance of campus. It really makes you feel safer. They are also wonderful about picking up students who would otherwise have to walk alone through campus at night, and dropping them safely at their destination.

As a graphic design major, I can say that my learning experience is hands on. Compared to other schools with classrooms filled with hundreds of people, classes here have a 30 people max. As such professors really pay attention to your needs as a student.

Even though the school is small, it is diverse. There are many groups of people here (most friendly) and you will quickly find your niche. On top of that there are MANY groups to join (greek, sports, clubs, etc)

Its expensive, yes. But at the same time its worth it. The campus is amazing, the dorm rooms are pretty big, there is tons of food, and the tech offered to you (depending on you major).

Business, Art, Communication Majors

Love the academic and athletic programs. Class size is great because the professors can give one on one attention when needed will always remember your name. Athletic program is the best around.

Getting around campus is pretty easy and if you get lost, there are always people around to help you out. The location is near all you need from restaurants to gas stations, from grocery store to historic district. Lakes are known around Lakeland and walking them, running and biking around offers great company or alone to feed the ducks. HIGHLY recommend Florida Southern College.

The best

Comfortable and safe

Great hang out spots and food

Too many to list. Fun is all around

All kinds

Always feel safe