University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL, USA

Reviews

University of Central Florida

Rebecca from Kissimmee, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Since I have been at the University of Central Florida I have learned more than I could imagine. The professors truly know what they are teaching and are more than welcomed to give you any additional help if needed. There is no excuse that they cannot be reached because on the first day of class you are given a syllabus with everything that you are going to be learning, the professor’s email, number, and their office hours so you are able to contact them at your convenience. There is also supplementary help offered such as tutoring and the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC). There is also the huge library and many other sources that can help with anything you need from financial advice to counseling. Other than the required courses you must take there are a variety of other courses that you may be interested in as well. Not only are there courses to learn from but they are plenty of events that you can attend in which you will gain a lot of information such as how to prepare to an interview, how to write a resume, or even learn about different cultures.
Am enjoying being here
The University of Central Florida is more than an amazing university. It is a very large campus with a variety of activities and events going on everyday. There are tons of organizations you can become involved in such as fraternities/sororities, Hispanic Organization, Caribbean Organization, Chocolate Club, Dance lessons, Movie Showings, Ice Skating during the winter, even associations that may be about your major. Don’t forget one of the best gyms where you can workout, play basketball, rock climb, play volleyball, run in an inside track or take a dip in the pool. If that does not convince you then I’m sure all the free events and items that are given will make your college experience unforgettable. Homecoming week is also very fun and you get to enjoy all the traditions such as going to the game and spirit splash. Celebrities are also known to visit the university where in most cases, concerts are held where you can attend for free as students. As a student you receive discounts on theme park tickets and other outside concerts and free admission to all athletic activities as well. UCF even has a whole day for students to attend Islands of Adventure, where the park is closed down just for the students for free. UCF is located in central Florida which is also a wonderful place since it is located near downtown and close to theme parks, beaches, restaurants, malls, and apartments. As a student you will NEVER have a dull moment where you cannot find anything to do.
Bang for the buck
The University of Central Florida has one of the best admission cost especially with the way the economy is right now. If this was not true than it would not be one of the largest universities in the nation and have a big amount out of state students. UCF also has a listing of numerous scholarships for every student. Once again you cannot go wrong with all the free events and items that are available. There is not one student who complains about free food, shirts, concerts, movies, activities, resources, and much more. If you don’t live on campus and don’t have a car there is also a free shuttle that can take you to campus from most apartments and all UCF affiliated apartments. Even when it comes to your health there is a hospital on campus where you can get free check-ups and exams done by a doctor. You can still be part of an organization for free and attend meetings and events or take fun classes at the gym such as boxing, yoga, or something of your interest. It won’t be a secret that there are free items or events, you will definitely hear or read about it everywhere. There is always something you can get your hands on for free and why not get stuff you will enjoy.
Tips for prospective students
1. Time Management: Learn how to mange your time, get a planner so you can be organized and know when it’s time for work and time for play.
2. Network: Get to know your professors, mentors, peers, and other administrators. By taking the time to know people you can create a comfortable environment for yourself and know where to go when you need help or even a recommendation letter.
3. Get Involved: There are tons of organizations and activities to do at UCF. By getting involved you can gain leadership opportunities which will enhance student success and involvement on campus. Most importantly you will get to meet new friends.
4. Live On Campus: By living on campus you will experience the real feeling of living in a dorm and walking to class. After your first year you will already know more about your campus and what goes on during the year.
5. Get To Know Your Campus: Take advantage of your campus and all the resources, assistance, and opportunities you have at UCF. You can find out where is the best spot at the library to study, shortcuts to class, where all the computer labs are, free printing machines, and vending machines that have supplies.
6. Create Strategies for Studying: Learn how to prepare and study for an exam. Go to class everyday, take class notes, participate in class, read the textbook, and complete all assignments. DO NOT procrastinate but keep an open mind and always do your best. It is good to set goals and keep yourself aware of what you want to accomplish. There is so much to learn about but don’t stress yourself either.
7. Have Fun: These are suppose to be the best years of your life so take a break from the books and enjoy the experience.
Great for these types of students
The University of Central Florida is great for students who like large campuses with about 50,000 students which mean there is a great diversity and large classrooms. It is also good for those who like to live in a large suburb area and want a good cost of admission. UCF is located in Florida so the student would have to feel comfortable with the environment/weather. Most importantly, it’s perfect for anyone who is looking to further their education. Anyone can quickly adapt to UCF and will fall in love with everything about it. If you feel that it is a right choice then go with that feeling and officially become a Knight (mascot).

Ledesha from Orlando, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of Central Florida is a very large school. With over 50,000 students attending classes at the main campus or one of their satellite campuses, and almost 1500 acres of land on the main campus alone, it is safe to say that UCF is one of the larger universities in the nation. That being said, in most of your classes you will be one of the three or four hundred students sitting in your classroom. The easiest way for you to make the most of your learning experience at UCF is to always sit in the front five or six rows of the class and GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFFESSORS. Remember that you will probably only represent .003% of the student body sitting in that auditorium sized classroom. The teachers, for the most part, are very willing to help and they are very good at what they do. However, if you don’t ask for help and get to know your professors you will soon find yourself barely scraping by and doing poorly in the majority of your classes. Other great resources to help you learn more is to take advantage of the free tutoring, especially those offered by SARC (Student Academic Resource Center). If you follow this advice you will do wonderfully in all your classes and will definitely learn a lot.
Am enjoying being here
The University of Central Florida is truly a great school. Because the campus is so large, there are numerous activities that go one everyday. They really do have something here for everyone! There are chocolate clubs, mixed martial art clubs, painting and drawing societies, live cooking tutorials and much more. They even have celebrity performances at UF where artists such as Lupe Fiasco come to our school and perform here for free. Joining a club or activity is the easiest way to get involved and find your own niche. Once you figure out what you enjoy doing, there are a million ways here at UCF to enjoy doing it. They even allow you to go kayaking and paddle boating for free on the lake here! The best part about it is even if you’re not a thrill seeker or if you’re kind of on the shy side, there are still many ways for you to have fun. UCF is only about a 30 minute drive from all the theme parks you’ve ever imagined going to, and is relatively close to a million different types of malls, parks, dining areas, etc. So even if you hate the school (doubtful) you will still find something to do in the big city of Orlando. That’s the best part of UCF; there is so much diversity here. I’ll tell you one thing, you will never be bored!
Bang for the buck
UCF is a great deal for the money, and I don’t say that just because I go here either! There are so many free activities here that if you take the time to attend a couple every month you will get your money back in no time. They have free concerts, free food, free movie showings, and so much more. They have there own lake where you can go paddle boating canoeing and kayaking as often as you want for free, you can even bring guests for free! In addition to that they even have a hospital here where you can get exams done for free. The gym is amazing and they have really awesome classes such as spinning and washboard abs that you can attend. UCF is always giving out free stuff such as iPod’s and XBOX 360’s. At the end of the spring semester they even give away free tickets to Universal Studios where they shut down the parks and only let UCF students and their guests in. I went and it was really amazing. I had a blast! Even though there are a lot of students that attend school here, it’s still pretty easy to get in on the free stuff. All you have to do is open your eyes and look around. Literally, there are signs that will point you in the direction of the free stuff. Oh yea, and the education isn’t bad either. : - )
Tips for prospective students
Top Ten Tips to Surviving UCF
1. If you can, get involved in either the Honors College or LEAD Scholars—I did this and it saved my life here at UCF. Both of these programs are like safe havens for college students. They welcome you into the school and help get you involved. The class sizes in both of these programs (yes they involve taking extra classes) are always under thirty students so you get the feel of a small college on a big university campus, its like having the best of both worlds. If you can, do both. It will pay off in the end.
2. Get involved—There is no easier way to do good in college than to get involve. Lie the old adage says: its not what you know, but who you know. If you get in contact with the right people on campus it will be smooth sailing. They will write letters of recommendation for you, show you the ins and outs of UCF, and even help you go to graduate school or beyond if that’s your goal. Figure out what you like to do and then find a club or organization that fosters whatever that thing is.
3. Get to know your professors—This is invaluable information. Your professors are your gateway to good grades. If you get to know them, they can not only help you understand the information that you are learning better, but can also write you killer letters of recommendation. Most importantly, if your sitting on the border of two grades at the end of the semester, if your teachers know you, they are more likely to give you that shove to the next grade.
4. Utilize SARC—SARC is a great way to help you get the good grades that you need and want throughout the semester. The tutors are usually really good at what they do and are really willing to help. SARC personally helped me get better grades in some of hardest classes so far such as Chemistry II.
5. Live on campus for your freshman year—I didn’t do this and although I don’t really regret it, I think it’s best to live on campus for the first year because you are closer to ...
Great for these types of students
UCF is not a good school for any one particular type of student, its good for anyone who feels like it’s a fit. It’s really up to you to decide that for yourself. Go to the campus look at the classrooms and see if you can see yourself there. Talk to some of the students and ask them if they like it. Evaluate what you want for the rest of your life and see if UCF will help you get there. Only you can decide which schools will work for you and which won’t. Going to college is a big step, so don’t rush the decision to choose a college. Be true to yourself and what you want for the rest of your life and everything will work out fine.

Yasmeen from Jacksonville, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the professors here make themselves really available to each student even if you can't make there office hours they are willing to work with your schedule. A lot of them really know what they are talking about and even though they may seem demanding its only going to make you better.
Am enjoying being here
There is always so much stuff going on it's crazy(in a good way)! A lot of the activities at the school are free and provide free food and prizes as well. No matter your interest you can find something that you will enjoy.
Bang for the buck
UCF is really affordable compared to other school in Florida. Especially if you have Bright Futures. The biggest expense is housing and a meal plan( i would suggest the smallest one).
Tips for prospective students
You really have to manage your time or it will come back to haunt you. While the professors are helpful, they are very serious about the deadlines they set. There is plenty of time to get everything done and still have a social life if you plan accordingly.
Great for these types of students
If you want a big school, don't mind large classes, and like to meet a ton of new people with different backgrounds and tastes. Also good for sports fans, UCF students are very dedicated to there sports and not to mention those are FREE as well with your ID.

Sarah from Miami, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My classes have been interesting and taught by enthusiastic professors. In large classes, smaller SI sessions have been offered--usually with knowledgeable graduate students of the field who are very ready to help and answer questions.
Am enjoying being here
UCF wasn't actually my first choice, but boy am I glad I came! There are incredible services--anything a student could want from pre-health professions advising to career services to a really fancy gym with a large cardio area, many types of indoor courts for sports like basketball, volleyball, and badminton, a rock-climbing wall where you can get your belay certification, a full-floor of weight equipment, and free seminars on health and wellness usually at least once a week, and over 10 kinds of fun fitness classes that are free to students (i.e. spinning, kickboxing, zumba, ballet, boot camp, washboard abs, etc. etc.) There is a leisure pool, a sports pool, and almost any kind of club you could imagine--from chocolate-lovers, to the Asian board-game Go, to at least 4 different kinds of martial arts, to dance, and on and on. There are also organizations for students considering just about any professional career after their undergraduate, like health or law, and groups for many religious and ethnic groups that aren't necessarily exclusive.
Bang for the buck
With costs rising and funding dropping, UCF is starting to have trouble with the amount of aid it used to give. Still, the college is dedicated to finding solutions to the difficult financial times without putting too much burden on the students. Bright Futures is a huge help for in-state students, but most students with whom I have spoken on the subject also received varying degrees of financial aid, from partial tuition to full tuition AND room-and-board. As a hint, though, they LOVE national merit semi-finalists, finalists, and scholars. One semi-finalist I knew received around $8000 per year on TOP of a full tuition scholarship from the college AND full bright futures from the state! She is EARNING money by attending, as the extra defaults to her account. She can use it for books, school supplies, and sometimes just living expenses, which is fantastic. They also offer many kinds of grants and loans for financial need, even if your GPA has taken a hit from your financial situation. My neighbor has received several subsidized loans from the government and the school and is managing to keep his out-of-pocket expenses down to between $800 and $1500 per year even though he didn't qualify for too much merit-based scholarship money. There is a great opportunity for students here to save money and still get a great education from knowledgeable and enthusiastic professors and assistants.
Tips for prospective students
Be careful which meal plans you choose--some of them, while seemingly better bang for your buck are really just unnecessarily large amounts of food, especially for those living in housing locations that have kitchenettes in the common areas. For students who don't have transportation, however, and are in traditional housing, the plans can be very useful! There are many options, so look carefully and pick the one that's right for you and your needs so that you don't lose extra money.

Go to LINK events! I wish I had gone to more--they are really fun and you can win points used for the auctions at the end of each semester.

Take advantage of your student benefits. For example, in the union, students can get one free scantron daily from the Student Government, and certain students (Honors College members, Lead Scholars members) even have free printing labs--with basically no limits! All students qualify for a certain number of free pages from the SGA, and so don't let these things go to waste! There are also numerous student events that are both fun and informative, and may offer free meals.

Check out different clubs and drop in on a few meetings. Go to tables outside the union on the days that organizations have them set up--you can find some really interesting things that are not only fun to do but can look great on your resume. There are sporting clubs as well if you tend toward athletic, and not all of them are varsity-type if you just want to play for the fun and the love of the game. There are organizations and clubs for many types of career goals, as well as many religious and ethnic clubs and groups that aren't always limited to people belonging to the religion or ethnicity--only people who are interested. Some, of course, are more religion- or action-focused, and may not have much to offer to people who are just curious, but sitting in on a couple meetings may be interesting for curious people even if they don't feel any reason to join the ...
Great for these types of students
Engineering students--after all, it was originally Florida Technical University and focused on engineering; in fact, UCF has some really awesome engineering programs, such as the 5-year master's degree program. My engineering-major friend is a senior this year, and he has just loved his time here and been very involved. All-in-all, the opportunities (including internships, scholarships, and just academic) for engineering students are really a strong plus if you're thinking of going into one of the engineering branches. The college also has a partnership with Disney and UCF students helped design some of the rides--a piece of the original prototype track for Space Mountain, I believe, is still on display in one of the 3 engineering buildings, given to the college in gratitude for the participation and help of UCF students and graduates for their part in its creation.

Pre-health-profession students. There are so many organizations, and even a pre-health advising center! The 7-year-MD program is very tempting if you can qualify, and there are organizations for just about any medical-related profession (including veterinary, dentistry, etc.)

Business students--even though several of the classes are starting to be more online-based because of financial struggle, our business program is very active and has a multitude of scholarships and opportunities as it is growing. The business building seemed like one of the busiest places on campus.

Alicia from Fort Walton Beach, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Everyday is an opportunity to learn something new. The learning does not stop in the class room either. Each person you meet here (which will be a plentiful amount) will teach you something about yourself and the world that you never knew before.

Teachers are more than willing to go the extra mile or two in order to accommodate and facilitate your learning experience.

You learn how to be independent, how to communicate with people, how to adapt to new situations and people (classes; roommates; professors), how to manage your time and you'll learn who you are.
Am enjoying being here
No day is the same as the day before. The more time you spend at UCF the more involved and more exciting it is. It is extremely easy to meet people here because we are all in the same boat trying to expand our network of friends and connections.

There are a lot of extracurricular activities to keep you busy and happy such as IM sports, the leisure pool, restaurants, the plaza across from campus and downtown Orlando for nightlife! It is clean and the people here are always friendly and willing to help.

The best part about living in the dorms is that the resident assistants on each floor plan events regularly where you can meet the people on your floor while enjoying free food, movies and much more.

It is also really cool here because there have also even been celebrity sitings at UCF such as Tosh.0. It is both aesthetically pleasing and culturally enriching to go to UCF.
Bang for the buck
To put it bluntly, it is like taking classes at a resort!! The weather is beautiful, the people are beautiful and you couldn't ask for more.

Top notch gym facilities, free tutoring, Supplemental Instruction teachers and low tuition. Even most apartments off campus are UCF affiliated; rent is cheap and many places don't put water as a utility bill.

Not to mention all of the free stuff! Free shirts, concerts, free classes at the gym (which are amazing), free doctors visits and check ups, you can attend most club meetings for free, discounted prices for students at local restaurants, movie theaters and bars.

UCF always tries to find ways to give students cheap ways to have fun like, ice skating, free admission to sports games (football, basketball, soccer etc.). There is even a day when UCF gives all students who get a pre-paid ticket from the arena (the first 20,000) one day free admission to Universal Studios and the entire park is shut down for students.
Tips for prospective students
1. Get a rolling laundry basket for the long walks to the laundry room, seat cushion for the hard dorm seats and a mini fridge to keep some snacks handy.

2. Make friends, join clubs, join a sorority/fraternity, NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! The more people you get to know the more enriching your experiences are.

3. Even though you will only have them for a semester and there are a lot of people in your class, GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS! You'd be surprised how much they'll go out on a limb to help you if they have a personal connection with you.

4. Use all of the tools that are given to you to supplement your education. There are free tutoring services for most classes called SARC, supplemental instructors and teaching assistants for SI sessions. There is also CourseMob an app on the iPhone and andriod that sends push notifications for class information ($20/ semester)

5. Don't overwhelm yourself. Stay on top of things the best you can and prioritize your life. Place a lot of focus on studying and reviewing. Every now and then cramming is inevitable, but lighten the load when you can. Any little break you get, use it as an opportunity to review class material.

6. Buy from the bookstore as a last resort. Save money on books by getting them from friends, calling people with flyers up on the bulletin boards or get them from an online book source such as Amazon.

7. VISIT your adviser and make sure you are on track more than just once a semester. Things change and you need to be on top of your education, because if you aren't who is? P.S. always have a Plan B and Plan C!!!

8. Go to the Student Union and use your ID to get FREE scantrons, blue books and more before tests rather than buying them!

9. Don't stay in a bad relationship! There are plenty of opportunities out there for you and if you are having a hard time with a partner there are counselors (FREE) that will help you through it.

10. Go out every once in a while and live it up. Make so...
Great for these types of students
If you love sunshine and friendly people.
If you have interests in Engineering, Psychology, Nursing and Pre-Med.
If you like large campuses and hardly seeing the same face twice (other than friends.)
If you enjoy a diverse university with all different people with different backgrounds.
If you are comfortable with large class sizes.
If you can take the initiative to get to know peers and professors.
If you like a modern and gorgeous campus with more perks than a negatives.

Andrea from Orlando, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This is no high school!! I went from being a honor student getting straight A's without much studying to hitting the books for hours... and (BEST OF ALL) ACTUALLY LEARNING!! I actually feel FULFILLED now and CHALLENGED! The courses and professors make me want to go sit in the library and get it right. It is not necessarily like high school where a student receives personal attention from a teacher, but when the college professor acknowledges your good grades, it means SO MUCH! It just pushes you to even work harder and know that you can have a productive future.
Am enjoying being here
Unfortunately, I do not live on campus. That does not mean however that I do not spend as much time as I can at school. You can basically live there. Their are food shops EVERYWHERE on campus along with plenty of study halls that you can get away and just focus on what is important. Also, we have this great fountain in front of the library (which by the way: IS HUGE), where you can just read or relax with a few friends. Homecoming week is the best... there is always something to do! The campus is both fun AND entertaining!
Bang for the buck
Uh.. yea... ouch! I am not going to lie, but it does hurt a little when all your money goes straight towards all your books and tuition. It can be a little overwhelming for us... but after all, it is a growing experience and an introduction to the real world. Besides, every college has it's little high expenses here and there. THANKFULLY, there are supplemental websites that take some of these expenses off (ie: Amazon)... and if you think about it: It all pays off in the end! =] The thing is, it's not like you feel the impact that much. You guys would NOT BELIEVE how much free stuff we get just walking around campus!! During the first week of semester, you can basically acquire all of your school supplies by just walking around campus!! Also, the school organizations are ALWAYS giving out free food and the best part of all: FREE CONCERTS! Last year I got the chance to see Dashboard, Panic, and many great others for free! ALSO, there are a great deal of tutoring programs, adivsing, and peer adivising that is FREE! Of course, youre tuition money pays this, but it helps to not have to pay for much other things during the semester. Probably the best part of all (for me at least) is the recreational center. All the classes are free of charge and what I like the most is that they plan monthly outdoor activities that include scubadiving, rockclimbing, camping, and much more!! It's perfect if you are into fun adventures.
Tips for prospective students
I am not going to lie, college can be a little bit overwhelming at first. You are being introduced into a new world where, for the most part, you have to learn to take responsibilities for yourself. You are in charge of buying your books, studying hard, and getting those A's. Thankfully, UCF has many tutoring programs FREE OF CHARGE (YAY!) and offices with advisors that help out so much if this does get TOO overwhelming! Without this extraordinary staff, it would be hard. But they always go a step and beyond and provide email feedback to everything and ... theirs is just no better option. UCF is so amazing. Their is so much diversity and their is always something to do! Whether its on campus with all the activities that SGA plans and studying or off campus with all the theme parks, you will not be bored!! The best thing any prospective student can do is to probably get involved... IN ANYTHING!! There are so many clubs, organizations, sororities, frats, etc... to pick from that this should not be much of problem. You get a great experience along with great friends that will last a life time!
Great for these types of students
Basically, if you are determined in attaining a good education and focusing, yet having a great time, this school is for you! You can always study hard, yet walk a few minutes to the student union and get a quick bite with some friends. I also mentioned previously about the outdoor adventures... If you are the adventurous kind... you will not regret enrolling to UCF!!

Tara from Cooper City, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At UCF, you end up learning more than you knew was possible. It is such a great experience and because the student body is so large there are so many opportunities. Not only do you gain knowledge about your class topics, but you also learn more about yourself and others.
Am enjoying being here
I couldn't ask for a better school environment. There are people from all walks of life, the staff is amazing and the student body is so friendly. There is no need to fit in because everyone here gets along.
Bang for the buck
Although college is expensive, this is definitely one school that you are getting what you pay for. The teachers are knowledgeable, you gain a lot of intellect and there is always something to do.
Tips for prospective students
Have fun, enjoy what your doing. Take time to enjoy your college years and focus!
Great for these types of students
Anyone!! No matter if you are shy, friendly, quiet, outgoing, tall, short, purple or green. You will love the University of Central Florida!

Brittany from Oviedo, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Overall, UCF is a wonderful school. There are so many opportunities I've been given and I am so glad I chose this school. I'm proud to call myself a knight.
Tips for prospective students
You don't have to pay for scantrons! You can get one free everyday in the union with your student ID. DO NOT CRAM THE NIGHT BEFORE AN EXAM, YOU WILL FAIL. I made this mistake thinking it would be like high school, so don't make this mistake! And get involved, go to events, join a club! It's very hard to make friends and meet people in your classes, so the best way to meet others is to join an organization or even just go to the many free events
Academic Rigor
Definitely study study study! In high school I was a good student and didn't have to study very hard to do well on tests, so I figured college wouldn't be much different. I was wrong, I failed my first college test I ever took. So always study a little every night leading up to an exam, DO NOT try and cram. I would suggest trying to only take four classes your first semester, so you can get a feel for how college is and see what you can handle. There is a lot of work outside of class. For example, some math classes require you to spend three hours a week in a math lab, doing homework.
Dorm Life
Make sure you and your room mate are compatible or can at least compromise. You may end up with someone that's hard to live with, and it could ruin your whole year. So if you can, room with someone you know, but if not and you don't get along, you can always request to change rooms. A lot of dorms will give you a special treat on your birthday too! And there are little gatherings and things that each building will have and it is a wonderful way to get to know your neighbors.
Food and Dining
There are a lot of food options on campus and close to campus. They are mostly chains, so there's no uncertainty. These include places like Burger King, Kyoto, Subway, Dominos, Asian Chao, Sbarro, as well as several convenient stores with snacks and even sushi. There are also places that you can purchase meal plans for, Knightro's and Marketplace, that offer many different choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What to do for fun
There are many activities both on and off campus. Some Friday nights there are events called Late Knights. There is a different theme each time, and corresponding activities to go along with it. A few of the themes last year included 80's with a roller rink, and a carnival theme with a few rides and games where you could win prizes. Admission to these things are free and freshman can earn Link Loot with their student ID and turn in their points at the end of the year for prizes. There are also different excursions you can pay to go on through the Recreation and Wellness Center (gym), which includes things like paddle boarding and surfing. The first week of school there is an event called Pegasus Palooza, which features a free concert. Homecoming week features a free concert, comedian, the legendary Spirit Splash, as well as free shirts and lots of fun!
Bang for the buck
On Wednesdays in front of the Union, there are tents set up where you can get free cups, t-shirts, pens, and other things. BUT DO NOT buy your books from the campus bookstore. There are other options near campus that are MUCH cheaper, such as Grey's or CB&S. I try to rent as much as possible as that is the cheapest option. You do get a lot of free things payed for by your tuition. These include but are not limited to free shuttle services, free doctors visits, free counseling services, free shirts and other knick-knacks, free scantrons, and free concerts and other special events. As well as access to the gym, gym classes, and recreation equipment at Lake Claire, free with student ID. You can also get a lot of discounts with your student ID. You can get discounted theme park tickets and other attractions as well as 15% off your purchase at Micheal's at Waterford Lakes. You also get into sporting events FREE with your student ID.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Spirit Splash is the Friday of Homecoming week. All week there are different events every night where you can also get free things. On Friday everyone gathers around the sacred reflection pond and runs in and just parties. Make sure you get there early to get a free shirt and a lot of other cool free things! Sometimes on the top floor of the library, a little museum will be set up. A few months ago there were old journals on display from tourists of the 1800's in Florida, describing a shark attack.
Great for these types of students
Definitely the best place for Hospitality majors. UCF has the Rosen School of Hospitality Management. It is a wonderful school for anyone, with so many majors and classes to choose from. But be careful if your major is a smaller, less popular one. Sometimes UCF will remove a major before you've completed it, hence the joke U Can't Finish.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and activities on campus. You can definitely find one you'll love. And if not, you can even create your own club! Every Wednesday, some clubs will have tents set up outside of the Student Union, giving you the opportunity to learn more about them.
Greek Life
There are many sororities and fraternities to choose from at UCF. During rush week you have the opportunity to see them all and see which is the best fit for you. You get out what you put in. There are even business and other types of fraternities as well as Christian fraternities and sororities.
Campus Safety
UCF is pretty safe. There are the UCF police constantly driving around, with the station just at the back of campus. There are also emergency call buttons, which glow blue at night, spaced throughout campus. I feel safer on campus, especially at night, than I do anywhere else in the city. However, I still would not recommend walking around alone at night. Better safe than sorry. Be careful at night and in the parking garages. On weekends there is a service called S.E.P.S. The number is on the back of your student ID. If you call them, they will give you a ride in a golf cart to wherever you need to go so that you're not walking alone at night across campus.

Jourdan from Melbourne, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most professors genuinely care about their students although attending your teacher's office hours is highly recommended to fully understand topics taught in a 300 student lecture hall. However, most classes are much smaller, giving the class an opportunity to ask questions.
Am enjoying being here
There are so many opportunities to meet new people, especially for freshmen. There is always some kind of event going on including outdoor movie nights, Late Knight events including free food, games, inflatable obstacle courses, etc., and concerts hosted in the arena. Plus, its Orlando, so you're surrounded by theme parks and get great discounts through the school. UCF is just so unique in comparison to most universities and that's why I love it!
Bang for the buck
Apply early! The University of Central Florida gives out many scholarships based on academic merit for those who qualify. However, they are first come, first served, so apply as soon as you can. Dorm life can get expensive, but that will be true of any school.
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to take a guided tour of every school you are considering to see how you feel on the campus and ask people you know who go there for a more personal tour, if you can. If you choose UCF, make sure to get involved in everything you are remotely interested in. Join intermural sport teams, go to free events hosted by the school, and join any club you find interesting. If you can get into the Honors College, I highly recommend it. This group has smaller classes, more volunteer opportunities, luncheons with important people, and very personal counseling which saved my college life!
Great for these types of students
Greek life is huge at UCF. If you are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, you will like Greek life here. UCF is a huge school, so if you are looking for a place where you will meet tons of people, it's the place to be. UCF really is a good place to explore your academic desires and personal life.

Jessica from Haines City, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this school! It's a beautiful campus with so much to do, so many people to meet, and great places to get lost, be alone and find yourself in. There are so many opportunities to heighten your education, if you seek them out there is no way to fail, this school truly cares about your education and majority of the professors working there reflect that.
Tips for prospective students
If you plan on coming to this school seek out clubs and activities before hand, for you to get involved in. While there are many clubs you can be a part of, it's easy to fall into a mundane routine and if you want to make the best of your college experience you should learn how to break that. However, don't take on more than you can handle, college is all about learning how to balance work and fun. Take it easy your first semester, try new things, learn more about yourself and study habits.
Academic Rigor
UCF prides itself on academic excellence, so classes can be a bit overwhelming, if you can't properly balance yourself. However, freshman year for me was, as I call in the thirteenth grade, it felt like an extension of high school without much of the hand holding. if you find yourself slipping in courses, go to the SI sessions, writing center, find a tutor, there are many people on the campus willing to help, you just have to seek them out.
Dorm Life
I like in Nike and personally I love it. you share a bathroom with =3 other girls and a room with one other person. when filling out the application for housing a room mate requested a person I went to high school with, and it has been a great experience getting to know her better. The room, is surprisingly roomy and you can add decorations such as removable wall paper to make it feel like your own personal space. What I appreciate most about the dorm life at UCF, is that there are many different options you can choose to live in an apartment style or traditional dorm it's up to you! (and what you can afford)
Food and Dining
I personally, do not have a meal plan, it was too expensive. but there are many great places to eat on campus. and if you loooooove coffee as much as i do there's a coffee shop on every corner.
What to do for fun
Like i said a trillion times before there's a lot to do. the RWC (recreation and wellness center) is amazing and there are many classes you can take to get yourself fit and active, such as hip hop cardio, zumba, spinning, etc. you can also rent kayaks and canoes and take them out to lake clare. or go for a hike on the trails at the arboretum.