The University of Florida

I went to UF for undergrad and graduate school for two bachelors and a masters degree Electrical and Computer Engineering. I had a great time and I was surrounded by some very intelligent people, both professors and students, in the department. I would say that like with most things, you get out of UF what you put in. The potential for a great education in the College of Engineering (rated top 25) is very high, but you have to put in the work. I have seen some people, particularly in undergrad, do the bare minimum and try to just skate by...although that became increasingly harder my last few years.

If you are interested in engineering of any type, it's hard to go wrong with UF. There are numerous opportunities, especially for research if you are so inclined. My only thought would be that if you are more interested in computer software/science, it's harder for me to recommend the Department of Computer and Information Sciences (which is under the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences). The quality of professors there is much more varied than the ECE department...many are, in all honesty, terrible teachers (although they may be brilliant researchers). So if you go to UF, get a degree in Computer Engineering from the ECE department instead of Computer Science...you'll be glad you did. Not only because of the professors, but no one I know who graduated from the College of Engineering failed to get a job right away...while I have known a few people in Liberal Arts and Sciences who couldn't find jobs for months.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

Don't let your first visit make up your mind. When I first visited UF I didn't think much of it. I thought Gainesville was a boring "hick" town. When I went up again without my family for Gator Growl I had the time of my life. Going with and without your family makes all the difference. There's a great mall less than 10 minutes away. At night their are an abundance of clubs and bars you can go to just to hang out, relax, dance, and meet people. If you choose not to eat on campus there are a ton of great places to eat in the area. The frat parties are also alot of fun. People are all very friendly and inclusive. During the days when your not in class theres alot to do on campus as well. All the gyms on campus are amazing, the school owns a lake just a bit off campus where you can water-ski, jet-ski, rent a boat, and alot of other fun stuff. The only downside I see to the school is that the dorms are not the best. Many are very old and out of date. The best dorms on campus are Jennings Hall, Beaty Towers, Hume Hall, and Rawlings Hall.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Social Life: A+, Individual Value: B

I am an old Gator. The University of Florida was the best experience of my youth. I found fine teachers, good friends, and the joy of youth at UF. It gave me a chance to breathe after an abusive homelife and a chance to meet warm, caring people. I thank God daily that I was able to attend UF. I had to fight every inch of the way to get there and it met every expectation I ever had. I have found that you get from life what you put into it. If you are dis-satisfied with UF, you will probably not like any school you attend and,if you hate your current job, you may hate your next job as well. A university can educate your mind but you must educate your heart. Remember what the poet said, "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." As we said in the 60's, "Peace".

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000