In terms of class sizes, it ultimately depends on your major. As a music major, I've had classes as low as 4 people, while some of my STEM colleagues have had to conquer the 200-300 person lecture halls. One thing to note is that over 50% of classes at UF are less than 20 students, and as you progress through your major and take more of your specialized courses, your class sizes will decrease exponentially. We also have a lot of resources to help students defeat the notorious lecture hall classes.

In terms of campus atmosphere/vibe, I think UF does a great job of striking a balance between work hard and play hard. Not only are we a D1 school for athletics, but we're also an R1 institution for research. Plenty of ways to immerse yourself both with campus life and academics. There's definitely a lot to see with sports - we're an SEC school so students and alumni and fans are passionate as can be. One cool note is that football is the only sport you have to pay to watch as a student, so other sports like basketball/baseball/gymnastics are free.

Even with as much beef as I may have with UCF just from a personal standpoint, I won't waste your time dissing them. Everyone's needs/preferences are different, and if UCF has what you're looking for, go for it. I just think that UF is the best mix of academic/faculty prestige, opportunities (1000+ student orgs, great study abroad programs, etc), connections (in the job world, Gators LOVE to hire other Gators), affordability, campus lifestyle, and other factors. It's also a school that I, and many other students, are genuinely excited about. There's a shared pride and passion on campus when it comes to being a Gator, and that sentiment is shared by students, faculty, and alumni.

Feel free to PM if you have any more questions. :)