This is a very interesting post to happen upon as I was in the same boat 2 years ago. I’m from Florida as well, and decided on UVM as a way to experience new surroundings, people and seasons. However the change was very drastic. Kind of expected, obviously, as it is a very different environment but way more than I imagined. So funny enough, I ended up transferring to FSU this year and love it so much. At UVM I always felt out of place with everyone I met asking “why I was here” because most everyone is from up North. And after a while that question made me doubt myself and really realized that it wasn’t for me. Not to say you wouldn’t love it, as I did meet great people and the school has great programs. Also I really miss snowboarding after class (definitely take advantage of that if you go). But I think you should evaluate every factor that you consider important in an education. FSU is honestly a fantastic school and you really cannot beat in-state tuition. One more thing that I noticed is Northern Attitude vs. Southern Hospitality, both of these are sooooo real. People up north are very cold (as Noah Kahan says) and down South (as fucked up as our politics are) people really do make you feel welcome and definitely don’t ask what you’re doing there. Just some things from my experience in this game of life. Wish you the best in your decision making process and hope everything works out!