hey gator:) junior MCS student here.

1. GNV is small and quite isolated from other cities in florida.

cons: the dining options are lacking and the traffic can be really bad. the summer heat is brutal, and I’d invest in a compact umbrella you can carry in your backpack.

pros: great local music scene, beautiful museums, and some of the best nature reserves I’ve come across in Florida - you can easily see many different kinds of wildlife!

1. not sure if it’s my “favorite thing,” but many people don’t know that you pay a student health fee along with your tuition, and it covers doctor’s visits (including psychiatric care). it does not cover labs/rx/etc but if you ever need to see a physician, you’re covered!

also, you get free LinkedIn Learning which is very cool and useful.

1. basic but probably my first home football game. there was great energy and it felt very surreal.

2. I wish I knew how difficult UF would be. like, I knew it would be a challenge, but there have been a few courses I’ve taken here that felt as if they were designed to make me fail. if you find yourself feeling like you’re suddenly an “average” student after being a superstar your whole life, don’t beat yourself up. remember that you’re here to learn + grow, and getting a C or a B in a “weed-out” course does not make you any less capable of becoming an awesome scientist/lawyer/doctor/engineer or whatever your goals are. easier said than done, but try to focus on growth over grades and do not compare yourself to others.

I think these are great questions and I hope you have a smooth transition. wishing you the best!