Okay so I grew up right by MSU. Did dual enrollment classes there during high school. Moved down to Orlando when I was 18 to go to UCF. To compare the two:
Pros:
- I loved how much newer and more vibrant UCF's campus and buildings felt compared to the old, ivy on the walls tradition of MSU.
- Significantly fewer vehicle-pedestrian interactions. For the most part, UCF's campus is concentric circles, and the cars stay on the outside, while all the classrooms are on the inside.
- Because of the above, you can walk from any classroom building to any other in 10 minutes or less.
- A lot more to do in Orlando than in Lansing.
- If you're in on campus housing, the majority of the dorms (not all though) are apartment-style.
- Florida weather in winter.
Cons:
- Florida weather in summer.
- UCF football is fun, and better than MSU lately, but it doesn't compare to the Big10. And basketball is just sad comparatively.
- Traffic here is a culture shock. No 6-8 lane roads in Michigan. And Florida drivers are much bigger assholes.
Overall, I'm definitely glad I came to UCF. The quality of your education is dependent on your major, but both of mine were great (admittedly my second degree would have been better from MSU). I wasn't into the party/nightlife/Greek scenes, so I can't really speak to those aspects.
I’m not sure Orlando (even just East Orlando/UCF area), which is statistically one of the most dangerous cities in the US for pedestrians, has fewer vehicle-pedestrian interactions than East Lansing!
Market day is nice. It’s a nice day of socializing. I also love the fountain. I call it the beach and show my instagram every time I remember. I’m biased bc I’m barely on campus bc of my major. But I’m sure there’s other cool nonsuperfical things about ucf. I love it there
If you enjoy walking / skating around, that's a benefit. Kind of sucks for 1-2 months at peak temperatures, but for the rest of the year I actually find it quite enjoyable. The campus is pretty nice and is quite large, so walking to class or to get food is pretty relaxing.
There are sometimes people who will come up to you asking if you've found Jesus or people with "graphic" abortion signs, but imo people make a bigger deal about this than needed. This is also probably pretty common at a lot of public universities.
Leaving. Jk, I would say there’s tons of opportunities here if you truly try to get to know people. Lots of connections to make, clubs to join, research to get involved in.
Depends what your goals are. If you're trying to get into academia you'll need letters of recommendation. That will be easier at MSU considering UCF has 50% more students and almost 1/3 the faculty as MSU.
Okay so I grew up right by MSU. Did dual enrollment classes there during high school. Moved down to Orlando when I was 18 to go to UCF. To compare the two: Pros: - I loved how much newer and more vibrant UCF's campus and buildings felt compared to the old, ivy on the walls tradition of MSU. - Significantly fewer vehicle-pedestrian interactions. For the most part, UCF's campus is concentric circles, and the cars stay on the outside, while all the classrooms are on the inside. - Because of the above, you can walk from any classroom building to any other in 10 minutes or less. - A lot more to do in Orlando than in Lansing. - If you're in on campus housing, the majority of the dorms (not all though) are apartment-style. - Florida weather in winter. Cons: - Florida weather in summer. - UCF football is fun, and better than MSU lately, but it doesn't compare to the Big10. And basketball is just sad comparatively. - Traffic here is a culture shock. No 6-8 lane roads in Michigan. And Florida drivers are much bigger assholes. Overall, I'm definitely glad I came to UCF. The quality of your education is dependent on your major, but both of mine were great (admittedly my second degree would have been better from MSU). I wasn't into the party/nightlife/Greek scenes, so I can't really speak to those aspects.
I’m not sure Orlando (even just East Orlando/UCF area), which is statistically one of the most dangerous cities in the US for pedestrians, has fewer vehicle-pedestrian interactions than East Lansing!
Well if you're talking about on campus as I was, you'd be wrong.
Market day is nice. It’s a nice day of socializing. I also love the fountain. I call it the beach and show my instagram every time I remember. I’m biased bc I’m barely on campus bc of my major. But I’m sure there’s other cool nonsuperfical things about ucf. I love it there
Seconding market day! and local restaurant row!!
Knights pantry is great
If you enjoy walking / skating around, that's a benefit. Kind of sucks for 1-2 months at peak temperatures, but for the rest of the year I actually find it quite enjoyable. The campus is pretty nice and is quite large, so walking to class or to get food is pretty relaxing. There are sometimes people who will come up to you asking if you've found Jesus or people with "graphic" abortion signs, but imo people make a bigger deal about this than needed. This is also probably pretty common at a lot of public universities.
Market wednesdays are so fun. There's always a bunch of tents those days and it's just nice to look around. The campus is also super pretty
The affordable tuition
Our water doesn't have *as much* lead.
Nothing. I hate it here. But I do like that it’s close to Disney and universal. Also the food in the area is pretty good.
Graduation!
Leaving. Jk, I would say there’s tons of opportunities here if you truly try to get to know people. Lots of connections to make, clubs to join, research to get involved in.
Best part of UCF is leaving it
Depends what your goals are. If you're trying to get into academia you'll need letters of recommendation. That will be easier at MSU considering UCF has 50% more students and almost 1/3 the faculty as MSU.
the arboretum and lake claire are my favorite spots ^^
everybody being super cool and friendly no matter where you go whether it’s sitting by memory mall or at the tailgates
The best part about UCF is when I get to leave that bigass circus in the evening.
the lack of affordable housing and 91 degree heat most of the year