Student Life At Florida State University: An Insider's View

Florida State University, a large public university in Tallahassee, Florida, is highly regarded for its student life. With a total undergraduate enrollment of over 32,000, FSU offers over 600 student organizations, 18 NCAA Division I sports teams, and a vibrant campus community. Niche, a research company that produces annual rankings of colleges and universities, has ranked FSU as the best in Florida for student life and 6th in the nation. The university's Division of Student Affairs plays a crucial role in empowering and supporting students, offering a wide range of programs and services to enhance their quality of life and foster a sense of belonging. FSU's urban setting and diverse student body provide a fast-paced city life that suits students who enjoy an active and engaging environment.

Student accommodation

Florida State University (FSU) offers a variety of student accommodation options, both on and off-campus. According to statistics, 21% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 79% live off-campus.

On-Campus Accommodation

FSU provides on-campus housing for all unmarried students, regardless of the year of study. The University Housing Department, part of the Division of Student Affairs, offers support and resources for students with specific housing needs. The University also has a dedicated Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) that serves over 5000 students, providing academic, housing, and dining accommodations, as well as assistive technologies.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Most students at FSU choose to live off-campus, and there are various resources available to help them find suitable accommodation. Websites like Student.com make it easy for students to compare different options and choose the best property for their needs.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

FSU also offers Living-Learning Communities, which are designed to shape students' experiences at the University. These communities provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities through internships and on-campus involvement.

Special Interest Housing

FSU's housing staff are available to speak with students who have specific housing concerns that may not be covered in the standard housing contract. Resources are available for students with specific needs, ensuring that all students can find accommodation that suits their requirements.

Student organisations

Florida State University has over 600 student organisations, providing students with numerous opportunities to find their niche and gain a deep sense of belonging on campus and in the community. The university's Division of Student Affairs (DSA) plays a crucial role in empowering and supporting students to achieve their full potential.

Recognised Student Organisations (RSOs) at Florida State University can take advantage of various privileges and resources offered by the university. These include participation in campus-wide events, on-campus space reservations, access to the Student Government Association's (SGA) Student Publications, and event planning consultations with Engagement Ambassadors and the Student Organisations & Involvement staff.

The Office of Student Organisations and Involvement provides comprehensive support for RSOs, offering resources and instructions on event planning and the event permitting process. RSOs can also apply for funding through the SGA and access graphic design and printing services for free. Additionally, the Student Union Campus Events Services is the central hub for booking spaces for meetings or events, with all reservations conveniently made online.

Florida State University prioritises student engagement and success by providing a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved, connect with others, and develop a strong sense of community.

Student athletics

Florida State University (FSU) has a thriving student athletics culture. FSU is part of the NCAA I and has more than 40 active sports clubs, featuring instructional, social, competitive, and recreational clubs. FSU's athletics department is recognised as one of the nation's top all-around programs, finishing 13 of the last 14 seasons ranked among the top 20 programs in the country. FSU's teams have qualified for the NCAA Postseason in 147 of 154 opportunities since 2010.

FSU's award-winning student recreational facility, the Bobby E. Leach Centre, is free for students and features extensive strength and cardiovascular training areas, aerobic classes, basketball and racquetball courts, a 16-lane indoor pool, and an indoor track.

The FSU Reservation is a 73-acre lakefront property with a climbing wall, volleyball courts, swimming, sunbathing, and sailing. It is also home to the FSU Challenge, which features high and low ropes courses and other team-building activities.

Students can also make use of the 12-lane bowling centre and 10 full-sized billiards tables in the Student Union.

FSU's Intramural Sports provide year-round opportunities to compete with fellow students in a wide range of individual and team sports.

Student veterans

Florida State University (FSU) has been ranked as having the best student life in the state of Florida and sixth-best in the nation by Niche, a research company that produces an annual ranking of colleges and universities. FSU has a lot to offer its students, including a vibrant campus community and a positive, fun, and friendly student culture.

Now, let's focus on the student veterans of FSU and the resources available to them.

The Florida State University Student Veterans Center (SVC) is dedicated to supporting student veterans, active-military students, and veteran/military dependents. The SVC provides various programs and services to enhance retention, graduation, and career placement rates among this unique student population.

Services and Benefits Offered by the SVC:

• Assistance with educational benefits provided through the departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense, including certification.
• Breakout orientation sessions, including an online orientation option, to help student veterans transition to academic life.
• A weekly course during the fall and spring semesters called Strategies for Veteran Success (SLS 3407) to support academic and personal goals.
• Coordination of Veteran Liaisons who offer advice and assistance in academic and administrative matters across the campus.
• Priority course registration for active-military students, student veterans, and military/veteran dependents who have made prior contact with the SVC.
• Out-of-state tuition waiver for current or former members of the U.S. Armed Services residing in Florida, including honorably discharged veterans and members of the Reserve or National Guard.
• Opportunity to receive college credit for certain military experience, training, or coursework recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide.
• Deferments and financial arrangements to accommodate potential delays in receiving VA educational benefits.

Student Organizations for Veterans:

• Student Veterans of America (SVA): A national organization with a chapter at FSU that advocates for veterans in higher education. It empowers student veterans, provides connections, and offers educational experiences beyond the classroom.
• Collegiate Veterans Association (CVA): A student organization for veteran/military students and their supporters, fostering friendships and involvement in the campus community.
• Veterans Student Union (VSU): Provides a permanent voice for veterans in the Student Government, ensuring their representation and advocacy.
• Women's Veterans Alliance: A group dedicated to supporting women at FSU who are military members, veterans, spouses, partners, or supporters. It provides opportunities for connection, friendship, and resource sharing.
• STEM Veterans USA: An organization that networks veterans in STEM fields with internships and career opportunities, including scholarship and research possibilities.
• Society of American Military Engineers (SAME): A national organization with a chapter at the FSU Panama City campus, offering professional and student charters.

The range of services, benefits, and student organizations at FSU demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting its student veterans and helping them succeed academically, socially, and professionally.

Student diversity

Florida State University (FSU) has been rated as having the best student life in the state of Florida and was ranked sixth in the nation by Niche, a research company that produces an annual ranking of colleges and universities. FSU has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,217 (fall 2023), with a gender distribution of 43.4% male students and 56.6% female students.

FSU has a medium level of racial diversity, with 36% of students being people of colour. The majority of students are White, with a smaller Hispanic population. There is a lower gender diversity than other US colleges, with 41% more female students than male. The university serves a very low number of students outside of Florida, with 85% of the student body residing in-state. However, international students from 120 countries are represented at the school, with the majority coming from China, India, and Panama.

Frequently asked questions