Last week, my husband Alan and I decided to trade the palm trees of South Florida for something a little more autumn—a visit to Florida State University in Tallahassee. As a lifelong lover of the fall season (and residents of a place where “seasons” are more of a concept than a reality), I had high hopes of catching a glimpse of colorful leaves. We’d read that several state parks around Tallahassee including Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park and Torreya State Park often put on a modest show of golds, oranges and reds this time of year.
FSU Walking Tour
First Impressions
While the leaves were just beginning to turn, the trip was still more than worth the long drive each way. Not only did we experience a change of scenery, but we garnered a genuine appreciation for what makes FSU such a vibrant and welcoming place.The red brick buildings, shaded walkways, and Spanish-moss-draped oaks gave the campus a true collegiate feel. Despite its size, home to more than 32,000 undergraduates, the campus feels surprisingly walkable and cohesive, with most of the main academic and student-life areas within comfortable reach.
Our Student Guides Made Quite an Impact
We owe a big thank you to our two tour guides, Veronica and Samantha, whose enthusiasm was contagious. Both were articulate, engaging, and clearly proud of their university. They shared personal stories about their classes, campus traditions, and the strong sense of community at FSU that goes beyond just academics. And they were easily able to answer all questions posed to them.
FSU is Home to National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
FSU Administration Building
They also filled us in on some interesting facts that many prospective students may not be aware of. For instance, did you know that Florida State University is home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, also known as the MagLab. It houses the world’s largest and most powerful magnet, capable of producing magnetic fields over 45 teslas—that’s about a million times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field! Scientists from all over the globe travel to Tallahassee to use it for research in physics, materials science, and medicine. Yet, as our guides proudly pointed out, FSU students have priority when it comes to research opportunities there. That’s an incredible advantage for undergraduates eager to work alongside world-class scientists.
Global Opportunities for First Year Students
Another standout feature that impressed us is FSU’s First Year Abroad (FYA) program—an option that allows incoming students to spend their first two semesters studying in one of four international locations: Florence (Italy), Panama City (Panama), Valencia (Spain), or London (England). Students in this program benefit from small class sizes, hands-on learning, and a built-in cultural adventure. And there’s more: non-Florida residents can earn an out-of-state tuition waiver upon returning to the main campus, while Florida residents receive a $1,000 scholarship. For students eager to explore the world while working on their degree, this program is a game-changer.
A Few More Highlights
Everywhere we turned, FSU’s balance of tradition and innovation stood out.
- Academically, it’s ranked among the top public universities in the nation and
boasts one of the highest four-year graduation rates in the country. - Athletically, the Seminoles’ pride runs deep; even non-sports fans can feel the
excitement that fills the air on game days. - And the campus itself is lush, clean, and brimming with student life.
Wrapping up the Roadtrip
By the time we began our drive back home, we were a little tired, a little leaf-deprived—but very impressed. Florida State University left us with a lasting impression of academic strength, global perspective, and genuine warmth. So while the leaves didn’t quite cooperate this time, we left Tallahassee feeling that FSU’s colors—garnet and gold—were more than enough.