Looking at Florida State University?

It left us with a lasting impression of academic strength, global perspective, and genuine warmth.

Our campus visit

Last week, my husband Alan and I traded 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, I had high hopes of seeing colorful leaves. Living in a place where “seasons” are more of a concept than a reality, even a hint of gold or orange feels special. We had 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 fall color this time of year.

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 enjoy a change of scenery, but we also gained a real 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 classic collegiate feel.

Campus Size

Despite its size, with more than 32,000 undergraduates, the campus feels surprisingly walkable and cohesive. Most of the main academic buildings and student-life spaces sit within comfortable walking distance. As a result, the university feels large in opportunity but still manageable in day-to-day life.

Our student guides

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. The guides shared personal stories about their classes, campus traditions, and the strong sense of community at FSU that goes beyond academics.

They also handled every question with ease. Their warmth and confidence made it easy to picture how supportive the student community can be. By the end of the tour, their insights had helped us see FSU through the eyes of current students.

FSU and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Our guides also shared some fascinating facts that many prospective students may not know. For instance, Florida State University is home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, often called the MagLab. It is the largest and most powerful magnet lab in the world and includes a 45-tesla hybrid magnet used for cutting-edge research.

Scientists from around the globe travel to Tallahassee to study physics, materials science, and even aspects of medicine using these powerful instruments. Yet, as our guides proudly pointed out, FSU students have priority when it comes to research opportunities there. That access is an incredible advantage for undergraduates who want to work alongside world-class scientists.

Global opportunities for first-year freshman

Another standout feature that impressed us is FSU’s First Year Abroad (FYA) program. This option allows incoming freshman to spend their first two semesters studying in one of four international locations. Students can study in: Florence (Italy), Panama City (Panama), Valencia (Spain), or London (England). The students in this program benefit from smaller classes, hands-on learning, and a built-in cultural adventure.

A few more highlights

Everywhere we turned, FSU’s balance of tradition and innovation stood out. Academically, FSU ranks among the top public universities in the nation and reports one of the higher four-year graduation rates in the country. Athletically, Seminole pride runs deep; even non-sports fans can feel the excitement in the air on game days.

The campus itself is lush, clean, and full of energy. Students studied on lawns, gathering in common areas, and moving between classes with purpose. Altogether, the environment felt both serious about academics and rich in student life.

Wrapping up the road trip

By the time we began our drive back home, we were a little tired and still a bit leaf-deprived—but very impressed. Florida State University left us with a lasting impression of academic strength, global perspective, and genuine warmth. So, even though the fall colors did not fully cooperate on this trip, FSU’s own colors—garnet and gold—were more than enough.