Academics
With a student body of 14,000, “there is no typical student at UNF.” Filled with “friendly” people who are mostly “from Florida,” UNF students “love to learn and are actively involved in making a real difference.” Possessing “all the aspects of a huge state college with a much more laid back feel,” “everyone is very friendly, and there are many organizations to be a part of.” Many students touted the tolerant atmosphere at UNF, saying that there is an “active LGBT community” and “everyone seems to be tolerant of each other regardless of how they look, what their race or ethnicity is.” Another student noted that “cultural diversity seems to be celebrated by students and faculty,” and that “students can feel free to be themselves and express themselves accordingly.” As one student put it, “we are all different in our own ways. We fit in like pieces of a puzzle. Nobody judges you.”
Student Body
Students at UNF are an active bunch, and life on campus is described as “filled with studying and extra-curricular activities.” With “many clubs and organizations that fit the life or interests of any student,” most students are “involved in a campus activity, either frats or student government, or have a part time job.” The “beautiful” campus is largely conducive to outdoor activities, as it is “situated on 1300 acres” with “nature trails great for hiking, mountain biking, or trail running” and “lakes where students can rent canoes and paddle around.” For those not interested in the great outdoors, UNF is located in the city of Jacksonville, where students can partake in everything from sporting events to the beach and dance clubs. Although there is plenty to do for fun, students complained loudly about the lack of parking, saying that “there isn’t enough parking to accommodate the current students without LONG walks to campus.” The administration also caught a lot flack, with complaints that “services are departmentalized so much that you have to speak with dozens of different people to find out all the information on one topic.”
Campus Life
At UNF, “students get an excellent education, for a terrifically low tuition, by knowledgeable and caring instructors.” Professors are described as “knowledgeable” with a “working knowledge of real business practices.” “What they teach is applicable to the real world,” so students feel prepared “for opportunities in the professional world.” Professors were also praised for their accessibility, with students reporting that they have “never had a situation where a professor was unavailable,” and that “it is not uncommon for instructors to give students their home phone number.” “Although the class offerings are “relatively small,” UNF “accommodates a wide variety of students, from those interested in out-of-class activities to serious research scholars.” Many students raved about the “personal experience” at UNF, where “small size and scholarship offers make me feel like I really matter,” and “you’re not a number, you’re a person.”