I'm considering Florida Southern College, but I am a little worried about its location. Can someone share their experience of the location? Is there an active local community or does it feel more isolated?
Florida Southern College is located in Lakeland, Florida, which is an urban area with a population of around 100,000. Hence, it won't feel as remote or isolated as some rural campus locations might feel.
The town itself is quite lively and has a lot to offer. There's a bustling downtown area with dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. It's also home to swan-filled lakes, beautiful parks, and plenty of outdoor activities which contribute to its unique, small-town charm. Students often find their way downtown and take part in local festivals, art shows, and farmer's markets.
Lakeland also sits about halfway between two larger cities, Tampa and Orlando, which are less than an hour's drive away. This makes it easy to access more big-city amenities, cultural experiences or job opportunities.
On campus, Florida Southern College itself is quite active, with over 100 student clubs and organizations. Whether you're interested in academic societies, performing arts, sports, or community service, there’s likely a group or activity for you.
Overall, while it's not positioned in a major metropolitan area, Florida Southern College offers a blend of urban accessibility and the charm of a smaller town. The college and greater community often intertwine, creating ample opportunities for students to engage. Therefore, the sense of isolation may depend largely on what you're looking to get out of your college experience. To get a better sense of how these factors play out on Florida Southern's campus, I recommend taking a virtual or in-person tour: https://www.flsouthern.edu/admissions/undergraduate/visits-and-events . There are also webinars, info sessions, and open houses available to learn more about what's happening on campus.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.