Florida State University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

This is a Southern town, so expect things to move at a slower pace. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that nothing happens here. During the spring and summer, the state legislature is in session and the town is filled with movers and shakers. For political science, business, and communications majors, this can give the opportunity to see the deal-making and schmoozing first-hand. As for students that do not have an interest in government or legislation, there is still a lot to do in Tallahassee.

Tallahassee is home to two universities and a community college, so there is a large student population present, and not with just FSU students. This means there are twice as many bars, parties, and other activities to keep the average student entertained. More intellectual pursuits are also available in the form of museums, nature trails, and archeological sites. For the more adventurous, there are numerous places to visit that are within a few hours drive of town, including Wakulla Springs, the Florida Caverns, and the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab. Students also like to go to Panama City where the culture is very eclectic. Just keep in mind that appearances can be deceiving, and there is more to do in Tallahassee than meets the eye.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Tallahassee is a Southern town,... Tallahassee is a Southern town, and off-campus, the attitude can tend to run towards the conservative, but it hasn’t marred anyone’s ability to have fun here. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Tallahassee is a two-college town... Tallahassee is a two-college town on the verge of being an actual city. With that in mind, I can safely say that the more industrious student will always be able to find something to do for entertainment. Florida A&M is only a few blocks up the road from Florida State, and the area around both campuses is peppered with bars, museums, galleries, and coffeehouses. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

A place to stay away from is the... A place to stay away from is the area usrrounding the homeless shelter. It is unfortunate, but some of the residents of the shelter resort to violent harassment to make ends meet. The best solution is to avoid being alone in this part of town, and to constantly be aware of your surroundings to prevent any dangerous situations. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Although this is Florida, don’t... Although this is Florida, don’t expect to just pop on down to the beach for a little sun and fun. While the Gulf of Mexico is only a 20-minute drive, the few accessible beaches are really not worth it. They don’t call it the Redneck Riviera for nothing. Your best bet is to endure the 45-minute drive to St. George Island State Park. If you are feeling adventurous, Panama City Beach, a spring break hotspot, is 90 minutes to the west. It’s actually perfect for a weekend getaway, and it’s well worth the drive. If you’d rather stay in town, the Seminole Reservation on Lake Bradford is maintained by FSU and offers a clean stretch of sand to lay out on, canoe rentals, and it is only a five- minute drive from campus. It’s not a bad place to spend a Saturday afternoon during the summer months. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Tallahassee recently invested in... Tallahassee recently invested in an IMAX theater downtown (only three blocks from campus), and it is located next to the local Museum of Art and Science. There is also a multiplex located at each of the two shopping malls, running all the latest blockbusters, while the Miracle Five has the distinction of being the spot to view some of the better independent and foreign films that come through town. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Tallahassee:
• Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida.
• It is ranked as the No. 2 medium-sized college city in which to live.
• Tallahassee is considered one of America’s most educated cities.
• On any given day, you may run into George Clinton (Parliament), Ted Turner, Jimmy Buffet, or several other celebrities who live in the area.
• The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, also called the MOAS, was formerly known as The Museum of Art and Science and the Odyssey Science Center. The MOAS offers a variety of educational programs, and FSU students have participated in a chemistry magic show. It also encourages student exhibitions, and admission is free to students.

Local Slang:
Fixin’ to – Meaning “getting ready to.”
I reckon – A Southerner says this meaning “I think that.”
Sink – A shortening of “sinkhole.” These are fairly popular swimming holes that dot the Apalachicola National Forest south of campus. The water comes from underground springs and is ice cold. These are great for hot August afternoons.
The Strip – The stretch of Tennessee Street near campus that consists of several popular student bars and clubs.
Tennessee Waltz – Hitting all the bars on Tennessee Street in one night. This is usually done in celebration of a 21st birthday, when many of the drinking establishments offer a free beer or pitcher to the celebrant.

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