<p>I'm a sophomore at UF...welcome baby Gators!
Ask away about anything general and I'll try my best to answer.
I'm:
1) in a NPHC sorority
2) on the pre-health track (a Bio major)
3) work in a lab ~16.5 hrs a week.
I can definitely help w more of the science-related questions, but questions on gen eds etc are welcome too!</p>
<p>Most brutal major(s) from your observations?</p>
<p>Which dorms are closest to the math classes (not necessarily engineering but math major classes)?</p>
<p>Does Greek Life dominate much of the social scene at UF as everyone says it does?</p>
<p>Oh, and anything special that us Baby Gators need to know to survive our first year!?</p>
<p>anything about Shands and volunteering im on pre-med. How do you volunteer in lab? what do you do there?</p>
<p>@thesos76: broward and mallory/reid are the closest to the math building. math classes are always very scattered though–any of the dorms right up against the main area of campus are equidistant on average.</p>
<p>@alittlemoster: op might have a different observation, but engineering majors are all pretty intensive. i think they tend to underestimate a lot of other majors, but they’re definitely the most work-intensive on average. mostly because they over-teach some things (engineering stats?). some are worse than others, of course.</p>
<p>I really want Jennings but due to my housing date I don’t think it’s happening, so what would be the next best choice(s)?</p>
<p>Also do you know what nursing is like at UF? That’s what I’m thinking about going in 
thanks!</p>
<p>Only lower-level math classes are scattered (Matherly, Little, Carleton), but upper-level at least seem to be all at Little.</p>
<p>@alittlemonster …from my observations, I’d say the engineering majors are pretty tough. Particularly electrical and nuclear, but that’s to be expected I say. Depending on your strengths, a hard science major might be tough for you in the beginning (it was for me), so the pre-health track isn’t a cake walk (at least in the beginning - once you get accustomed to the workload life is okay).
@thesos …if you’re looking for dorms closer to classes try the Murphree area. I have a friend who literally rolled out of bed for her classes when she lived there. Not a typically “freshman” area, but it’s nice and, as mentioned before, close to classes (it’s near Turlington, I think my math class was around Norman which is ~5 minutes away from Murphree).
@JKidRauhl …Greek life is a pretty big part of the university life, but it isn’t the end of the world if you can’t join, don’t have the funds, it isn’t your thing, etc. About 30% of UF’s undergrad population is Greek (and this includes multicultural sororities and fraternities too). Of course I’m proud of being in an NPHC sorority, and I personally have had a great time; I believe it’s contributed positively to my college experience, but as mentioned before, it isn’t for everyone. If you enjoy partying and are a guy it might be tough to get out (only girls are allowed into frat parties), but in terms of socialization in other venues and during the day time with various clubs well…I don’t see an issue. If you have more questions drop a PM!
PS Nothing special about surviving Freshman year. For some it’s a breeze academically because of how rigorous their highschools were. For me, this wasn’t the case. That and my roommate and I didn’t get along. All in all, a damn good run I’d say. These are definitely the best times of your life so carpe diem and all of that good stuff
@UMCane …it’s hard to volunteer at Shands because of all of the kids that want the buzzword “Shands hospital” on their apps. Instead, for patient contact volunteering, try a local hospice. In terms of what I do in the lab well…I work about 16.5 hrs a week plating cells, splitting/growing/maintenencing them, and working with different equipment to observe proteins and other things the lab I work in is interested in. Among the equipment used are centrifuges, gel electrophoreisis machines, and high-powered microscopes. Basically, the work isn’t mind-blowing, but it’s in a lab setting and I’m getting trained to work with important equipment. Also I get practice for my chem 2 lab by doing dilutions, even dimensional analysis (yes, it comes back to bite you!).
@Skluffy101 - my best friend is actually a runner! She has yet to get involved in an actual club (though we joke about the juggling joggers…yes…they exist) that runs, I always see people out running and the gym facilities are pretty impressive in my opinion. Additionally, nursing is getting competitive, but from my understanding, is totally doable as long as you work (as is w anything else). Keep up around a 3.7 and you should be fine in terms of admittance!</p>
<p>NPHC = National Panhellenic …it’s basically a social sororitiy (one you typically think of when considering Greek life)** forgot to add that!</p>
<p>thank you! But I think you didnt answer my first question about housing, not running lol :)</p>
<p>@Skluffy101: the halls in the Broward area (Broward & Rawlings) are nice, and very social. There are also plenty of rooms still available on the west side of campus (like Tolbert & Graham). If you want to attend the games when football season rolls around, just take a short walk and you’re right at the Stadium. Either hall is a short bus ride or walk to classes, depending on your major.</p>
<p>Thanks princessla92…totally missed that! Also, I’m in a PHC (Panhellenic Council) sorority…NPHC is comprised of ethnic sororities/fraternities. Lol, I realized that when I looked it up…oops. :)</p>
<p>Hey! I’m in PHC too!!! What a coincidence!!!</p>
<p>Is there anyway to make ISIS registration easier?</p>
<p>@kscool - unfortunately no…but if you’re worried about, say, lab spots, they open up. Don’t be neurotic like I was! Worst case scenario…if your class has NO sections open and is on your critical tracking, march up to your “advisor” and they can normally get you into it.</p>
<p>Is the meal plan really needed? It seems really expensive. If not what can I do instead?</p>
<p>If you’re a big person like I am, then the meal plan actually saves money. The other option is of course buying food from Publix or just on campus.</p>
<p>Is it easy to go and talk to the professors?
ps. i’m planning on majoring in biomedical engineering with the pre med track so any info would be helpful!</p>
<p>If I’m doing summer, is there a place on campus to store my stuff for the 2 weeks between summer and fall or do I have to bring everything home & everything back up 2 weeks later?</p>