I am a freshman at the University of Tampa. I am a finance major so I am in the John Sykes school of business. I was accepted to UF but decided not to go because I was scared of how large it was and not ready to be that far from home. However, now that I’m thinking about it, UF might have been the better choice. The Warrington school of business is way better ranked than UT’s (as is UF as a whole). Plus UF has way more alumni. I may be able to earn 60 credits before sophomore year if I take summer classes (7 credits worth). If not I would transfer Spring 2016 (2nd semester sophomore year). If the Business school at UF that good? Is it worth the transfer? I want to go where I will have the most opportunities.
I attended a presentation of the business school at UF as a parent but have no personal experience with it. I will say I was very impressed. It seemed a clear cut major with goals and focused students. I don’t know any graduates personally so can’t give you that kind of advice. UF does have a lot of alumni that makes that “gator nation” for networking.
However. You did say you thought of UF as being too large. Think about this…
Is Tampa too large? Gainesville is smaller. Gainesville is a college town. Tampa is not. Tampa is almost 3 times bigger.
Yes, the UF campus is larger student-wise but you don’t see all those people at one time (except at football games!). Did you meet all 300K Tampa residents this weekend? Didn’t think so but in case you did, in G’ville at least they are all your age. With your iinterests to boot. With a whole surrounding town catering to your age group. G’ville is a larger town with a very small town feel.
You go to class and see the same people everyday. When classes change you pass the same people. It’s a regular routine. Just like now. It really doesn’t matter how big the student population is. You see the same people every day. More students just means there are more opportunities to meet people with your interests if you seek them out. And more opportunities period.
And being far from home? Gainesville is less than two hours to Tampa. Less than most class periods. Honestly–it’s nothing. Jump in the car or on a bus and be home quick if it gets overwhelming. Hopefully home will be G’ville if you make the jump.