<p>I recently visited Florida State and before the visit, it was my number one choice. After visiting the campus, I'm not so sure. Seemed like the town is much smaller with less to do than I had thought. On several other campuses I have visited, there were tons of little shops and restaurants all over campus. On the tour, I didn't really see anything like that. I didn't see any clothing stores and saw very few restaurants. Is there anything like that around town that I may have missed?</p>
<p>Within walking distance (typically on Tennessee St) there are a lot of small stores and restaurants that are more student-centered. To go clothes shopping you'd usually need to go to Governor's Mall, where you have a multitude of options.</p>
<p>The university tour does not go to either location.</p>
<p>mmafan</p>
<p>what other schools have you visited. every school has it strenghts and weaknesses. you have to feel comfortable with selecting a school that is the best fit for you.</p>
<p>we loved the tour at fsu becasue we thought the campus was really special. our s started this summer and loves it there. he is not a big shopper, but has found all the local places that he needs. the campus area is not going to offer you an abundance of shopping. basic stiff and tons of restaurants geared toward college students. the mall has all the major national retailers and is not far from campus.</p>
<p>Having visited many college campuses I think FSU and Tallahassee has one of the best college town offerings. And so far -my son who is a freshman- just began summer c -agrees. We are from NYC area 30 minutes north- so he was use to a robust social scene. He doesnt have a car. He just keeps telling us everything is great. ..He has not had a single moment where he has not had plenty to do. I am just happy that it seems like he is also finding time to study.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that he campus tour is just that a highlight of the campus or university grounds. During the Tour did the guide show you the Askew Building with the movie theatre (my son has seen several movies there even writing a paper on one of them for his Middle East class), the Union that includes bowling, Chilies and Club Down under. Note the tour does not begin to show you the offerings in and around the City.</p>
<p>I hope you can visit again and or take a look at a map. Within walking distance of campus is
North -Tennessee Street. It has a Starbucks, Cold stone, Sub/Sandwich Places, McDonalds, the Loop and other Pizza, etc
and of course many Nightclubs if that type of thing is of interest.</p>
<p>West Pensacola. Has Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Po Boys and Jim & Milts Bar B Que etc..And some stores in a big strip mall (I just dont know what ones. I do know I saw a huge Aveda school/spa there)
East on Pensacola and south are Greek Houses, Churches and the Hillel. You will find that the individual clubs and groups offer chances to get involved. You can attend barbeques, services to visits make new friend, find out about the groups to see if they offer something you are interested in or like or want to join.
The Downtown which is a few minute car rides has restaurants, IMAX theatre and parks that offer flea markets and festivals.
A ten minute bus ride takes you to the shopping area(s) with a big standard mall, best buy, kohls, target bed bath beyond; and one of the malls has a huge multiplex theatre.
I have only visited Tallahassee twice. I am sure there are others on the board that can add to its varied offerings</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies everyone. I checked out Tennessee St. on my way out of town and it had some of what I was looking for. I also checked out Governor's Mall which had a pretty good offering. Only reason I had asked was because when I asked the tour guide after the tour was over, she only talked about a few of the on campus offerings (Chilis/Theater/etc.) and the side of the city I had seen had nothing. After looking around the city a little more, I was wrong.</p>
<p>-to nycollegedad: other universities I have visited are Ohio State, Georgetown, and Ball State and I still plan on visiting Penn State, Penn, and Michigan.</p>
<p>From my experience, I find it isn't always the best idea to ask the tour guides. They are representing the university, and are restricted in what they can say. Obviously, they want you to go to the on campus restaurants and activities because they make money off of them. I think talking to students is your best bet for finding out about social life related things.</p>