Any suggestions on what to see and do besides the formal FSU tour?
We toured UF in August and it was HOT HOT HOT. The kids were miserable walking around on the tour. We toured FSU in February and it was beautiful weather. Not sure if the temperature directly influenced my D’s decision but she loved the FSU campus much more - enough so that she chose it over UF. We took the general campus tour and thought that covered quite a bit. If you have extra time Destin is only 2 1/2 hours away and has beautiful beaches.
Depending on when you schedule a tour, you may be able to meet with an academic advisor, which would give you some one-on-one info about what ever major she’s interested in. However, I will warn you that the first three weeks of August, no students are there and the last week is the first week of class. So it’s either going to be extremely hectic, or dead silent. This will also make talking with an advisor more difficult.
Other things: on-campus planetarium, 22nd floor of State Capitol (gives you a 360 view of Tallahassee), eat in suwannee dining hall for lunch/dinner.
I’m not quite sure if you’re looking for things to do on-campus associated with future academics/student life, or just stuff to do to fill the time after the tour and before you check out of the hotel
Thanks FloridaBound and pg96fsu for the suggestions. Unfortunately August is the most opportune time for us to visit but we are looking forward to it. Will definitely each lunch upon arrival at Suwannee dining hall before our tour at 2:00. Thanks again!
Depending on what you’re looking for from the tour, visiting when the campus is calm from no one being around can either be ideal (higher chance you can meet with an advisor or staff within the department/major), or an absolute downer (no chance of sitting in on a class, asking random students around campus questions, etc.).
As others have said, the weather is going to be brutally hot. It’s not quite as humid as central or south Florida but it still gets about 100 in the afternoon and storms most days. Bring lots of drinks to cool down, and probably an umbrella just in case.
For other things to do in Tallahassee besides the FSU tour:
Tour the Capitol. In August it shouldn’t be too big of a hassle (legislature won’t be in session). If you want to get a feel for the city, I recommend just driving around town a bit. Capital Circle defines the borders of the Tallahassee metro area somewhat well, but driving around will give you a good idea of what all is available in town in a reasonable distance.
Downtown, if your kid is looking into anything involving government as a major or career, is a hotbed of government activity. We have the Capitol, but also buildings for pretty much every division of state government located downtown.
Thanks Pasbal, much appreciated.
Bring a hat and drink a lot of water. If you’re not used to the Florida sun, you will cook faster than you realize you’re sizzling from the inside out. I love Florida and spend a lot of time there, and I’m never without a bottled water in my hand. I also wear big brimmed hats to keep the sun off of my face, shoulders and back. It makes a difference.
I have relatives in Carrabelle, and it’s beautiful and worth a trip if you want to see the beach. It’s about an hour away.
A cooler with lots of ice! Big enough to dunk your head in. But have fun!
Son when he visited FSU (for a competition) said the main campus was beautiful but fairly small and once you ventured outside the boundaries of the school it didn’t feel safe. His impression. Just ride around the town.
I suppose safety depends on where you are and what you’re up to.
Tallahassee’s not Compton, or even Orlando. If you use basic sense (don’t walk around by yourself after dark with your wallet hanging out) you’re as safe as you are anyplace else.