Moving To Orlando for college (University, Seminole: crime, credit, high school)

[Magic4Life]

I am a high school senior in Kentucky and my mom's side lives in Central Florida, so I have decided to attend Florida Metropolitan University. I was wondering if you guys that have lived in Orlando can tell me if Orlando is a good place to attend college as well as live.

[IceMan10]

I just moved away from O-town I lived there for four years. I found traffic to be really bad, roads that don't make sense in Orlando they don't know what a grid pattern roads are. That is roads that go North / South and East / West. Living in a tourist town makes traffic even more difficult not to mention it takes like 30 minutes just to get to the store even though it may just be down the street.

I guess Orlando is a great place to live if you can find a good paying job and are away from the tourists. Bus loads of Brazilians crowding up the walmart acting all crazy I guess is just not for me. Orlando must be the u-turn capitol of the world b/c people who don't know where they are going clog up the roads and make u turns or back up in the middle of the highway to get where they want to go.

That said, Yes Orlando can be a god place to live it just depends where. We are having a record high murder rate in the city and county and there are lots of bad neighboorhoods so be careful where you live. In addition FMU has a bad rap in the area I do not believe they are accredited (check what accrediation they have versus UCF & Rollins College) I think they accedit themselves and most schools do not accept their classes as credit. Maybe check out Rollins, UCF and Stetson University or Valencia Community College. UCF is by far the biggest they have a football team and all the normal college stuff (experience) you maybe looking for.

[pianogal]

My son attends UCF. It is a great school and has grown to be one of the largest in the country so the entrance requirements are stiff. There are also 2 good community colleges - Seminole Community College and Valencia Community College. With an AA (2 year degree) from either of these state supported Junior Colleges, UCF is required to admit you for your last 2 years.

Rollins College is also local and is very highly rated, particularly in the business field. However, it is also a private college and very expensive. I am not familiar with Metropolitan College so I cannot give you any guidance there.

The area around UCF is a good area - it has had some crime recently, but nothing like in the really bad areas of Orlando. I still feel very safe there. UCF is on the east side of town away from the tourist areas so the traffic is not so much of an issue - although anytime you have 45,000 students trying to get on campus for classes - the traffic is going to be bad at times.

Good luck with your decisions.

[cnccoco]

Are you thinking of going to UCF (or where where you thinking of)? Great school (UCF) and great area.

Good luck!

[Pooh]

You should make sure to visit Florida Metrolpolitan's campus. It's not a typical college campus. Also, you won't get the same college experience there that you may at Rollins, Stetson, or UCF. These 3 schools have students who live on campus, have clubs, and sports. Florida Metropolitan doesn't have these type of things.
Orlando is growing by the minute. I have lived here all of my life and am looking to move within the next few years. Depending on what you want to major in, there should be plenty of internship opportunities for you. The hospitality industry is big because of Disney and Universal.
The weather for the most part is not bad and there is plenty for a college student to do. Someone in your age group should enjoy it here. Good luck! Be sure to apply to several colleges and check out each campus.