Florida State University is the best university in the state of Florida for student life, according to Niche, a research company that produces an annual ranking of colleges and universities.
Based on federal data and student reviews, FSU earned the No. 6 spot for Niche’s Best Student Life in America. Niche also placed FSU No. 11 among the nation’s top public universities, moving up two spots from last year.
“We are thrilled that Niche ranked FSU No. 6 in the nation and No. 1 in Florida for Best Student Life based on FSU’s ‘positive, fun, and friendly student culture and vibrant campus community,’” said Amy Hecht, vice president for student affairs. “From the time we welcome our students at orientation to the milestone moment when they cross the graduation stage, the Division of Student Affairs provides intentional and robust student services and engagement focused on student success. FSU is truly a special place!”
FSU also topped Niche’s lists at No. 1 for Best Greek Life and No. 12 for Best College Athletics.
The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) bolsters FSU’s commitment to student life by playing an important role in empowering and supporting students to achieve their full potential. DSA actively engages in numerous strategies and campaigns alongside campus partners to ensure student success is prioritized on campus and beyond.
DSA collaborates with academic partners to facilitate meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students through internships and living-learning communities while also providing programs and services to enhance students’ quality of life. The division focuses on personal growth and development, health and wellness, service, student leadership, campus engagement, housing, child care and more.
With more than 600 student organizations to choose from, students have numerous opportunities to find their niche and gain a deep sense of belonging on campus and in the community. At the beginning of each semester, “Welcome FSU” events allow students to connect early on in their college journey. This fall, more than 4,000 students participated in the “Welcome FSU” Involvement Fair. The new FSU Student Union opened last year and has quickly become a hub of student activity that features meeting spaces, entertainment, dining and shopping.
In addition, DSA and several departments throughout the university have formed the Undergraduate Student Experience Strategy Group (USES) that focuses on student success and strategizes on how to best communicate about resources, support services and participation in student activities, programs and events. The USES group created the student-friendly recognizable “Hello FSU!” campaign that shares five important things students should know about each week: success tips, event and program spotlights, “How to FSU” and more.
Niche produces in-depth profiles of every school and college in the United States, with more than 140 million reviews and ratings from students and alumni. For its annual rankings, the company examines data from the U.S. Department of Education on academics, admissions, finances and student life.