Ariella Gutman, a graduate of the class of 2004, now attends the University of Florida. Sophomore Gutman is glad to spend her college experience in Gainesville. She is a member of Student Government Association, Delta Phi Epsillon and majors in Public Relations. The Lightning Strike interviewed Gutman, an involved member of the university, to gain insight into the school, as well as the daily life of a student gator.

Q: Why did you choose University of Florida?

A: “After getting into three out-of-state colleges—Michigan, Wisconsin and Tulane—financially the University of Florida was the best deal in the country for me. I qualified for the Bright Futures Scholarship, which I believe is a great program that the State of Florida offers, and I had to take advantage of it. I have tons of friends who come from other states that wish their home states had a program like ours. Also, my parents had set up a pre-paid college program for me. After everything was paid for, there was money left over, and every semester I receive a big check based on the percentage of Bright Futures I have and what is left over.”

Q: What is your usual weekly schedule?

A: “College schedules are very different from high school. Students can choose their classes based on the day, time and duration. Also, certain classes offer both a live lecture and a web cast lecture if you can’t make the class or like to listen to a professor lecture at your own pace as you can rewind, pause and play the lecture online. Personally, I usually have one day with three classes. For example, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I have the same class that meets three times a week for an hour. I also have a class that meets for hours on Tuesday and one hour on Thursday. Your schedule depends a lot on your major.”

 

Q: What is the level of school spirit?

A: “If I were asked to describe the Gator Nation’s school spirit in one word it would be unimaginable. On game day, the streets are closed, tailgaters park all over the grass and every inch of campus is covered with fans. 80,000 fans pour into the “Swamp,” the stadium, chanting the same traditional cheers. The intensity and excitement of game day and the fans is incredible. Alumni are always coming back to cheer on the school. Once you come to school here, you are a Gator for life.”

 

Q: How is the athletic program?

A: “UAA (University Athletic Association) is an entity all by itself. They have their own marketing strategies, staff and building. It is basically another small world in the huge university. They are run by the Southeastern Conference, which is the conference that UF competes in on the national level. Athletics is taken very seriously at UF. Athletes are respected and are treated like celebrities at our school!”

 

Q: What are the different opportunities for lodging?

A: “On-campus or off-campus. On-campus lodging has 24 residence halls in various styles. There are apartment style residence halls, double-occupancy rooms and triple-occupancy rooms. The apartment style dorms share a kitchen between four individuals and have two bathrooms. There are also a countless amount of apartments and houses to rent off campus which range from $300 a month to $600 a month, depending on the amenities, location and type of development.”

 

Q: Why is UF different from other colleges?

A: “UF is a huge community with a million different opportunities. There are tons of opportunities to meet new people from Florida and out of state. University of Florida is always working on its image and evolving into a better school. The workload stays challenging because they want their graduates to be competitive. It is also fun and a great place to spend your college experience. UF has everything a college kid could want: school spirit, a good reputation, challenging classes, a friendly atmosphere, diversity and an overall exciting place to be.”