You’ll never forget that day, the one where you finally got your acceptance letter from Florida Gulf Coast University. After four grueling years of high school, it was time to start your college career. At first it felt like your college years would last forever, but before you could blink you’re applying for graduation and getting ready to go out into the real world of adulthood. Here’s a list of must-dos before you say goodbye to FGCU!
1. Visit the campus Waterfront
Our little campus beach is an icon at our school. The best part? It’s free for students! Rent a kayak or paddleboard, lay out in the warm sand, or take a dip in the refreshing cool water while enjoying the beautiful southwest Florida weather. Students can even reserve a time slot to take a ride on a motorized Axis boat!
2. Jump in the Lutgert fountain
The giant fountain in front of Lutgert Hall is the first thing you see when you pull onto campus. This spot has been a go-to for students to take pictures and just have fun for years.
3. Experience Fort Myers Beach during spring break
FMB is known for being one of the top college spring break locations in the nation. For FGCU students, this means that spring break lasts all month! Go practically any day during March and you'll see it yourself: boats crowding the blue waters, "dance" contests (if that's what you wanna call them), and police officers writing stacks of open container tickets. It's definitely a fun place to people watch and have a good time.
4. Dance the night away at Dance Marathon
DM started at FGCU in 2012 and we're one of over 250 schools across the country that participate each year! Students stay on their feet and dance all night while raising money for a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital (specifically All Children's Hospital). This experience is not only a ton of fun, but humbling as you listen to many patients and their families tell their inspiring stories. Sign up for Dance Marathon 2016 on April 20th!
5. Hike the campus nature trails
We've all seen them as we drive around campus through South Village and maybe you've taken them for granted, but this is one of the places that makes our school so beautiful and unique. Check them out, they're truly breathtaking and there's so much to see!
6. Go on a bar crawl in Gulf Coast Town Center
A good ol' Thursday night bar crawl in GCTC is pretty much a rite of passage for FGCU freshmen. Sticky dance floors, music so loud you can't hear your own thoughts, and waiting forever for a drink at the bar will surely remind you of your first year here. Don't forget to swing through McDonald's or Pita Pit after because why not?
7. Enjoy a breakfast at Kate's Kafe or Haney's after a night out
What better way to cure a hangover than a huge, delicious breakfast? Personally Kate's is my go-to, but students are known to frequent both local restaurants for their tasty breakfast and lunch selections.
8. Buy a ticket to Eaglepalooza
Every year the FGCU Programming Board brings in various musicians to perform at Germain Arena for a low price. Past artists have included Tyga, J Cole, Ludacris, and more. Don't miss out on Big Sean and Natalie La Rose this year on November 12!
9. Watch a basketball game at Alico Arena
If you've never heard of Dunk City, you've been living under a rock. A lot of people may argue that our men's basketball team is what put FGCU on the map and personally I'd have to agree. Go out, watch our team rack up some points, and show some school spirit!
10. Go to Rusty's on Mug Night
Rusty's is probably one of the most popular college bars around FCGU with a couple locations around the area. Live a little, free up your Wednesday morning every once in a while, and head on out to Mug Night Tuesday night to enjoy the drink specials and good times with friends!
11. Eat one last meal at SoVi
Nothing screams "freshman year" more than the infamous SoVi dining hall. Reminisce on your dorm days and enjoy (I use that word lightly) one final meal in the heart of South Village.
