Unlike most college students, and people in general these days, I love the Florida State Seminoles. I love tailgates, garnet and gold, the warchant, the chop and, like all sports fans, I like it when my team wins. So yes, 23 straight wins, since the Notre Dame game, that is, tends to be a pretty great feeling.

I’ve been one of the lucky ones. In the time that I have attended Florida State, the Seminoles have never experienced a loss. But, yes, while it is great to win, this isn’t the only reason I love FSU, or even why I decided to go to school here in the first place. Ask any FSU student and they’ll tell you the same. In fact, the year prior to my entering FSU, the Seminoles didn’t win all of their games or have the most recent National Championship title, but they did (and still continue to) have a lot to offer me.

I love this school for more than winning football games, or a National Championship, or a Heisman trophy for that matter. I can’t explain the love that students and alumni have for this school and, unless you go to school here, you probably won’t understand it. So here are 23 reasons not to hate the Florida State Seminoles:

1. Academics
FSU is ranked 95th in the 2015 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. The student-faculty ratio is 26:1 and the freshman retention rate, which portrays student satisfaction, is 92%. In addition, FSU has study centers in Panama City, Florida, Florence, Italy, Valencia, Spain and London; FSU is academically very appealing to a diverse group of students.

2. The Marching Chiefs
This world-renowned collegiate band consists of students’ from diverse backgrounds and academic departments, and plays both traditional and contemporary music. And, did I mention they recently played a Beyoncé on the football field that was recognized nationally? Pretty sweet. 

3. Pokey Sticks 
You get them from our beloved Gumby’s Pizza, served with sides of ranch or marinara. These sticks of cheesy goodness are good at any time of the day, or night that is. 

4. The FSU Flying High Circus
We have one of TWO college circuses in the nation. Enough said.

5. The fountain tradition 
As a Seminole it’s not only a tradition, but a right of passage, to jump into Westcott fountain on your 21st birthday, no matter what the weather; if you were born in the winter, I’m sorry. 

6. Doing the chop
I’m pretty sure that as Seminoles, doing the chop is just a natural bodily reaction when one sees anyone wearing any form of Seminole-related clothing.

7. Doing the war chant when you’re out
The war-chant is everywhere. And I mean everywhere. It’s the alarm on your phone that wakes you up on game day and it’s also your favorite song to jam out to in any public setting. 

8. Chief Osceola and Renegade
According to Sports Illustrated, FSU takes the number one spot for "best college mascot" with Chief Osceola and Renegade. This idea began with a student named Bill Durham when he was on the Homecoming Committee in 1962, but was not materialized until 1977 when Bobby Bowden became the Seminole’s head coach. He sought approval from the Seminole Tribe of Florida to portray Osceola, and the tradition began during in 1978 opening game against Oklahoma State. To this day, at the beginning of each game, Osceola charges down the field, riding Renegade, the horse, and plants a flaming spear at midfield before kickoff. Chills.  

9. The relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida
FSU has kept a close relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure that the dignity of the tribe is upheld. The school uses the symbol of the “Seminole” because it represents admirable qualities such as nobility, courage, and strength. 

10. Garnet and Gold
Regardless of the time of year, these colors go perfectly together.

11. Landis Green
Nothing is better than walking across Landis Green on a beautiful day when people are laying out in the sun, playing with their puppies and tossing a Frisbee. 

12. Doak S. Campbell Stadium, a.k.a. Hogwarts 
Our fully brick stadium is absolutely beautiful,  not to mention it kind of resembles Hogwarts from Harry Potter — so cool. 

13. Having classes in the stadium
Who else gets to attend their classes in a football stadium?

14. Strozier Library, a.k.a. "Club Stroz"
Strozier is the greatest place to socialize – I mean, study of course – and its Starbucks stays open all night, making it one of the most profitable across college campuses. 

15. Mrs. Killings 
She is the cutest, sweetest, most adorable woman who can even make Suwannee, our freshman dining hall, seem okay. 

16. The Leach
This gym is three stories tall and probably better than any gym we’ll ever have access to after leaving FSU. Utilize the free gym membership while you can!

17. The capital
FSU is located in the capital of Florida, which is also the 125th largest city in the United States. It has many law firms, lobbying organizations, trade associations and professional organizations that students can take advantage of in regards to internships during school and jobs for post-grads.

18. The view of Westcott 
The view you have of the Westcott building and fountain as you drive towards the school from College Avenue is definitely the most picturesque part of Florida State. It’s hard not to stop and take a photo of it every time you walk by it, #blessed. 

19. The weather
If you’re from Florida, home of the "no real winter" weather, than FSU is the perfect school to get a little taste of the "cold". It gets cool in the fall, the leaves change color, and, sometimes, it even gets cold enough for the occasional "snow day". 

20. Dunkin’ Donuts
Its location right across from Westcott Fountain makes it easy for students to satisfy their caffeine cravings and sugary desires on their way to class. Did I mention it also has a Baskin Robbins connected to it? 

21. Starbucks
You'll never feel sleepy in class again; there are so many Starbucks on campus.

22. The parking
Because who doesn’t like showing up on campus two hours early just to make sure you have time to make it to class? This is FSU students' daily struggle. I guess if we aren't struggling in athletics we have to struggle at something, right?

23. The rivalry with UF
There’s nothing better than some in-state competition with the team we love to hate more than anyone else: the Gators.