Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), established in 1991, is a university located on the west coast of Florida in the town of Fort Myers. The college is known for its prestigious programs and facilities, including their nursing, environmental, and entrepreneurship programs. Also, the school has high division sports teams.

Yet one of the treasures that this university takes for granted is its tropical appeal. For many students who live in northern parts of the United States, they have seen the gloomy weather for too long and want a change. While there are many colleges that are located in Florida, none that I personally visited had such a strong tropical feeling to them as FGCU. Here are some reasons that FGCU is a tropical place where any student can feel like they are on vacation when going to school:

1. Incorporation Of Natural Elements On Campus

At FGCU, the campus is centrally located, with all the roads around the main campus, so there is no sound disturbances from the roads. In addition, the college has many plants and trees natural to Florida spread out all over the campus. Who could ever feel stressed when they could see palm trees all day? Not me!

FGCU LibraryKatie Peles

Palm tree by the Lutgert BuildingKatie Peles

2. Nature Trails

Around the campus, nature is untouched. These natural ecosystems can be seen by going on some of the nature trails available on FGCU property. If you take Colloquium or an Environmental Science class at FGCU, you will most likely take a field-trip to the nature trails or the food forest on campus.

Palm trees on nature trail off of South VillageKatie Peles

3. North Lake Village

North Lake, which is home to housing for upperclassmen, isn't called "North Lake" just for fun. It is called that because it sits right on the large Miromar lake! This tropical view and beach is free to students, and there is even a restaurant by the lake for students and local citizens to eat at and enjoy the view! Furthermore, paddle boarding and wake boarding are available and free to students.

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4. Perfect Weather

While it is a little hot at the beginning of fall semester, spring semester is a dream. The weather ranges from the mid-60 degrees Fahrenheit to the low 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the spring. Moreover, the sky in southern Florida is usually sunny, and there is a coastal breeze from the nearby Gulf of Mexico.

Sunset on FGCU CampusKatie Peles

While choosing a college isn't about choosing a place with great weather that makes you feel like you're on vacation... who are we kidding? It definitely is! This college not only offers a diversity of classes and majors, and is affordable, but it also has a tropical appeal. What more do you need? If this college wasn't on your radar before, I hope it is now because a school you can wear shorts and flip flops to the whole year shouldn't be ignored.