Are you planning to go to FGCU from out of state? I came here to Fort Myers, Florida all the way from Hudson, Wisconsin. So, trust me, I know a few things about how big of a change it really is. Here are some tips and things you should know, from a small-town Midwestern girl.
1. It gets HOT... be prepared.
I thought I knew warm weather until I arrived at FGCU in the middle of August. Don't get me wrong, Wisconsin summers can get pretty hot, so I thought I would be prepared. Little did I know that 80 degrees in Wisconsin is somehow so much different than 80 degrees in Florida. Be prepared to sweat. Whether you're on your way to class, to your dorm, or really anywhere outside- you are going to sweat. And don't even think about wearing sweatpants or a sweatshirt outside until at least late November, because it is HOT. And you will SWEAT.
2. The rain is SO confusing down here.
If it completely downpours then turns into a beautiful sunny day all within 30 minutes where you're from, then you're already prepared. BUT, if you're from the Midwest like me and find the rain in Florida to be so confusingly erratic and unpredictable, here's what you need to know. I've only been in Florida for a little over three months now, so from what I've experienced, the rainy season occurs in late August through September. And when it rains, it POURS. But only for 15 minutes to an hour tops. It's confusing, but you get used to it. Don't hesitate to bring your umbrella with you everywhere, you'll need it when you least expect it.
3. Floridians say things differently — but they'll think YOU talk weird.
If you say "y'all" in any Midwest area, most people would assume you're making some sort of joke. But in Florida, people actually say it! In a normal sentence! It's crazy! But it's kind of fun... y'all. You'll think that all the Florida locals have a heavy southern accent, which they do, but for some reason, they think you're the one with the accent?! Try saying "Minnesota," you'll most likely have someone give you a weird look or comment on the way you say your "o". You never truly realize how many times you say "ope," "uff da," or "you betcha" until you're in a place where no one else says it.
4. The traffic is HORRIBLE.
Turn signals in Florida? Never heard of them. I thought that traffic during rush hour in Wisconsin was bad... boy was I mistaken. I've been to Florida plenty of times on vacation and I never really noticed that the traffic was particularly worse here than in other places. But trust me, it is BAD. If you need to go somewhere that is 20 minutes away, plan for it to take at least 35-40 minutes. There are so many cars at all times of the day. A lot of the time it's stop-and-go, but there's always that person that flies by going 15 MPH over. People swerve back and forth, blow through red lights... people down here basically drive like they have never taken a single drivers education course. So be prepared to see some of the craziest driving you've ever seen. And if you tend to have some road rage like me, deeps breaths and good luck!
5. Lizards and gators and anoles, oh my!
When you walk around outside in Florida, watch where you step. You will most likely have to walk around and dodge all sorts of critters, like different types of lizards and anoles. They are everywhere! Some are tiny and cute, but some are bigger and a little creepy, yet cool. It's definitely a huge change for someone from a place where there are absolutely zero wild lizards.
Also, ALLIGATORS. They're around a lot more than you'd think. Not as common as the little lizard guys, but these big gators are definitely present. If you're going to live on campus at FGCU, look for Allan the alligator in the SoVi pond. There are also plenty of ponds around campus that are home to a few alligators. You can also find them in ditches, golf courses, and really anywhere with a source of water nearby.
