The oldest and largest university in the state of Florida. Nationally ranked and incredibly innovative. One of college sport’s most dominant athletic programs, and not just in football. A beautiful and historical campus. What isn’t there to be thankful for?

As I pass the vine clad halls and noble gothic walls, I know I have many, many things to be thankful for, my school especially. Not *everyone* is #blessed with the opportunity to attend THE University of Florida, and for that I am thankful as well. No matter how bad my day is, how hard my classes are, or how stressful college life gets, I know I am receiving the best degree from the mostprestigious school in the state of Florida.

So here are 17 reasons I’m thankful I do go to the University of Florida, and well to be honest, not some former all-girls school 150 miles to the north.

1. Orange & blue, the most iconic colors in college football

If you understand basic color theory, you know why orange and blue just works. The contrast of the two is used throughout photography techniques, design and even in the most beautiful examples of nature. And when it comes to fashion, well maybe it does take a certain confidence, class and persona to wear orange and blue, and that’s just fine with us.

2. The Swamp, one of the most iconic venues in college football

Historically ranked as one of the toughest and most intimidating atmospheres in all of college football, only Gators ever get out alive.

3. Gatorade

The beverage of champions, literally. I know math is hard for some people, but, really, in almost experiment available online, athletes prefer Gatorade over Powerade after a blind taste test, more than 60% of the time.

4. We play in the best conference

SEC, ‘nuff said.

5. We don’t have to play in All Cupcake Conference, better known as the ACC, to be successful

6. One of our greatest football players is known around the world for being an amazing philanthropist and humanitarian

Unlike a certain rival’s Heisman-winning QB:

7. We have more than just one crazy, intense and passionate rivalry

Of course there’s Florida/Florida State- but Florida vs. Tennessee? How about Georgia and LSU? Not to mention the rest of the SEC. These games regularly have national implications, which makes for exciting games year-round

8. Even if some of those rivalries aren’t as competitive as others

UF vs. FSU

9. To the dismay of the uninformed, UF is incredibly diverse, boasting an “excellent ethnic diversity” rating, according to College Factual.

Just for the sake of comparison, College Factual ranks Florida State “just above average”.

10. Gainesville is consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in the country.

That’s the point of a college town: great college bars, iconic food and old school pizza joints even our parents remember. All within a short walk of campus, no Uber necessary.

11. Our fight songs are composed of beautifully written words and *gasp*, complete sentences, not just a pattern of humming and moaning.

12. We love our fearsome and respected mascot, Albert the Alligator.

He is as endearing as he is terrifying. Yes, most people in the real world are afraid of him. That’s the point.

13. Speaking of moaning and mascots…

The internet sure did have fun with this one.

14. Each and every one of my fellow Gators is at their first choice of university.

15. I’ll have so many job offers when I graduate, I can live almost anywhere.

Gainesville, Miami, New York, L.A., Atlanta or Chicago, London or Sydney, the opportunities are endless thanks to my degree from UF.

16. Many would consider basic grammar a requirement for admission

17. And most importantly, in all kinds of weather, we all stick together.