Congratulations on surviving 2020 as a graduate and starting your journey into college at UCF! Although UCF is notorious for its killer tailgates and major headliners, it's also known for its high academic standards and reputation. You should be proud of yourself for this accomplishment. Here's what you can expect after 4 (or in my case 7) years at the University of Central Florida.

Dorm Life

If I'm being honest, I never lived on campus but I had friends who did and I can tell you which ones to live in and which ones to avoid like the plague. If your budget allows, UCF Towers are the way to go. The location of the towers is close to memory mall, the arena, restaurants, and the nicer gym on campus. You're also close to most academic buildings, so your walk to class won't be terrible. This is great news considering how large UCF is and how hot it gets in the summer months.

The worst dorms are the Libra/Apollo dorms which are only available to college freshmen. The dorms themselves are nothing special. They're small, have terrible lighting and I've heard there is a bug problem. If you're on a budget, this is the way to go and the location of these dorms is great as well. You'll be close to the main UCF Rec and Wellness Center, dining halls, and the science buildings.

Orlando Is A City Full Of Culture

If you ask me, UCF is a small city that sits inside of a big city. We even have the numbers to prove it with about 70,000 students. What I love the most about UCF and Orlando is the diversity that comes with this large student body. There are hundreds of organizations within UCF and outside that can appeal to ANYONE.

While most college towns are centered around the college, Orlando is a different story. We are the tourism capital of the United States and with that comes endless possibilities for things to do and so many cultures to experience.

Heaven For Foodies

If you LOVE food, then you are going to LOVE Orlando.

Orlando is a diverse city as it is and with that diversity comes with some of the most delicious and unique eating spots there are. Whether you're in the mood for Thai, Filipino, Ethiopian, Peruvian or Mexican food, Orlando has it and it is delicious.

For off-campus food, I say you must try Lazy Moon Pizza. Their pizza is HUGE and delicious. It's a staple to eat there as a UCF student and you can't beat a slice of pizza and a drink for $5 when you're on a college budget.

When you're feeling fancy, I recommend Thai Basil. I have NEVER been disappointed by the quality, size, or service at this restaurant. It's family-owned and operated and you will know it when you take your first bite.

For on-campus options, I would say to try the halal restaurant in the Student Union. It's located across the way from Knightstop. If you love Mediterranean style food then this is the place you're going to want to try. Their falafal is my favorite!

Bar Louie Is The Place To Be

Well, when you put it that way...Bar Louie is my favorite place to legally drink! I will warn you, this is NOT by any means the most affordable option. But at 25, my taste in bars have changed and I have swapped cheap college specials for class and a good drink. The atmosphere is relaxed, fun and has half off appetizer specials that my girlfriends and I love to take advantage of.

I'm not going to lie, I'm not a big fan of the Knight's Library or Knight's Pub. Men will try to grope you, drinks will get spilled on you, and these bars are crowded and smell terrible. I would say to give them a shot for your UCF experience but Bar Louie is the way to go.

Football Tailgates Are A MUST

Two words...FOOTBALL TAILGATE. You have got to attend at least one tailgate while you are a UCF student. UCF normally lets class out early on football game days so there's really no excuse not to. What's better than gathering with your fellow Knights and getting pumped about the football game? Beware, you will have to use port o potties and there will be long lines. I even saw a girl pee herself once because the line was so long, so don't drink too fast!

The other event you must attend is all of the homecoming events but namely, Spirit Splash. Although studies have shown the large amounts of micro bacteria lurking in the reflection pond, YOU MUST ATTEND this event at least once. I did this as a college freshman and it was a really cool experience.

Imagine being in the reflection pond with hundreds of people, while the UCF cheerleaders do their routine and rubber ducks are being catapulted into the crowd. Sounds crazy, right? It is.

Get Ready For Florida Heat!

If you're from out of state or you've never been to Florida, get ready for the heat! Florida's seasons are almost summer, actual summer, might as well be summer and get ready for summer. Florida's winter lasts all of 2 weeks and if I'm being honest, it's "cold" in the morning and hotter than heck by 2 pm. Pack all of the shorts, rompers, bathing suits and short-sleeved shirts that you own. I still can't understand it when I see a student wearing jeans and a sweater on a summer day on-campus.

Do yourself a favor, ditch the "sweater weather" clothing and trade them in for flip flops, shorts, and a tank.

Best UCF Inside Jokes

Under Construction Forever

U Can't Finish (It took me 5 years for my bachelor's and I'm still taking classes 7 years later for a second bachelor's!)

Anything that has to do with talking smack about USF. They're our "War on I-4" rivals and we DO NOT LIKE ANYTHING ABOUT USF.

Good Luck!

Once again, congratulations on making it to this stage in your life. The college years seem like a lifetime while you're in the process, but you'll be done before you know it. Enjoy EVERY moment. It goes fast and you'll learn so much about who you are as a person while you're there. You may feel lost, uncertain, and scared at times, but everything will fall into place and you'll be amazed where life will take you during your college experience. Good luck, kid!