Unique Atmosphere

Introduction
A student considering attendance to Florida Atlantic University should think about what he or she wants from a school. FAU has been around for a long period of time, however the expansive cycle of the school has not been incredibly progressive. A lot of time is open for students to study and focus on their studies, and the smaller numbers allow opportunities to generate clubs of their own interests easily, as well as get involved in larger student government positions. In addition FAU's football team allows for a fun activity to all students during that portion of the athletic year. A student looking for an expansive Greek life, and larger social events however will not find it at FAU because of the fact that the school is largely a commuter campus, and many of the organizations are not large enough to support extremely large events. Also, the current Greek students do not own houses and are not as active as other school campuses.

Campus Life and Social Life
Social life is relatively active within the on-campus housing developments. Many on-campus events however are not actively attended, and therefore not exciting for the lack of attendance by members. Partying and social life is kept to clubs, and bars which are a plenty within the city of Boca Raton, and downtown Ft. Lauderdale. The typical Greek parties are also kept to clubs and bars because of the non-existence of Greek housing on campus. Many students however prefer this type of social interaction, and public venues allow an introduction to many other types of people. The athletic events are fun and exciting, and allow a spirited interaction with classmates, and are usually attended by the normal college aged students. Clubs and organizations are open for personal development, and fun, as students looking to share certain interests with fellow students are available and clubs not generated yet can easily are started. Weekends are open to attend all the local venues, activities that a student could possibly want to do, as the surrounding cities offer a variety of activities to attend. Boca Raton alone has a large mall with many different shops, local indie concert bars have shows playing weekly, and the large Muvico theatre allows for an easy night out with friends or a significant other. Finally clubs and organizations almost always has some kind of event for students to attend, and the SGA is very active in producing weekly to monthly activities for students to enjoy. Academics
The schools academics are varied as FAU has a focus in exemplifying some departments over others. The business, engineering, pre-med, and education are at the forefront of the schools academics. Improvements and additions to buildings for these departments are typical, and the equipment within these departments is state of the art. Teachers are also extremely knowledgeable. Many professors within these departments possess PhDs within their fields, and their TAs are top graduate students in their respective programs. The art departments, visual and musical, are somewhat substandard. Classes offered are minimal, equipment is hardly available, and buildings where classes are available seem like they have been there since the school was founded. This is all redeemed however by the fact that the teachers within this department are top notch. The teachers within the visual arts are compassionate, and understanding to students with low confidence in their skill, and encouraging to the student’s improvement. Also, the teachers are extremely dedicated to cultivating of the arts, as well as promoting the arts around campus and the community. The workload is typical in all departments, as there is no department, which offers “free rides,” and all require a certain level of commitment. Some majors in the Engineering department however may seem more strenuous because of the high levels of math, but students within these programs are usually equipped, and prepared for the task.

Student Body
The typical student body is just the opposite of typical. FAU houses a largely varied spectrum of students. The school is a commuter campus for the most part and this attracts a “grab bag” of students. Although there is a solid mass of college-aged students, there are also many older students, looking to get their college degree, who attend make up a large minority within the student body. Within the college-aged majority, a large amount of the students are local within the surrounding cities of Boca Raton, with a small minority being out of state students looking for a school close to the beach. Interests vary largely from quiet, academically minded students, towards students looking to make their way through the student government, to your typical athletic stars. Even within your respective programs, the classmates you will find will vary greatly in ages and personalities. This brings a welcomed perspective to the subject materials, and insights into working with diverse groups of people.

In Closing...
FAU is not your large University where Greek houses are predominant throughout the campus, and parties are happening every night of the week. Also, where football games are huge and long ranging sport rivalries are prevalent. FAU is not your small university where you know everyone, and you can find that small town feel. FAU is however a middle type of University, where there is some aspects of both. Organizations are available of all different sizes, and larger social events happen occasionally. Also, you have the opportunity to find tight-knit groups within your on-campus environment, and solidify bonds within like organizations. If your looking for a school in the middle of a large University, and a small one, FAU will be a great home for you.