Flagler College (FC)

Flagler College, located just a few miles from the ocean, offers 44 majors and provides "an excellent education in a beautiful location." To help students broaden their horizons, the college has a required Core Experience. This begins with a one-semester class that introduces students to college life, covering everything from how to register for classes to familiarizing themselves with the city. Then, students select classes across nine required skill areas, which range from Academic Writing and Natural Scientific Inquiry to Oral Communication and Ethical Reasoning. In their sophomore year, students can choose to study abroad or get involved in a local service project. According to one student, the opportunity to learn outside the classroom "has been the most valuable aspect" of their education. Another big draw for students is the faculty, who are described as "very knowledgeable in their fields" and "extremely enthusiastic about their jobs." Students find it "pretty easy to get to know the professors within your major on a personal basis, [which] makes things a lot easier and comfortable." They appreciate the "ample help from teachers," noting that professors are "always willing to meet and discuss work outside of the classroom." Classes are seen as an "intellectual journey," with professors facilitating discussions that encourage exploration of various topics or questions. This approach "evokes curiosity from all students, leaving very little room for confusion." As a result, participants feel engaged and want "to share experiences and knowledge with the faculty and other students."

Students at Flagler College bond over their love for the ocean and credit the "easygoing and very laid-back" culture to its proximity to the beach. As one student notes, "The beach mentality triumphs, including surfer culture." Others agree, saying that life is "pretty chill at Flagler." Many students are surfers or artistic types, although any stereotypes about these groups don't apply. Rather, classmates are "very motivated and ready to broaden their education." Approximately 55 percent of students are from outside Florida, primarily from the Southeast and Northeast regions, with a few international students as well. Students appreciate the inclusive environment, saying, "There is a crowd for everybody, despite the small size of the student body," and their classmates "seem to be very respectful of others' views." Students here are "super nice and friendly," making it easy to break the ice and connect with others. All you need to do is "attend a few of the many social activities that Flagler College offers. It's really easy to make friends there!"

Flagler College offers an impressive array of opportunities for student involvement on its sunny and vibrant campus. Since “homework usually isn’t too bad most of the time,” students have ample time to engage in everything Flagler has available. There are numerous clubs and organizations for students, including academic clubs like the Student Accounting Society, advocacy organizations such as the Green Beans Environmental Club, which promotes sustainability on campus, the Black Student Union, and the Pride Alliance, as well as a few sororities and fraternities. Students love the proximity to the beach and all it offers, whether it’s playing beach volleyball, walking along the sand dunes, or learning how to sail with the Sailing Club. Firstand second-year students are required to live on campus, which creates a close-knit community. The campus “is beautiful, we sometimes even compare it to Hogwarts.” Students report that when the weather is nice, “the pool and West lawn are the places to be.” Within walking distance from campus is the “casual and quaint” town of St. Augustine, which “is an awesome place to spend your time, walking around, going out to eat, and doing a little bit of shopping.” A little further away, students can “drive to Jacksonville and go out at night there.”