Planstudyabroad.com - Now Apply to Universities around the world from comfort of your home with experts | World's Largest platform as University Common Application

Florida Polytechnic University (GUS/Edwise)

Lakeland , Florida , United States

Founded: 2012
Establishment: University
Type: Public
Total Students: 1288

Report an Error in the content of this Page

Direct Representation

Florida Polytechnic University (GUS/Edwise)

Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) is a public university in Lakeland, Florida. Created as an independent university in 2012, it is the newest of the 12 institutions in the State University System of Florida. It is the state's only public polytechnic university and focuses solely on STEM education.

The institution originated as a branch campus of the University of South Florida, which opened in 1988. The State of Florida authorized a new campus in 2008 and renamed the school University of South Florida Polytechnic. In 2012, the Florida Legislature initiated plans to dissolve the USF branch campus and reform the Lakeland institution into an independent school. Florida Poly opened for classes on August 25, 2014, with an inaugural class of 554 students.

Florida Poly resides on a 170-acre campus. The university's Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is home to a 3-D printing lab, cyber gaming and media lab, cybersecurity lab, robotics lab, and a big data lab. In addition, Florida Poly is the first university whose campus library is completely digital.

Important Facts

Florida Poly is located along Interstate 4 at the heart of Florida’s High-Tech Corridor in the city of Lakeland, halfway between Tampa and Orlando.

Like its name implies, Lakeland is known for its waterfront neighborhoods and more than 60 miles of biking and walking trails. The city has a vibrant downtown filled with shops, restaurants, parks and performing arts venues. Check out Evolution Records, an indie vinyl seller and live music venue. Hang out with friends or study at Black & Brew Coffee House on Main Street. Get outdoors for a spin at the new Lake Bonny Skate Park. You don’t want to miss out on a visit to Reececliff either for a slice of pie and other homemade foods! Festivals, parades, concerts, a big farmer’s market and food truck rallies are hallmarks of Lakeland culture, as are the giant swans you’ll see gliding on city lakes. They are descendants of swans given to the city by Queen Elizabeth II.

Lakeland also is the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. In February or March, you can catch a classic outdoor game at Joker Marchant Stadium. The average high in February is a comfortable 73 degrees.

Another benefit of attending college in Lakeland, Fl is its location. Less than an hour’s drive away in either direction are the metropolitan areas of Tampa and Orlando, home to a combined total of 8.6 million people and more than 11,500 high-tech companies. Both cities draw visitors from around the world to theme parks, beaches, stadiums and entertainment venues. Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Cocoa Beach and Clearwater Beach are among the options for day trips or weekend getaways. The two cities host a lot of Major League action, too, including the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB.