student life

Central Florida Life

welcome to the city beautiful!

Orlando is not just a theme park city; it’s a hub of creativity and innovation. Experience the pulse of this dynamic city through its diverse offerings, from bustling shopping districts to captivating nightlife to world-famous events like EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) and Megacon. Orlando is your gateway to a world of endless possibilities in the audio, film, design, and photography industries. Explore internships and job opportunities at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), the Orlando Magic, and many more iconic organizations. Additionally, with the convenient access provided by the Brightline train, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach County are within easy reach, opening up even more opportunities for networking, career growth, and awesome weekend getaways.

Communities

Explore the vibrant districts of Orlando, each with its own distinct character and attractions:

  1. Maitland: A cultural haven with The Enzian, an iconic arthouse movie theater.
  2. Winter Park: Delight in the elegance of Park Avenue, home to upscale boutiques and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum.
  3. Lake Nona: Experience the future-forward atmosphere with Lake Nona Medical City and Boxi Park.
  4. Mills 50: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of artistic spaces, trendy eateries, and unique shops.
  5. The Milk District: Embrace the alternative vibe with lively music venues, cozy coffee shops, and a friendly community spirit.
  6. Downtown Orlando: Discover historic Church Street, live performances at the Dr. Phillips Center, and diverse dining options.
  7. Ivanhoe Village: Immerse yourself in bohemian charm, vibrant art galleries, and unique finds.
  8. College Park: Experience retro fun with 1950s architecture, a walkable main street, and scenic parks.
  9. Winter Garden: Step into enchanting charm with the Garden Theatre, Plant Street Market, and the West Orange Trail.

THEME PARKS

From iconic theme parks to thrilling water parks and unique wildlife experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of the Sunshine State.

 

Universal Studios: Experience the magic of Universal Studios, with three incredible theme parks – Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay – offering thrilling rides, captivating shows, and amazing worlds to explore. 

Walt Disney World: Enter a world of enchantment at Walt Disney World, where iconic characters, enchanting castles, and unforgettable experiences await across four magical theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Dive into aquatic adventures at Disney’s water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

SeaWorld: Dive into an ocean of fun at SeaWorld, where you can witness incredible marine life, enjoy thrilling rides, and be entertained by spectacular shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and orcas.

Discovery Cove: Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at Discovery Cove, where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel through vibrant reefs, and relax on pristine beaches.

Aquatica: This lesser-known water park offers a delightful retreat with thrilling slides, tranquil lazy rivers, and inviting tropical pools.

Fun Spot: Enjoy family fun and excitement at Fun Spot, an amusement park with rides, go-karts, arcade games, and lively entertainment.

Busch Gardens: Roller coaster buffs will love Busch Gardens, located just a short drive away from Orlando. Encounter heart-pounding roller coasters, exotic animals, and exciting shows in this renowned theme park.

Legoland: Unleash your imagination at Legoland, also just a short drive away from Orlando. Explore a world of colorful bricks, exciting rides, and playful adventures for the whole family.

Nightlife

Disney Springs: Discover a vibrant blend of entertainment, dining, and live music at Disney Springs, where you can indulge in unique bars, world-class restaurants, and captivating nightlife experiences.

CityWalk: Explore the energetic atmosphere of Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk, offering a diverse selection of clubs, bars, and live entertainment venues, ensuring an unforgettable night out in the heart of the city.

Downtown Orlando: Immerse yourself in the thriving nightlife scene of Downtown Orlando, where trendy bars, rooftop lounges, and lively nightclubs await, providing an eclectic mix of experiences for every taste.

Boxi Park: Unwind and socialize at Boxi Park, a dynamic outdoor entertainment venue featuring food trucks, live music performances, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a night under the stars.

Park Avenue: Experience the sophistication of Winter Park’s Park Avenue, where upscale restaurants, cozy wine bars, and chic lounges offer an elegant setting for enjoying craft cocktails and socializing with friends.

International Drive (I-Drive): Although some consider it touristy, there is fun to be had on I-Drive. Vibrant bars, dance clubs, and entertainment complexes, offer a lively and diverse experience for tourists and locals alike.

Events

Megacon: Orlando’s ultimate fan convention, Megacon brings together enthusiasts of TV and movies, comics, sci-fi, gaming, and more. Megacon features celebrity guests, cosplay showcases, and an extensive exhibitor hall, making it a must-attend event for pop culture lovers.

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC): The electronic dance music extravaganza, EDC Orlando, electrifies the city with its pulsating beats, dazzling stages, and an immersive experience that draws music enthusiasts from around the globe, creating unforgettable memories under the night sky.

Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights unleashes the frightful side of the city with its bone-chilling haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising entertainment, making it the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers during the Halloween season.

The Florida Film Festival: Showcasing exceptional independent films and filmmakers, The Florida Film Festival brings the art of cinema to Orlando, providing a platform for cinematic exploration, captivating screenings, and engaging conversations with industry professionals.

Epcot Food & Wine Festival: Experience a culinary journey around the world at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, where global flavors, fine wines, and craft beers take center stage, offering an immersive and delectable experience for food and beverage enthusiasts.

Orlando Fringe Festival: Celebrating the vibrant performing arts scene, the Orlando Fringe Festival showcases an array of innovative and diverse theatrical performances, comedy shows, and art installations, fostering creativity and pushing boundaries in a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

Venues

Immerse yourself in everything from Broadway shows and concerts to exhilarating sporting events.

Camping World Stadium: A hub for major concerts and events, Camping World Stadium has welcomed iconic artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Metallica, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances in this iconic outdoor venue.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Immerse yourself in the performing arts at the Dr. Phillips Center, where you can experience Broadway shows, orchestral performances, ballet productions, and a host of rock & pop concerts that showcase the incredible talent and creativity of the artists who grace its stages.

The Plaza Live: Located in the heart of Orlando’s Milk District, The Plaza Live offers an intimate setting for live performances, hosting a diverse range of artists,  bands, and comics, creating unforgettable experiences for attendees.

Exploria Stadium: Home to the Orlando City Soccer Club, this 25,000 seat stadium is located right in the heart of Downtown Orlando.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater: Delve into the world of timeless theatrical productions at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, where classic works by William Shakespeare and contemporary plays are brought to life by talented actors and technicians, providing captivating and thought-provoking performances for theater enthusiasts.