Are you planning on moving to Tallahassee for college? Congrats! You’re in for the ride of your life. There’s a lot to take in when you’re tackling Florida’s capital on your own – but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Moving to Tallahassee for college is one thing, but knowing your way around? That’s what makes the whole transition to college life feel smooth. Whether you’re pulling up from out of state or another city in Florida, this guide’s got the top-secret tea to help you get settled, comfortable, and thriving.
Here’s everything you need to know about good ole’ Tally before you make the big move.
Settling In: Home Decor & Supplies
Moving into a college house or apartment is a thrilling experience, and finding affordable home decor to make your space feel cozy is a must. No need to stress about buying everything before arriving; there are plenty of local stores where you can find the perfect pieces to match your style and budget. Tallahassee has a HomeGoods and World Market for stylish decor. Swing by Walmart or Target for other affordable daily essentials you might need.
Another go-to spot for affordable home decor is Facebook Marketplace. You’ll find tons of people selling couches, desks, mini fridges, and more. Just make sure the chats you join are active and legit, and always meet in a safe, public spot when picking something up.
Lastly, check out our blog on Renter-Friendly Home Decor for some cool decor inspo!
Weather Prep
Tallahassee’s weather can be pretty unpredictable. One minute it’s hot and humid, and the next, it’s pouring rain – but that’s why we stay ready! Always keep an umbrella or rain jacket with you in the summer and fall. As for winter, it can get pretty chilly, so pack some layers. The upside of all this changing weather? You get the chance to switch up your style with every season!
Emergencies
If you ever run into an emergency, FSU and FAMU have tons of blue emergency light towers all over campus. These emergency phones connect you directly to campus police when you press the button. And for those nights when you’re not feeling 100% and can’t drive, FSU has your back with S.A.F.E. Connection, a free ride service for FSU students after dark. Plus, FSU and FAMU have health clinics on-site so you can easily get checked out whenever you need. For more serious health concerns or emergencies, local hospitals like HCA Florida Lake Jackson Emergency and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare are also nearby and accessible.
No Car, No Problem
Not having a car isn’t the end of the world, trust us. Tallahassee’s got you covered with the Seminole Express and Star Metro buses. Both are free for FSU and FAMU students with a school ID, and they run on and off campus. There are plenty of bus stops around campus, so finding one near you should be easy!
Grocery Shopping Near Campus
Whether you’re whipping up a gourmet meal or popping Kraft mac n’ cheese in the microwave, you’ll need to make sure you have all the food essentials in the fridge. Check out these grocery stores near college town:
- Publix: 800 Ocala Rd
- Walmart: 4400 W Tennessee St
- Aldi: 2020 W Pensacola St
- Trader Joe’s: 3425 Thomasville Rd — A little farther away from campus, but a great spot for healthier food choices!
Good Eats
Let’s talk about go-to eats and sips. Tallahassee has a variety of great local spots to try out, each bringing something unique and delicious to the table.
For your morning caffeine fix, swing by RedEye Coffee or Lucky Goat Coffee, both are local go-tos for a solid pick-me-up. If you’re looking for a place to lock into study mode, check out Catalina Cafe or Black Dog Cafe for some good brews and cozy vibes.
You can’t start the day without a solid breakfast (or brunch), so don’t sleep on Keke’s Breakfast Cafe or Canopy Road Café. And if you’re trying to find a true hidden gem? Woodchuck’s Cafe is THE place to go!
For casual bites, hit up Momo’s Pizza and Loco’s Taco & Bar for some laid-back vibes and good eats. Great spots to post up with friends after class.
Trying to impress your boo on date night? We gotchu – Harry’s and Table 23 are top-tier spots with fancy vibes and solid menus.
Local Activities in Tallahassee
When you’re moving to Tallahassee for college, knowing the best hot spots around town and getting socialized is a must. Here are some fun local activities everyone can vibe with:
Outdoor Adventure
- Cascades Park: A chill spot in the middle of Tallahassee with open green spaces, a peaceful waterfall, walking trails, and an amphitheater where local events and vibes go down.
- Lake Ella Park: A peaceful midtown lake where you can walk, have picnics, and hit up local shops and restaurants.
- FSU Lakefront Park & Retreat Center: The ultimate outdoor rec spot that has fun activities like swimming, kayaking, sand volleyball, rock climbing, and more.
- Tallahassee Museum: Not your typical museum. Think cool exhibits, nature trails, live animals, and even a zipline. Bet you’ve never seen that before.
- Tom Brown Park: A park with basically everything you could want, like basketball courts, sand volleyball, an RC car track, and even a 24-hole disc golf course.
Tally Nightlife
- Bajas: A spacious nightclub where the energy’s always lit and the themed parties never miss.
- The Tally Strip: One spot, five ways to party. From laid-back bars to full-on dance floors, you’ll never get bored here.
- CollegeTown: Just steps from campus, this area’s got it all. We’re talking rooftop clubs, popular bars like Madso and Township, and laid-back hangouts, including Vice Society, a cozy coffee shop that transforms into a bar by night.
- Top Flite Club: A turnt spot with live DJs, wild karaoke nights, spacious dance floors, and a full menu of drinks and food.
* Must be 21+ to drink and enter select venues.*
Indoor Activities
- AMC Tallahassee 20:Your classic movie theater with IMAX and DOLBY cinema.
- District 850: A must-try spot with arcade, bowling, laser tag, axe throwing, and more.
- FSU Student Union: The FSU Student Union is the central hub on campus for indoor activities such as bowling, paint-a-pot, and even a PROOF bar so you can get some drinks with your buds.
Local Events
- FSU Market Wednesdays: Every Wednesday, swing by the Moore Auditorium patio and Legacy walk at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for local vendors, campus groups, and live tunes.
- FAMU Set Market Fridays: On select Fridays, the campus comes alive with live music, vendors, and good energy to celebrate Rattler pride.
- Railroad Square Art District: A vibrant creative hub packed with artist studios, galleries, colorful murals, and cool community events like the First Fridays. If you’re trying to catch more good vibes around town, tap into Choose Tallahassee and Visit Tallahassee for the latest local events.
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Moving to a new city can be daunting, but trust, your move to Tallahassee will be worth it. From unbeatable nightlife to outdoor adventures, Tallahassee is full of energy and culture. As a college student, this is your time to take in new beginnings and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for more insight into what Tallahassee has to offer, Jackson Properties has you covered. Check out our Student’s Guide, packed with everything you need to know to make the most of your college experience.
And when you’re ready to find a place that feels like home, explore our student housing options designed with your lifestyle in mind.
Photo in top middle from Bajas Tallahassee.
