What’s It Really Like?

When you think of Florida, most people picture Tampa, Orlando, or Miami. Yet Mayo Clinic chose to locate its campus in Jacksonville — a city known as the largest by land area in the U.S., tucked in the northernmost part of the state. Before moving here, I was pretty anxious — Florida has quite the reputation online! But after settling in, I realized it’s not as intense as I’d imagined. Most people are genuinely friendly, especially on the road. Once, when I was trying to turn, a driver far ahead stopped and waved to let me go — she even signaled the cars behind her to wait! 🚗💨 (That said, I have seen my share of accident scenes… so stay alert!) Mayo’s campus is only a 15-minute drive from the beach, and I live close by too. Sometimes the school even hosts welcome events at seaside restaurants. The beach is gorgeous and clean — perfect for those days when research gets overwhelming. Just hop in the car, take a walk, and let the ocean calm your mind. 🌅🧠 Yes, it’s hot, but compared to humid summers in Shenzhen, it feels more bearable — less sticky, more sunny. I’ve heard winters here are absolutely lovely. Day-to-day life is pretty convenient, and rent is surprisingly reasonable — especially compared to cities like Philadelphia! 🏠✅ The only downside: not many great Chinese food options around. There are Chinese people here, but we’re pretty spread out, and many have families, so it can be hard to find buddies to hang with. Entertainment options are also a bit limited compared to bigger cities. So… if there’s anyone else in Jacksonville looking for friends or study buddies — feel free to reach out! #US #Jacksonville #Florida