This may be a stupidly naive question, but......
 

Can you hitch a ride with a cargo plane if u asked the pilots real nicely?
I'm going to need to get to Florida (from Ireland) in the next two years if I want to go to university there (Daytona Beach to be exact, Aero university, very nice but VERY expensive, I think I'd be better off talking in person to the Finance office there) Have I a chance, or is my head in the clouds?

I think you'll find cargo airlines are simply not allowed to carry passengers. This is often due to the nature of Dangerous Goods we carry. We're allowed to carry "persons" directly involved with a given shipment; for example horse attendants or security staff (when flying money/gold etc). Having said that, you could always contact an airline directly, explain your position & try and wangle a "familiarisation flight".

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rgds Rat

most cargo airlines will carry xcm's (jumpseaters) provided they are employees(flightcrew) of an air carrier...varies from operator to operator, depending on their regulatory agency, but unlike frieghter ships, no provisions are made to carry the general public..to my knowledge

Jumpseaters are system folks--cleared for movement by corporate. The only exceptions I know of are military personnel that ride with shipments requiring 24 hour surveilance.

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"You did WHAT"?!

I've got a second cousin working for FedEx (He's a flight manager or pilot, I think)
That help?