Let's talk about some things:
Miami is a crazy city, FIU can be crazy and well the people...the craziest. So here are some tips to help you get by:
Get a SUNPASS!
If you have a car, and want to drive around, it is best to buy a sunpass. This is a prepaid sticker or box that you attach to the inside of your car. You load money onto it and pay tolls. Here they have "toll by plate" which means they will take a photo of your license and bill you, if you don't have a sunpass. Plus, if you get a sunpass tolls are cheaper!
Speaking of driving...
Traffic can be a nightmare. For those living off campus plan accordingly. Some people have reported driving 3 to 5 miles can take as long as an hour. Not to mention, you may have noticed your insurance premium rise when you told your insurance company that you were moving to 331** area code. That isn't a coincidence, Miami is made up of University students, many foreigners and tourists and elderly retirees. Crashes and accidents are common. Be sure to drive safe, and add extra time to your commute.
Save some GI Bill!
Interested in using that GI bill to help pay for your masters? Be sure to plan accordingly. FIU is pushing students to finish in 4 academic years, that's 15 credit hours per semester. Consider doing the same! Additionally, many lower level classes can be completed by taking a DANTES or CLEP test. FIU takes many of these credit by examination classes as a transfer, check out which they accept by clicking on the "Transfer and Testing" section.
Go to the Library!
Probably one of the most iconic buildings here at FIU. The Green Library (or GL), is a a 7 floor library with a Starbucks inside!
I know what your thinking. Every school has a library, its not a big deal.
However, you should now what some of the nice things about your GL are available to you
I know what your thinking. Every school has a library, its not a big deal.
However, you should now what some of the nice things about your GL are available to you
- Need a computer? You can rent a laptop for the day free of charge
- How about getting a new book? You can rent a kindle (again free of charge) for an extended period of days!
- What if the book you are using is in the library and you don't want to rent it? There is a nice scanning machine at the library where you can copy the pages of you book and send it to yourself via a PDF.
- What if you want a quiet spot to study, that's out of the way, but you can't find an open desk? Go to DiBs bu clicking here. Here you can reserve rooms on the library.
Use Rate My Professor!
Rate my Professor is a great tool for students. It gives you an idea which classes to take and which professors to avoid. It is a very helpful site and can be very useful.
Take it Online!
We get it your busy! Work, school, family its a lot to manage. You can take classes online. Traditionally these classes are more flexible and can work better in your schedule. Also, as long as you are taking one in person class you will receive your full housing stipend!
Learn some Spanish...
If you are not from Miami, you may have noticed that English is not the primary language. Spanish is heard more often than not in certain places. FIU offers classes to teach Spanish and even offers tutoring for free! Simply go to the site by clicking here and schedule time with a tutor!