With class, a busy social life and all the other great things that come with being a college student, you're going to have a very busy schedule. Here, you'll find all the most important things you need at FIU. Think of it as the only cheat sheet you'll ever be allowed to use in college.
FIU’s ‘next normal’
A healthy university is one of our top priority. We’re counting on you to protect yourself and other Panthers through our Healthy Living habits: stay home if you feel ill, face covering recommended even indoors, wash your hands frequently, make sure your vaccines are up to date and, above all, respect people’s choices.
Check the university COVID-19 website for FAQs and up-to-date information.
Study spaces
If you're creative, anything is a study space. Still, some are better than others. When you're ready for something a bit more comfortable (and sanitary) than the floor of the hallway outside your class, here are some of the nicer places to hit the books:
- The libraries: The Green Library (MMC) and Hubert Library (BBC) are the go-to spots for studying. At either library, you'll find abundant seating, quiet zones, computer labs, and even group study rooms. Learn more about reserve study spaces.
- FIU@75: In addition to computer labs, FIU@75 offers reserved study spaces. Learn more about reserving a study space at FIU@75.
- The Sky Lounge: Started in 2010, Deuxieme Maison's Sky Lounge converted a neglected courtyard into a beautiful, alfresco study space.
- ARC: Residential students have access to the Academic Resource Center, which features study spaces, academic success workshops, tutors, and undergraduate academic advising.
If you have to miss class, professors are far more sympathetic if you communicate with them early. Our faculty phonebook makes it easy to get in touch.
Talk to your advisor
Not sure about a class? Do you want to change your major? Book time with an advisor to have all your questions answered. Login to your MyFIU and use the My_eAdvisor dashboard.
Student Academic Success Center
The "Sassy" building or Student Academic Success Center (SASC) is that beautiful new building in front of Barnes & Noble by the Gold parking garage. Skip the lines by using the "myVisit" app on your phone.
- Download myVisit App
- Android
- Apple
Offices in SASC
- Career and Talent Development
- Center for Student Engagement
- Connect4Success
- International Student and Scholarship Services
- National Student Exchange
- Office of Study Aboard
- OneStop Enrollment Services
- Student Access and Success
- Student Financial Services
- Transfer and Transition Services
Food
Two things you don't want to experience the first week of class: stress and hunger. Each campus has its own food to offer. Check out your options, as well as their location and hours of operation.
- On-Campus Options
- Dining At ShopFIU
- Off-Campus Options
Tip: Cold food is sad food. Heat up your meal in microwaves. They're everywhere on campus.
On-campus options aren't your taste? There are plenty off-campus choices, even some with discounts for FIU students.
- 109 Burger Joint
- SpecialTEA
- Pho 79
- Subrageous
- Jasmine Sushi & Thai Cuisine
- Vegan & Juice
- Latin American Cafeteria
- PDQ
- Jimmy Johns
Housing
While most FIU students commute, living on campus is an experience. Whether you live on MMC or BBC, get out of your room and get to know your dorm mates. Join a Living Learning Community and enjoy the perks of dorm life.
Did you know that campus residents can plan their own events? After all, if you live here, it's your home.
Where to meet people
On MMC
The Pit: At the heart of Graham Center, this is where most major club events happen. On Fridays, watch a movie (they're new releases) in the auditoriums near to the Pit.
Game Room: Play ping pong, foosball, pool and videos games on all the latest consoles. Join a game of chess, cards or other tabletop games too. Find it next to Chili's.
Student Art Gallery: Prime hangout spot near the south entrance of GC. Nicknamed the "Piano Room" for the baby grand piano which students take turns playing (most likely Coldplay or the music from Legend of Zelda).
On BBC
Panther Square: The center of activity in BBC's Wolfe University Center (WUC). Panther Square draws the crowd with comfy lounging spaces, shady outdoor courtyard and fun events.
Game Room: Play ping pong, foosball and videos games on all the latest consoles. Students sometimes play chess. On the second floor of WUC near Panther Square.
On EC
Panther Pit: Lounge area on the second floor where you can play pingpong, foosball and pool. Join a game of chess and other tabletop games, too.
Join the club
Meeting your fellow students can be intimidating. Joining a club can make it easier to make friends who share your interests:
- Academic organizations
- Cultural and religious organizations
- Greek Life
- Special interest and hobby clubs
- Sports clubs
- Support groups
Find your club: There are hundreds of clubs you can join. Can't find something that meets your interests? You can even start your own club.
Get the look
Looking good can make you feel good too. And if you have a presentation (or a date) coming up, it's a must. A visit to the MMC salon or barbershop will spruce you up. Right across the hall, the dry cleaners can have you dressed to impress.
Work on Campus
FIU posts hundreds of part time jobs and internships for students every semester. Check out the FIU careers website to look for work on campus while you're a student.
Recreational sports
If you'd prefer to socialize through sports, FIU has intramural leagues for all major sports including dodge ball, flag football, Frisbee and more. Team Up: Compete for bragging rights and meet new people. Intramural sports are a great way to connect.
Hit the Gym
Campus gym membership is paid for in your tuition, so use it! You'll need it to keep yourself in shape (especially after eating so many cookies). Full gym and fitness centers are on both MMC and BBC.
Parking & transportation
If you learn only one thing from this guide, let it be this: It's hard to get the grade if you don't get to class. Give yourself plenty of time and use our lot locator to quickly find nearby spaces. If you can get to campus an hour before class, you'll make your life a lot easier.
Permits and tickets
Your license plate serves as your parking permit. Just visit Parking & Transportation to register your vehicle. Have a parking fine to take care of? Pay or appeal online.
Transportation
Long walk to class? Take the tram
The Panther Mover runs continuously between Panther Garage and Primera Casa (PC) with stops throughout the routes. Pick-up locations are the south-east corner of Panther Garage and the south corner of PC, near the loading dock. Shuttle services are available on Monday-Friday until 8 p.m.
Get a helping hand
Parking Service Aides are available for a vehicle jump start or safe, ADA-compliant golf cart transportation. They're available until 11 pm, so don't risk a long walk to your car at night.
Retail
Believe it or not, you can buy most of the things you need without ever leaving campus.
Textbooks
You'll most likely need a textbook for each class-usually multiple textbooks. We have textbooks available at both our MMC and BBC bookstore locations. They're also available at the online bookstore.
Panther Book Pack
Panther Book Pack provides undergraduates course materials at a flat rate of $20 per credit hour. Beginning this fall semester, undergrad students will automatically be signed up to receive books that faculty require. Panthers can have the books delivered to them at an off-campus location, get them at the on-campus bookstore, or access them digitally on Canvas.
Students have the ability to opt-out of the program on MyFIU at the Panther Book Pack tile and obtain rentals on their own. But that could mean missing out on savings.
For example: The Panther Book Pack flat rate is $300 for a 15-credit course load. Previously, FIU recommended students budget $600 for books and supplies each semester.
What you can buy on campus*
*MMC Only
WiFi
It surrounds us. It penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together. You're going to need WiFi as a student. Here's how to get it:
Computer labs
If you should find yourself without access to a computer, need access to specific software, or just need a place to focus on writing a paper, computer labs are always available.
In addition, many specific academic areas have their own specialized labs that offer software and tools you'll need as you progress through your program of study. Be sure to ask around.
IT services
Having trouble with MyAccounts (your login for all things FIU)? Need your password reset? The Division of Information Technology can help by ringing their call center, 305-348-2284.
