Florida International University Top Questions

The great thing about FIU is that (at south campus) you can have both the college life and the city life as long as you have a car. There isn't the type of stagnancy that there can be on campuses in smaller towns like Tallahassee or Gainsville. Its big enough to be anonymous, but its easy enough to find your niche with all the differant types of people you run into. I spend most of my time on campus either in class, the library, the Women's Studies department or the Grahmn Center where all the food is.

While I like that the University has a large population, the parking is an issue which stirs up great controversy. We are one of the largest commuter schools in the state, and it is unreasonable to have so little available parking. When I tell people that I attend FIU, they generally give me a look that denotes their disbelief, and their instant idea that I am stupid, which is simply not true. Though several factors affected my decision to attend FIU, I chose to come here; I was accepted into very selective universities, but I chose FIU instead.

I transferred from another school to FIU because of their strong and focused international business program. I like the idea of our large student body, about 40k i think it is just right. I spend most of my time around GC...it really is the center of our school. There is the access to wireless and hey if you forgot your laptop at home there are computer labs around. Most of the group meetings are around that area, which are always in nice meeting rooms. Then, GC carries most of the food places on campus so it is a nice time to sit down and grab lunch witha friend. FIU's college of business teachers have all been distinctly motivating. They all like what they teach and this is contagious. One of the main complaints is the ease to access advisors for class scheduling. Then, there is the subject of class registrations. Even with senior credits, the classes I want to take always seem to be full. The online course search and registration are not the most efficient. The system is always a very frustrating one to work with.

The best thign about FIU is that its not too far frpm my home. I would change some of it extracurricular activities. My school size is just right for me. People react that I'm either stupid or dumb to be going to FIU, that I should have left home for college. I spend most of my time in the Graham Center and Library. This isn't a college town at all. I feel the administration is spending too much time working on the medical school they're creating for 2009. That is the biggest controversy on school campus, school spending. There is a lack of school pride for a lack of a good football team. FIU is unusual in every way, since its a commuter school in Miami, you have students that are also grandmothers as well as many international students in classes with you. One experience I'll always remember is when the architecture students were given an assignment to create devises that allow them to walk across the lake. That was quite an event to see. The most frequent student complaints are parking and building locations.

FIU's best attribute is its wide variety of subject matter and culture. Due to the fact that FIU is an international university and its prime location there are many students from across the globe. Such groups of students often have unique clubs and events specific to their heritage. FIU is also a large school. Depending on the course a student is taking, they may have a large auditorium class filled with some 300 students or a small class comprised of merely 15-20. I, personally, find that the courses with fewer students to be very enjoyable because they often entail discussions and directly involved group learning. The reactions I receive regarding my attendance to FIU vary greatly. Some people respond positively and generally mention how much its has improved over the years. Others think little of the school and mention that UM has a better football team. Well, all I can say is that I don't base my future education on football. Surprisingly enough, FIU is rather renowned up north, especially in the New England area. I live-on campus so I tend to spend much of my time in the housing area (which is very nice). There are many social events for residents and activities to participate in specifically through the housing committee. In addition to this, various clubs and organizations hold events around campus or try to raise awareness about their cause. It is nearly impossible to walk through the main dinning area and social hub without seeing rows of tables fundraising and handing-out pamphlets. School pride is important at FIU. Many students wear school clothing or have other propaganda (like bags, keychains, blankets, stickers, etc.). There is also a very large organization devoted solely to cheering on athletes at games and promoting campus involvement. FIU is very unique in that it has such a vast and beautiful campus. The area is well maintained and there are fountains outside, comfortable benches and tables hidden in pockets of palm trees, statues, and the buildings mostly have a unique design. The Biscayne Bay campus is on the beach and neighbors a large public park. The most frequent complaint from students is the difficulty parking.

Our school has over 38.000 students. It's a public urban research university, but I can honestly say I feel I get the same quality of a collegiate experience as I would in a small liberal arts school. It's not a college town, but we are right in the heart of Miami so we have a very diverse student population and a variety of events going on. I spend most of my time in the Graham Center, in the Student Government office. I think I really get a lot out of my school because I took the time to get involved. Through clubs like SGA, Model UN, and my sorority, I have been able to travel, get involved with philanthropic work, and network. The biggest complaint is that there is no parking, but it's not exactly torture to walk to class in sunny Miami. This is a growing university, and students have a unique opportunity to take part in some major developments during their time here and really are able to give back to the university.

The best thing about FIU is that I am close to home so I get here quick. I would change the lack of panther pride, even if our team does not win many games, we should make a bigger deal about our sports and inspire people to feel the pride. People are not impressed that I go to FIU, but it does not bother them either. I spend most of my time in the Starbucks in the library. Definitely, what college town? I think we have a good administration, I love my English professors, but we need more staff, especially at Financial Aid. The biggest controversy was the bonus our President was given because there are budget cuts on scholarships happening so people felt that was unfair, but I don't know the details. There is not much school pride unfortunately. We have some pretty odd sculptures around, but thats about it. I'll always remember staying up all night for relay for life and dance marathon. That their papers get lost and mistaken when it comes to courses, financial aid, and transferring credits. Oh and the parking! That definitely a huge complaint.