Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Congratulations! If you are on this page, you have or are an FAU student. Read on to find out the inside scoop.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Florida Atlantic University appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Everyone should get to at least one Owl football game. Or, perhaps you want to get season tickets. In the past few years, Owl games have proven to be pretty exciting. One of the keys to making it great, however; is knowing where to sit. For instance, the blazing sun can make a big difference in the fun factor of a game. Here are some thoughts about the best seats for football games.

Premium seating options: All great options if you want shade, however, they are more expensive than regular seating. These are some of the best seats to watch the football game and beat the heat as well.

Suites: includes 20 tickets, 6 reserved parking passes (which is always a plus to have at FAU), ability to build your own menu with food and alcohol so you never get hungry while watching the game, two TVs, 12 stadium seats, 4 high top chairs, and 4 lounge chairs. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Field Cabana: Includes 12 tickets, 4 reserved parking passes, the ability to stock your own food and alcohol, and is only 10 feet from the end zone. Good option if you are looking for a great place to watch the game as well as a shady area by the field.

Four and six-seat loge boxes: (A new option) Private seating area, new countertops, 4-6 comfortable chairs, complimentary buffet and soft drinks, and access to Acura club which is an indoor shaded area. Loge boxes offer a combination of suite-type benefits and privileges with a private open-air experience.

Acura Club: Biggest indoor area. Must donate in order to utilize this area. One of the best options for shade and a good view of the game.

There are also the premium Delray Hyundai deck sideline seats which range from $330 – $510. These seats are shaded by the press box tower and suites and are some of the best seats to watch the football game as well if you are not looking for as steep of a price as the options listed above. Contact Ryan Alpert Sr Associate Athletics Director at 561-297-3199 or via email at ralpert@fau.edu.

Student Section is being moved right behind the visitor’s bench along midfield at the FAU stadium. This will be by the 50-yard line. Our guess is that this will create more distraction to the opposing team and perhaps cause them to be off their game.

Along the same line of thinking, the band will also be located behind the visitor’s bench.

It gets incredibly hot during afternoon games so the sun typically hits all sides of the stadium. If anyone would like to have shade but does not want to spend too much for one of these options, then they should sit just below the suite level and press boxes located on the West sideline. Good shade is provided by the suites and press boxes above. Sitting underneath the video scoreboard provides some shade as well.

You may want to peruse a few of our other blogs pertaining to football, because, frankly, seating is just one part of it. Check out Are You Ready for Some Football or Where to Pre-Game. And if you choose not to buy seats that come with parking, you will definitely want to read our Parking blog.

Now that you know when the games are, where to pregame and where to sit, don’t forget your gameday attire. We’ve got great suggestions from our interns and FAU mom bloggers (because who wants to wear what our kids wear?).  Click here for student gameday outfits and here for us parents.

Madeline Gilligan, FAU Intern

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Football Seats FAU appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

The best feeling for any college student, particularly if you’re an Owl, is waking up knowing it’s game day! There is so much preparation that goes into game days: where to tailgate, who to squad up with, and what to wear. Showing up to tailgates and games is more than just rocking your school colors, it is showing your spirit and how much you love your school. It almost feels like a school-wide competition: who can get the most spirited? With this list, you’ll be sure to place in first!

It is important that whenever you are shopping for game day attire, you strictly look for your school colors. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb wearing the one color that doesn’t match with everyone else. As Game Day gets closer, FAU will announce what colors students are expected to wear. For example, they may announce that a game will have a “white-out” or a “blue or red-out.” This means students should wear a blue, red, or white outfit! If you are on a budget, then definitely stick with the basics: plain colored tank tops and t-shirts that match your school colors. Denim is always the move for game days, especially ripped shorts or overalls from American Eagle. If you want to get a little more decked out in spirited gear, then you can choose from face stickers, headbands, and fun socks to add a bit more fun to your outfit. Wearing colorful, tinted sunglasses have been really popular, so get a pair that sports your school colors!

Your t-shirt is one of the things people notice the most, so it needs to make a statement. Most girls like to show off fun DIY cut up t-shirts. They can turn t-shirts into crop tops, tank tops, halters, and more! The options are endless and always make an outfit. If you want to test out your DIY skills, you can get awesome shirts from places like Target or Walmart for a great price.  If you are confident in your DIY skills, try acid-washing your shirts! You can also leave it to the professionals and order your custom cut or dyed shirts here. Some other favorites for tailgate outfits include Tailgate Tailor , By Gabby , Game Day Couture Social House and Custom University.

Or check out Hype & Vice for some game day tops, cheerleading skirts, and accessories all in the colors you need to show your Owl spirit.

If you’re feeling like a team player, then we have something for you, too! Wearing your team’s oversized t-shirt is one of the best ways to show off your love for the team. Girls usually wear an oversized tee so it even looks like a dress! To top off your look, accessorize with a clear bag from Score Gameday bags. Use the code HUH15 for a 15% discount. Most stadiums implement a clear bag policy, so why not have a clear bag that still has style? Both guys and girls can also be seen wearing blue and red striped overalls. I personally love the overalls because not only do they look cool, it is a funny and goofy look for a day of cheering on our favorite team. HaveUHeard that American Eagle now has a collegiate collection so you can grab their plush tees, hoodies, and more for both men and women?

Perhaps you are more about repping the school’s colors. We love, Show Me Your Mumu’s line of cute and trendy gameday outfits

Guys have it a little easier and stick to a more simplified look. Dry fit and polo tops are the go-to for most as long as it has their school logo. You can check out a bunch of options on Fanatics. To protect from the hot sun, guys also love to sport a school baseball cap. Regardless of your style, don’t forget sunscreen and lots of water. Game days are long and often hot so be sure to stay safe and hydrated. When it starts to get a bit cooler in the season, a lot of fans wear school-spirited sweatshirts. Tailgate leggings are even better when you’re cold and need to cover up yet still want to show your team spirit!

There is always so much anticipation when it comes to football season, so enjoy it while it lasts! Deck yourself out in all things that represent you and your university. Show off your colors all day, every day! Your team will thank you!

Go Owls!

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Wake Up Owls, It’s Game Day! appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Boca Raton is home to literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. You will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean, a restaurant for every palate, and every price point. When coming to Boca Raton to visit your student or tour the campus with a prospective student, what restaurants are must-visit for dinner? Below we give you a breakdown of some of our favorites. Dining in Boca Raton, especially on weekends and during the months of November through April, are extremely crowded. Some of the restaurants take reservations either through their own website or on websites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp or Open Table.

Dinner…

• 2 Georges at the Cove: SE 3rd Ct. Dockside, an outdoor restaurant with a large selection of local seafood. A typical night includes great views of the intercostal and live music.
• Blaze Pizza: Federal Highway: Create your own pizza. This chain restaurant offers its diners the ability to customize their pizza every step of the way.
• Charm City Burger Co: E. Hillsboro Blvd. Fast Burger and Fries Joint, well-loved due to their classic take on burgers. Nothing fancy but it is delicious.
• Cheesecake Factory: Glades Road. The widespread chain restaurant is known for its cheesecake. Huge Menu, something for everyone!
• Dada: Swinton Ave (Delray Beach) Dada is an eclectic restaurant located in the oldest former home in Delray Beach, Florida. The restaurant is situated under large trees strung with lanterns and inside is a rotating selection of artwork created by local artists. The menu changes seasonally and showcases locally grown food.  Their Mojitos along with their watermelon “steak” are legendary.
• Deck 84: Atlantic Ave (Delray Beach) Situated along the Intracoastal Water, this casual dining spot features fresh seafood and several American style options. Come by car or by boat, you’ll be greeted with food and drinks with a tropical twist. Reserve an outdoor dining table for a warm, Florida breeze and waterfront views.
• Dubliner – Located in Mizner Park, this is where you should head if you are craving Irish inspired foods including their award-winning Shepherds Pie, Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, House-cured corn beef. Full bar and shows all major televised sporting events. Live music and entertainment seven nights a week. Same owners as Kapow Noodle Bar and Dada which we recommend for dinner as well.
• Flashback Diner: Federal Highway. 24-hour diner serving up American diner fare with a Mediterranean flair. Known for their large pancakes and shakes.
• Gary Rack’s Farm House Kitchen: Delray Beach. Gary Rack’s Serves both Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. They offer “clean eating” options. Their ingredients are seasonal, local and sustainably farmed and each menu item is designed to allow those ingredients to shine.
• I Heart Mac and Cheese– Looking for something a lot more casual? Check out Mac and cheese for grown-ups. About 5 minutes from campus
• Kanapai Sushi: Federal Highway. Sushi and Japanese BBQ restaurant featuring a revolving sushi bar. The sushi bar features boats that float by with fresh sushi and appetizers made by chefs in front of you. The restaurant also features a full Japanese menu and a late-night happy hour with half-price sushi.
• Kapow Noodle Bar: Plaza Real. Located in Mizner Park, Kapow makes a creative twist on classic Asian dishes. Unexpected combinations and larger than life art on the walls make for an enjoyable, hip dinner. Expect a 30 minute or more wait, this a popular spot for students and locals alike.
• Las Fajitas: N Dixie Highway. Classic Mexican Fare. Careful, the Chips and Salsa are addictive.  Las Fajitas serves up tacos, flautas, enchiladas and a wide variety of classic Mexican dishes.
• Loch Bar – Located in Mizner Park, this Raw Bar and Seafood restaurant featuring one of South Florida’s largest raw bars, a substantial whiskey menu and a wide selection of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. Loch Bar also features live music 7 days a week!
• Louie Bossi’s – Located on E. Palmetto Park Rd. High energy restaurant serving up Italian foods including house-made pasta, wood-burning Neopolitan pizzas, Sicilian entrees and their famous house-cured salumi.
• Max’s Grille: Mizner Park. Max’s Grille has been a staple in Mizner Park for the past 20 years. American style food with a twist and amazing hand-crafted cocktails.
• M.E.A.T Taproom: Federal Highway: A hidden gem, it’s hard to find but worth the hunt. M.E.A.T taproom serves pub-style dishes. Enjoy favorites such as Beer Cheese Soup, Brisket Burgers, and homemade bread pudding. Perfect spot to relax with a craft beer and great food.
• Mississippi Sweets BBQ: Federal Highway. Southern Style BBQ Restaurant with a plethora of comfort foods.
• New York Grilled Cheese– this is what you get when you take a classic grilled cheese out of the frying pan and into a waffle press. Add in their waffle fries in many combos and this is comfort food on a different level.
• Oishii – Located right next to UPark on 20th, this hibachi restaurant also offers sushi and bento boxes.
• Rebel House: E Palmetto Park Rd. Quirky restaurant with some familiar favorites (popcorn as the appetizer!) American Fare with some unexpected Twists. Fun Restaurant with unique twists on old favorites.
• Rise Sushi – One of the more popular Asian restaurants and sushi bar, located on SW 18th Street, not that far from FAU
• Rocco’s Tacos: Military Trail. Mexican Chain restaurant. Try the tableside Guacamole, you won’t be sorry. Rocco’s has classic Mexican dishes and some new favorites to discover. Always a wait no matter what day of the week.
• Willie’s Sushi Bar & Bistro – Located at 5030 Champion Boulevard. One part of the menu is sushi and the other is a bistro menu with a little bit of everything (steak, chicken pasta)
• Yard House: Mizner Park. High-end sports bar with American fare, located in the heart of Mizner Park. A late-night bite menu is a favorite of students.
• Yokohama Sushi: Located at  9168 Glades Road. A beloved favorite of FAU students…in a new location! Cozy Japanese restaurant where sushi is chief. Large menu featuring several types of sushi. Features a late-night happy hour with half-price sushi.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Dinner And Hundreds of Dining Options appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

There are many reasons that a student receives a package. Whether it is just their usual Amazon delivery, a care package for midterms or because your student is under the weather; there are a few things that will make package delivery simpler. If your student lives on campus you should be happy to learn that Upark has a central mailing system. The process is as follows: The mail goes to the leasing office in the lobby. They should then receive an email letting them know they have a package. The email will contain a verification code which they will need to retrieve the package.

The student mailroom department is open Monday through Friday from 9-6 pm and Saturdays from 11-3 pm. Times vary in the summertime. USPS deliveries are accepted Monday through Saturday.

Should you need to reach the mailroom to check on a package,  the number and extensions are: Central Mail Room extension: 561-297-3172

Local Mail Room extensions:

IVA EXT 75741

HPT EXT 75205

PH EXT 75790

You will need the tracking number of the package(s) that you are trying to locate.

All FedEx, UPS, DHL packages are delivered straight to the residence halls. The central mailroom receives and processes USPS packages and letters. We actually recommend using UPS (or FedEx) in comparison to USPS as it is just timelier, especially for in-state shipping. Typically, if you are sending packages from one Florida location to another, it arrives in one day at no additional fee.

Packages are delivered as listed below:

IVA holds packages for:

980 N University Dr

990 N University Dr

PAR holds packages for:

1700 St Lucie Ave S

1880 E University Dr

HPT holds packages for:

815 Indian River St

921 Indian River St

1800 Brevard Ct

1900 Dade Ave

For more information about FAU mail and packages, click here.

Students must use the assigned address to their dorm. The only variable number is the box. This is the correct format to be used for student mail is

Student Name

Box #

Street Number, Street Name

City, State, Zipcode

Below are the dorm addresses:

GPT – 921 Indian River St, Boca Raton, FL 33431

IRT 815 – Indian River St, Boca Raton, FL 33431

HPT – 1800 Brevard Ct, Boca Raton, FL 33431

UVA – 1880 E University Dr, Boca Raton, FL 33431

IVA SOUTH- 990 S University Dr, Boca Raton, FL 33431

IVA NORTH- 980 N University Dr, Boca Raton, FL 33431

PH – 1700 St Lucie Ave S, Boca Raton, FL 33431

ALGOQUIN RESIDENTS – 1900 Dade Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431

If you are sending packages through Amazon, you might want to consider having them sent directly to the Amazon Locker that is located at University Commons, 1400 Glades Rd, at Whole Foods. Sometimes picking it up from Amazon is easier than having to navigate the package delivery to dorms or even apartments.

Adding another level of convenience, CVS is now an Access Point Location for UPS.  Find your UPS Access Point Location here. Just click on the link for some great suggestions.

The hall receptionist will accept delivery on the student’s behalf and will email residents through their FAU email address when deliveries arrive. For food orders (i.e. pizza), students should provide the name of their residence hall. Food delivery drivers should be able to get to the main door of the residence hall where vendors have access to the outside phone. Students must come downstairs to pay for and pick up their orders. For local food deliveries, each dorm has a specific address to provide to restaurants.

You may find those addresses here. You may want to take a look at some of our Care Package blogs for ideas on what to send and when.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Sending a Package? appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Mention Spring Break to most parents and immediate visions of lawless partying comes to mind.

Spring Break is March 7th through March 13th. While as parents are looking forward to seeing our students after a long stretch without them, they may have other plans. It is not uncommon for students to go away with their friends for Spring Break. For those of you who have students living on-campus, dorms do stay open during Spring Break. Parking is lifted for certain lots.

Being that this is south Florida, many students do opt to stay put. They will rather go to the local beaches or Fort Lauderdale or Miami to get a feel for a “real” spring break. During Spring Break Fort Lauderdale is usually packed and everyone is standing, but they all usually have a good time. Many students go to Lulu’s in Fort Lauderdale for the fishbowl drinks. They also will go out in Fort Lauderdale or Miami because of the free train rides from Tri-Rail.

Considering that Boca Raton is relatively close to the Port of Miami, cruises are by far the most popular option for Spring Break trips. Whether its a weekend cruise to the Bahamas or 8 days in the eastern Caribbean, there are several options for every price range. My daughter took a weeklong cruise with some sorority sisters in her sophomore year. While it worked out to be a great deal for them, I still pity the families who were on board looking for some peace and quiet. Another popular destination is the Florida Keys. Key West is just shy a four-hour drive from FAU. My daughter informed me that Key West was a “rite of passage” for 21-year-olds, right before she set off for her last spring break with her friends. Some students will sign up with a Spring Break company that the group they want to go with is using.

For those of you who have students that are looking for an alternative, FAU has trips that students can sign up for and volunteer.  FAU has a program called Owl Breaks where students have the opportunities to serve their community over summer and spring break. Trip locations often include communities in Florida and other areas of need across the US and Puerto Rico. You can learn more here.

While I wanted my daughter to be able to have a good time with her friends, I also was concerned about her safety. Her father and I set some ground rules before letting her go on any of her trips.

• Never accept a drink from anyone- again, this is a safety tip she has heard even when she goes out in our hometown.
• Check-in with a text daily. Just a simple text letting me she was ok was all I needed.
• Be aware of laws (open container, alcohol restrictions on beaches, etc).
• Never, ever go off with anyone other than friends and never, ever let a friend go off with someone they do not know.
• Wear Sunscreen (seriously this is a must)

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook,  Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource here. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Spring Break appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Welcome to Paradise as an FAU Owl Class of 2024! Now that you are accepted, you can now take that sigh of relief that a decision has been made and then take a look at our list of what to do next. First, this may sound silly, but check your admissions letter for accuracy regarding their name, entrance term, address and major. If any changes need to be made it needs to happen in writing or online at myfau.

When you applied, you would have gotten an ID number, or at FAU they are referred to as a Z-number. It can be found on your application status page. Save this number, you’ll use it for the next four years. When you were accepted, you received a computer account, or FAU Net ID, which can be found on your acceptance letter. This Net ID will be your username to access the MYFAU website. MYFAU is the main website you’ll use as a student to access everything from class information to tickets for football games. This NetID will also become your email address. With this NetID, you’ll be able to access the Owldone online resource, which is where you’ll complete each of the next steps.

You are going to want to get that $200 non-refundable deposit and form in by May 1 for summer and fall semesters and September 22 for the spring semester. Without the deposit, they won’t be able to register for the mandatory orientation, etc… This can also be done through the Owldone portal.

Then get that immunizations form completed and sent in. Registration cannot happen without this. You can download the form here.  By the way, while you are on the health services page, take note of all the amazing services they offer students. At FAU, it is not a requirement that every student has insurance. Students, regardless of their coverage, can access all of the services and programs that student health services have to offer. More information about student health services can be found here.

Be sure to confirm the following:

• Your residency status for tuition purposes
• That your student has signed up for Bright Futures
• Arranged for any final transcripts and scores (AP, IB, AICE, CLEP, and transfer credits) to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions
• Your Florida Prepaid program if you have one (You will need to be familiar with what you paid for with Florida Prepaid as it may only cover certain fees or dorms – although it does not preclude your student from living in certain dorms; they may just have to pay any overage fees.)
• Finally, if you have not already done so, get that FAFSA form started.

Check out the housing information. There are many options at FAU both on and off-campus. If living in a particular dorm or having a single dorm is very important to your student, don’t wait too long to send a deposit and apply for housing.

Finally, check for any holds on your student’s account. It could be the simplest thing, but there is nothing worse than going to register for classes and not being able to because of a simple thing that could have been fixed earlier. This includes making certain that a final transcript from high school (other colleges if transferring) has made its way to the FAU Office of Admissions. This must get to them in a sealed envelope. Your student and you will receive Orientation information from the Office of New Student Orientation. This is a mandatory two-day event for your student and yourself.

Check out our blogs on Housing, Meal Plans, and Orientation for many more helpful details.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com. Are you new to HaveUHeard? Here is how to best use the site.

The post They’ve Been Accepted! appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

The start of college is right around the corner and many of you might be envisioning your student’s diet as burgers and pizzas and fries, oh my? Sure, we have been making meals for our kids for as long as we can remember. Before you get ready to go on a cooking frenzy, packaging and labeling items to send with them, stop. Because we assure you, college food choices have changed since many of us went to college. Today’s college campuses, in addition to offering burgers, pizza and fries, offer many healthy alternatives as well as meal plan options.

Freshman The Easy Way

For an incoming freshman who is living in the on-campus residence halls, meal plans are a requirement. My daughter lived on campus so she did sign up for the meal plan. It was a great way to meet other freshmen and learn to make healthy choices. She also had a declining balance card that gave her other meal options. With their meal plans, they can get flex bucks, which is money that they can use for on-campus restaurants. The best meal plan for on-campus residents varies per student. If they plan on eating a lot at the dining hall, there is a plan with 19 swipes per week. It does not include flex bucks and students must eat each meal in the Atlantic Dining hall. If they plan on eating outside of the dining hall for most meals, there is a plan for 7 swipes per week and 550 flex bucks. They also have a couple of meal plans between the two. Here is the link for the meal plans at FAU.

There are various meal plans available that give your student meals in the Atlantic Dining hall or Flex Bucks. Flex Bucks work like a debit account, they are loaded onto your students Owl ID card, your student can then swipe their ID card at any of the dining locations across campus other than the main Atlantic dining hall. Each Meal Plan comes with a varying amount of Flex Bucks. Flex Bucks must be used in the semester the meal plan is purchased.

The meal plans are purchased on a one-semester basis and cannot be transferred to another students. Meal plans swipes and flex bucks expire at the end of each semester.

If your student is an upperclassman or a commuter student, Owl Bucks are a great option. Owl Bucks work like a debit card, it is a declining balance, and is tied to your student’s Owl ID card. This is perhaps the most flexible account for dining as you may deposit funds at any time, it is accepted at various places around campus, there is no minimum balance to maintain and the balance carries forward until you graduate or leave school. Owl Bucks can be used at any of these on-campus locations: Starbucks, the Atlantic dining hall, FAU pharmacy, Campus Bookstore, Outtakes Convenience store, Chick-Fil-a, Dunkin’s Donuts, Pollo Tropical, Subway,Pop-up Food Truck, and all restaurants in the Breezeway Café (Pizza Hut, Einstein Bagels, Wendy’s, and Jow jing. Coming soon.. Panda Express and Maoz Vegetarian). Commuter students can also choose to purchase a meal plan that may be used in the Atlantic Dining Hall cafeteria. Check out their specials here. The least expensive plan is 30 meals (swipes) for $247.27 (that is about $8.24 per swipe). The larger the meal plan you purchase, the lower the per swipe cost is.

Before you buy gift cards to individual restaurants on campus, be aware that they do not accept them on campus.

The choice you make should entail a conversation between you and your student. We would recommend you familiarize yourself with how each program works.  Go to FAU dining services to learn more and make certain you read the contract terms and conditions.

More Options

If your student is adamantly opposed to signing up for a meal plan, they can head to any of the grocery stores by bus or car to purchase the food they need/want (see our blog on grocery stores) or choose amongst the many, many restaurants around town.

If cooking on their own works best for your student, rest assured most dorms have room for a small refrigerator and some do allow for microwaves (under 1500 watts). Many of the dorms also have a communal kitchen- but you will have to bring your own pots and pans.

If the meal plan or cooking for themselves is not working for them, while maybe not the healthiest option, students today can get almost any type of meal delivered directly to their dorms. Check out our Delivery blog to see all the companies that deliver food.

If your student happens to keep kosher, Hillel and Chabad do not offer a Kosher meal plan but there are a few restaurants in town that are Kosher (as well several kosher markets including Grove Kosher Market, Aroma Market, and Winn Dixie). The kosher restaurants are:

Mozart Cafe: located 7300 W Camino Real, Boca Raton FL. This restaurant offers small bites and kosher breakfast food with outside seating that is great for students who want to grab a bite to eat and study at the same time.

Boca Grill: located 8903 Glades road G9, Boca Raton FL. Super close to campus especially since it is located on Glades. It has great reviews for the food and the service.

Chill & Grill Pita: located 7158 N Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, FL 33433. This place is great because it’s almost like a chipotle for kosher food. It is not expensive and the service is great as well. It’s a good place for quick kosher food on the go.

Ditmas Kitchen & Sushi: 21077 Powerline Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433 Talk about a wide variety! This restaurant is sure to be a crowd pleaser, their menu has something for everyone.

Pita ‘N Go: located 22767 SR 7, Boca Raton, FL 33428. This place has a similar vibe as chill and grill pita, it’s quick kosher food on the go. This place has great reviews talking about the quality of the meat and the quickness of the service. On the flip side, some say their prices are a little high.

A Different Type of University Meal Plan

There is a whole new type of meal service that is becoming popular with students who can’t cook, don’t want to cook, don’t want to buy groceries and are looking for an easier, and healthier meal plan.  Known as the meal kit industry, the premise is that they deliver pre-portioned, packaged meals delivered weekly right to your student’s door. Make sure you check out our blog on A College Student’s Guide to Meal Kits. Our interns tested out Blue Apron, Plated, Chef’d (Spoon University) and Hello Fresh.

Of course, you can always send them some of your home-cooked meals!

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook,  Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com. New to HUH, here is how to use the site.

The post Meal Plans appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Prepare for an exciting summer if you plan on attending FAU Summer B. It is by far the favorite semester of many Owls (myself included). It’s likely going to be a summer filled with firsts; first college class, college party, and new friends. It’s also likely that it’s the first time you can make most of the decisions for yourself like eating cereal for dinner or staying out late. While my roommates and I were nervous to take on all these new experiences, FAU does a great job of making the transition smooth.

Florida Atlantic University is a large campus and it’s growing every day. One of the first things my roommates and I did was explore our new home and find our classrooms. My RA was extremely helpful and answered all of my questions (trust me I had quite a few). Her room was right down the hall and it was always open to her residents.

Typically, students take one to two classes during the Summer B Session. Summer Classes move at a faster pace than classes during the Fall and Spring. It’s a good idea to get familiar with FAU’s Wimberly Library at this time since it is less crowded. This time is the perfect opportunity to scope out the best study spots. Read our blog on the best places to study here. It is also wise to form study groups from the start. Not only will you do better in the class, but it’s also an easy way to make some new friends.

Since most students only take a few classes over the summer, there is bound to be some free time. Summer B is a great time to explore some amazing places in your new home, Boca Raton. From beaches to restaurants, Boca has a lot to offer. Check out this list of great places to visit here.  Be sure to check out FAU’s rec center; there is a beautiful pool, gym, basketball courts, and a full schedule of fitness classes.

Summer B will fly by quickly so enjoy it while it lasts! Go Owls!

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource here. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Making the Most of Your Summer B appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

All Aboard the Study Abroad Train!

Two words you’ll hear over and over again after orientation, Study Abroad. Study abroad is a wonderful program that gives students the opportunity to travel to their choice of over 20 countries to attend classes while immersing themselves in a different culture. My older daughters chose not to study abroad as they did not want to miss a full semester at their universities. The only regret they had after graduation was not taking advantage of this opportunity. They both have encouraged my youngest daughter, nieces, and nephews to not miss out.

For many majors offered at FAU, study abroad can open the door to many opportunities (international business, for example). We live in uncertain and frightening times so the decision to send your student abroad is very personal. The support FAU students receive from the Center of Global Engagement as it applies to travel warnings and monitoring the global situation was paramount to me allowing her to go. The cost was the second factor as studying abroad is expensive depending on the type and duration of the program.

Applications

To secure your space, students are required to complete the Study Abroad application and pay the deposit or service fee, which ranges from $50 to $250 depending on the type and length of the program. Click here to see the fees. These fees are non-refundable so make sure you have worked out the financial aspect before you pay the deposit. FAU students have the opportunity to choose from 50 different study abroad programs in over 20 countries. Some of the destinations include Australia, China, England, Italy, and Spain, just to name a few.  I would recommend having your students attend one of the information sessions to learn about the different study abroad programs. The Center for Global Engagement can be found on the second floor in General South.

FAU offers 4 different Study Abroad Programs: Faculty-led, Exchange, Direct Enroll and Third-Party program. A Faculty-Led program is a short-term program, ranging in length from 1-6 weeks. Students are abroad, but FAU faculty is there with them. In an Exchange program, FAU students are enrolled at FAU, but take classes abroad at partner universities. Direct Enroll study abroad allows students to directly enroll at one of FAU’s partner universities. Finally, a Third-Party Program. This includes but is not limited to study abroad providers, other U.S. college/university study abroad programs, or a foreign institution abroad with whom FAU is not a directly enrolled partner.

My daughter opted for a Faculty-led Study Abroad. As a History Major, many of her own professors participated in the Faculty-led programs. She went to Catania, Italy for 4 weeks to explore ancient Sicily. She was able to tour several ancient cities and an archeological dig where she learned first-hand archaeological techniques, restoration, and documentation.  My daughter took two directed independent study courses and an Ancient Sicily class while abroad, which satisfied the requirements of her major.

Here is what I would recommend:

• Make sure your student’s passport has a minimum of six months before expiration. You will not be allowed to leave if your passport expires in three months. Passports can be obtained from the Post Office or Courthouse. In the event that you need to expedite a passport or visa renewal, try Fastport Passport. They are registered with the U.S. Department of State.
• Register and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It is free to U.S. citizens and will give them important safety information from our Embassy and help them to contact you in the event of an emergency.
• If they are traveling to a country that is more metropolitan with access to shops and stores, have them purchase their toiletries over there. The exchange rate for the Euro is currently $1.23 but changes daily.
• Consider purchasing an unlocked phone that works on international networks. By purchasing in advance, your students can add their contacts and download their apps ahead of time.
  Speaking of phones, it is one of the more commonly stolen items in many cities so make sure they are diligent with their phones. That means not putting them in their back pockets or on tables where anyone can walk by and grab them.
• While they can pay extra for additional luggage, my daughter limited herself to one large suitcase and a weekend bag. My daughter only studied abroad for 4 weeks, so she was able to just bring essentials and purchase more if she needed it.
• When booking your student’s travel, keep in mind that the Internet keeps track of all of your searches so you may want to open an incognito window so you can avoid increasing prices (the travel site is then unaware that you already searched for a low price on their website). The best time to book an international flight is typically 2-4 months before your travel date. Another tip is to check one-way tickets each way as sometimes you may actually get a better fare than the round trip price. You can start your search on Expedia.
• Try not to call them every day to check-in and do not worry if your student has not spoken to you in a few days. She was in a time zone that is seven hours later so of course, it is challenging to find a time that we are both available. We texted when she was on wifi (which was rare for where she was studying) and she has called me once through Facebook when on wifi. (Many use WhatsApp but you can call through Facebook messenger or Facetime when in a wifi area and the reception is just as good) With everything going on in the world today, I do not feel I am being overly involved asking for a short text.
• Consider purchasing student travel insurance for emergencies, which we pray they don’t need. HaveUHeard recommends Allianz Travel Insurance.
• If they will be traveling around and staying at hotels, HaveUHeard that students can find access to special rates through StudentUniverse?  Click here for more information. Or, they can consider staying at a hostel. Hostels are not all so shabby anymore. Check out HostelWorld to see how nice (and inexpensive) some of them are.
• You may want to consider having your student get Global Entry which runs approximately $100 for five years but makes getting through security so much easier. Or, have them download the Mobile Passport app which is free and helps to speed you through U.S. Customs. (officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection). They will still need their passport but it saves them time.
• Students love to travel to different destinations while abroad. GetYourGuide gives them guides to unique and unmissable things to do in their destination

Looking for items students heading abroad need or want? Check out our list here.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource here. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Study Abroad appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.