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.

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Don’t be alarmed on move-in day when you walk into your student’s bare and cold dorm room. It’s amazing how quickly this space can change with a little planning and some trips to Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and Walmart.

The key to transforming the dorm space into something a little homier is preplanning. Pinterest alone has enough ideas to make your head spin. Of course, decorating for a girl’s room is drastically different from a boy, but both will need a little extra organization. Either way, check the size bed their dorm will provide. FAU’S freshman Resident halls (Heritage Park, Glades Park, and Parliament hall) offer twin extra long beds. The beds in Parliament hall are lofted with the desk underneath, Keep this in mind before purchasing bed risers or organization items. The remainder of the Resident halls (upperclassmen) all have twin extra long beds as well, with the exception of Innovation Village. The rooms in Innovation Village have double beds.

Over the summer, the stores’ shelves will begin to fill up with sections specifically for college dorm life. Here you will be able to easily find many organizational options and sheet sets in twin extra long.  The bed-in-a-bag can be a great choice as it provides many pieces at once. In addition, we highly recommend a mattress encasement. It protects from bugs, allergies, and who knows what else. A mattress topper is a must; the beds can be rather thin. The topper will make the place they spend much of their time more comfortable.

Consider buying bed risers as they can give students extra storage space under their bed. Remember, if your student’s dorm is Parliament hall, these beds are already lofted. Some kids like to put a mini-fridge under there too. The freshman dorms at FAU do not provide mini-fridges, however, students are permitted to bring them. Check out TECH-U in the student union, they offer mini-fridge and microwave rentals. The plastic container drawers are super popular in the dorms. They fit under the beds and have a lot of storage. Recently we came across Dorm Room Bed Skirt Panels which are long and can cover all the junk that ends up getting stored below the bed.

It’s Fun!

There are fun ottomans that provide both storage and extra seating space for when their friends come to hang out. Students usually have space for a comfortable chair. There are clever little shelves that attach to the side of the bed that are rather useful to hold their phone, glasses, drinks, etc.

Most girls really like to fully decorate the space. My daughter and her friends went Pinterest crazy over the summer, but it really turned their dorms into a comfortable and inviting space. If possible suggest they check with their roommate before you begin your multiple trips to Bed, Bath and Beyond, etc. (Did I mention that you should start collecting those coupons now?) Together they may decide on specific colors or a theme. Another great place to get ideas (and shop) is Tapestry Girls, a one-stop-shop for small space decorating and inspiration designed for fashion and budget-minded. Visit Tapestry Girls today and use code HAVEUHEARD at checkout for an additional $5 off any order.

Lately, covering the walls in big tapestries is the rage. It is actually a great idea to bring some color into the room.  You cannot put any holes in the walls, this also makes it difficult to hang things, but no worries; because Command hooks have you covered. HaveUHeard that you need to apply rubbing alcohol first before hanging the command strip or it won’t adhere? Area rugs also warm up a room and bring in some color, particularly since the floors are all cold tile. If they know their roommate’s name, a custom dorm room sign is a great way to make them feel at home.

Another popular item is string lights. You’ll want to buy a tension rod and a curtain for the closet. The closets in the dorms do not have doors, so a curtain is a great substitute door to hide clothes, shoes, or any disorganization that may occur there. The curtain on the closet can also be another great way to bring some color into the dorm.

FAU offers virtual tours of their on-campus dorms; you can find a video of the residence halls. There are different kinds of dorms throughout campus ranging from suite to corridor to apartment-style.  When you find out which dorm your student will be living in, you can check out the floor plans as well as get an idea of what FAU Housing supplies.

The Guys Too!

I haven’t forgotten our sons; there just isn’t as much to say. Basically, they will need the same essentials, but as far as décor goes, most boys are happy with a poster or two and possibly a flag or banner. Owl paraphernalia is usually a hit too. The best advice that was given to me was to start shopping early. Your student will have the most options to choose from and you’ll be able to get everything you need. Another great tip is to order from your local store and have the items available for pick up when you arrive in Boca Raton.

Don’t forget the cleaning supplies. While we’d like to say our students will keep their space clean, at least if we give them supplies, we may have a fighting chance. For our complete list of the top items they need for college. And, if you want to get an idea of what each dorm is like, make sure you check out our Insider’s Guide to Campus Dorm Living.

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Get Your Hand Trucks Ready to Move!

Because it’s move-in day. From the day your student gets their room assignment, the whole process of move-in can seem stressful, overwhelming, and expensive (start collecting those Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons now) Traditionally, female students tend to take a full-on decorating approach complete with wall décor, signs, picture frames, string lights, desk accessories, and many other decorative items. Male students do not quite go that full in and often just want a comfortable bed, maybe a poster or two and perhaps a rug. Either way, the prospect of making a cold dorm room into a home seems like an arduous task.  According to the National Retail Federation, back to college spending averaged $1330 in 2018. This is big business with college checklists resembling the lists usually reserved for wedding/bridal registries and baby shower registries. And while I won’t sugarcoat the day, a little pre-planning can help alleviate some of the stress of the day.

13 Tips for an Easier Move-in Day

• Bring a Hand truck. Fau does have a few available, however, there is not enough for every family to have one. The entire process of moving your student into the dorm during the heat of August will be quicker and easier with the use of a hand truck. Personally, I bought this folding hand truck and left it with my daughter so she could use it during the year and move out (yes, both of my daughters moved out on their own)
• In the Freshman Dorms, students have Twin XL beds. These beds probably aren’t what they are used to at home. To bring in some of the comforts of home, purchase a mattress cover and mattress topper. These are available at Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond; just to name a few. This is a great item to order ahead and have ready for pick up when your student arrives in Boca Raton.
• Your student is going to need sheets. I bought my daughter two sets to start with when she went off to FAU. This made it easier for her when it came time for laundry, there was always a clean set ready to go.
• Comforters or some type of a heavy blanket (or two) are a must. The dorms are kept rather chilly. Some of the newer residence halls do have in-suite thermostats, but this is not always the case. The easiest option is to go with a bed-in-a-bag set. These sets typically give students the comforter, a sheet set, and decorative pillows.
• Many students like the convenience of having a mini-fridge in their room. It is also a great resource for students who try to stay on a budget or eat healthier. FAU offers Mini-Fridge rentals from the on-campus store Tech-U.
• A small microwave is also a useful item for students to have in their rooms. Microwaves can also be rented from Tech-U or purchased and picked up from many stores around FAU.
• Keurig coffee makers can be very convenient, but definitely a more expensive, way to have coffee. There are countless Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts on campus and close by but having your students make their own is often more economical. Stores also often sell small 4 cup coffee pots, another great option for the dorms.
• If your student is like mine, there just is not enough closet and drawer space to accommodate all of her clothes/shoes/dry goods/toiletries/medicines, etc. That is where the under-the-bed plastic drawer system comes in handy. The problem you may face is availability. Either bring them with you if your vehicle space allows or order ahead of time.
• Bed risers will help to give your students dorm room some much needed extra space. Bed Risers lift up the bed; storage units or drawer sets can then be placed underneath the bed. Keep in mind if your student lives in Parliament Hall, their beds will already be lofted.
• Most of the dorms have closets inside each of the rooms. Not all of these closets have doors; you’ll need to purchase a tension rod and curtain.
• If your college student is planning on having a television in their room, you will need a coaxial cable. Extension cords are also a much-needed item. We would recommend using one that is both double and triple-pronged.
• Irons are not permitted inside FAU dorms. To save on space and avoid breaking a rule, consider buying a mini hand steamer. They work just as well as a traditional iron.
• For the day you are moving in, many parents have found that the Ikea bags (or something comparable) work really well. You can find many of them on Amazon.

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FAU’s move-in day is …well…a lot of work. Be prepared for many trips to the car and possibly one or two to the store for the inevitable forgotten or overlooked item (ours was not having enough Command hooks last year).  The heat does not help, but a hand truck and Ikea bags do. I will not get into the emotional goodbyes at the end of the day, but I will say that large sunglasses to cover my watery, red eyes (and having to wait another 8 years for my youngest to move out) was my savior.

M.I.D. is August 15th

The day this year begins on Thursday, August 15th for incoming freshmen. Your student will get an appointment as to their move-in time-based on their dorm number. This is based on the students’ first letter of their last name.

• A – F moves in from 8 am – 10 am
• G – L moves in from 10 am – 12 noon
• M – R moves in from 12 noon – 2 pm
• S – Z moves in from 2 pm – 4 pm

Friday, August 16 is move-in day for returning students, transfer students, and graduate students.

• Students assigned to EVEN number floors may move in from 8 am-noon
• Students assigned to ODD number floors may move in from 1 pm – 4 pm

Many of the dorms will have floor meetings with their R.A. as well as a few events so the residents can have the opportunity to meet one another. More information about Move-in Day times and guidelines. Early Move-in is an option for students participating in Residential Learning Communities. That day is August 16th. After they arrive, they will spend the day in a retreat, which will allow them to meet others in their learning community and orient themselves with the campus.

One of the best parts of the day is the volunteers. There are volunteers walking around to offer assistance. Student volunteers belong to many of the organizations across campus and are there to not only help students move-in but also answer questions about campus life. These volunteers typically have carts and will assist with unloading cars, moving items, giving directions, providing refreshments and other move-in related tasks, and providing information about getting involved on campus.

From August 14th-18th, FAU holds a program called HOW2FAU. HOW2FAU gives students their first introduction to campus life and different organizations are there to answer questions. Students can also learn about the many resources across campus that aid in their success. On August 18th, FAU holds the annual Freshman Convocation. Freshman Convocation is a freshman’s official welcome to Florida Atlantic University. Freshmen who attend receive a blue and silver graduation cord, one that can be worn if a student remains at FAU for all 4 years of college. More information about Freshman Convocation.

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Congratulations! You have a new Owl in your house, but what do you do now? One of the first steps after your student opens their acceptance package should be to pull out your calendar and book an Orientation weekend. Orientation isn’t just for your student; FAU offers breakout sessions that offer a plethora of information to new FAU parents.

Listen attentively; no need to take notes. When my daughter attended, we were given a folder with all the information presented over the weekend. It can be very overwhelming. Go on the tour of the campus. Eat with your student at the Atlantic Dining Hall. They will have their first experience being assigned to share a room in the dorm with someone they do not know.  FAU did provide some bedding when my daughter spent the night, however you may want to bring along some comforts of home. They will participate in events just for this incoming class. This will also be your Student’s first introduction to FAUs freshman registration, known as OARs. OARs is a step-by-step guide on how to remove all the holds on their account and register for classes; they will give an in-depth presentation at orientation. There is plenty of FAU staff available to answer any questions.

More Orientation Suggestions

Meal Plan: It is during this orientation that you will register for a meal plan. More information on the meal plan options can be found here.

Registering Vehicles – I would recommend that if you decide your student is bringing a car or bike, register online or head over to the transportation and parking office. If you wait until the move-in time, prepare for very long lines. You can order your decal by clicking here.

Banking – FAU’s official banking partner is BB&T. BB&T offers free basic checking accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum balances, or ATM fees at any of the branches on campus. This also applies to nationwide branches of BB&T. These checking accounts are linked directly to your student’s FAU Owl card. Financial aid disbursements can also be disbursed into these BB&T accounts. For out-of-state students, it makes a lot of sense to have a Florida bank checking account. If you are unsure, wait until you head home and you can always open one at your local branch.

And, of course, head over to the campus bookstore or an area retail store and start stocking up on Owl apparel- You are about to spend your student’s next four years growing to love Florida Atlantic University.

How to Dress –  Summertime in Boca Raton can be described with two words; Hot and Humid. It can also start raining out of nowhere, so make sure to take along an umbrella and dress casually. It can get chilly in the Barry Kaye Auditorium and the Student Union, so it’s also a good idea to take along a jacket.  Don’t forget your sunglasses, perhaps a hat (did we mention how hot it can get); some sunblock does not hurt either.

Inside the Student Union, there are Outtakes, the on-campus convenience store, where you can grab a snack. Starbucks is about a 5-minute walk from the Union.

What to Bring

Your student will want to bring comfortable clothes, a pillow, sheets, a bath towel, shower shoes and a blanket, a jacket or sweater and, of course, their toiletries. Many of the girls bring duffles to hold all of their belongings. I remember getting my daughters a Vera Bradley duffle because that’s what college girls use. They still use it to this day for weekend trips or trips home when they do not need to bring a suitcase.

Freshman!

For incoming freshmen, FAU holds a mandatory orientation starting in June and going through August. The typical FAU orientation lasts for about 2 days (there are some exceptions).  FAU freshman orientation costs $104 for a student; this fee includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you would like to attend with your child, there is an additional $70 fee.

Wondering about College level exam scores and University Course equivalents? Check out the equivalency for AICE, AP, CLEP, DSST, CAPE, and IB.

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