Summer Archives - HaveUHeard.com https://haveuheard.com Life is Complicated Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:29:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.1 https://haveuheard.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-cropped-mega-huh-512-1-32x32.png Summer Archives - HaveUHeard.com https://haveuheard.com 32 32 The Next Four Years https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/next-four-years/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/next-four-years/#respond Tue, 30 Jan 2018 18:44:01 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=3143 What U Should Know. So you have a student ready to spen [...]

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What U Should Know.

So you have a student ready to spend the next four years at FAU? That means you will undoubtedly be visiting once or twice. If you have never been to Boca Raton, you may have a preconceived idea about this city. For Seinfeld fans, you may recall that Jerry’s fictional television parents lived in a retirement community called Del Boca Vista (they even sell t-shirts with this fictional city). The novel and film adaptation, “Marley and Me” takes place in Boca Raton. The city is oftentimes referred to as New York South since so many New Yorkers live here part-time (we refer to them as snowbirds) or are now full-time residents.

Boca Raton, which actually is a misnomer for a jagged inlet, is not as populous as its Fort Lauderdale neighbor, but you would not know that from the traffic that congests the major roads no matter what time of day. Here, you will find almost every major box store, almost every chain restaurant from fast food to quick service to full service plus many newer independents, shopping malls, hotels, and grocery stores, all to enjoy in the four years.

The Next Four Years at FAU

Florida Atlantic dates back to October 1964 when President Lyndon Baines Johnson declared it officially open. The original intent was to use technology so that students could take classes wherever they were; however, that technology would not exist for another four decades. Fau was one of the first universities to offer only upper level and graduate-level work. FAU did not initially attract many students as they lacked many of the college amenities found on most campuses such as having no dormitories or dining facilities, difficulty getting to the campus and they did not actively pursue the potential students that lived in South Florida.  FAU initiated an aggressive growth plan which included the construction of an Administration Building, a Humanities Building, and six residence halls. They also introduced the nation’s first-degree program in ocean engineering which is now housed at a state-of-the-art research center in Dania Beach.

FAU’s mascot, The Owl, seemed a natural fit as the burrowing owl is a South Florida native and classified as a species of special concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. In 1971, the campus became an official burrowing owl sanctuary.

It was not until 1984 that freshman and sophomore classes were added to the student body. FAU continued added new campuses in South Florida including Davie, Dania Beach, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie in addition to downtown Fort Lauderdale.  New degree programs were added in the early 1990s. Division 1 football made its debut at FAU in 2001. What lifted FAU to an even higher level was in October 2003 when Scripps Research Institute opened an operations center in Palm Beach and FAU was selected as their first university partner in Florida. It also paved the way for more partnerships, particularly in the area of biomedical research. Further research partnerships were established with the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the FAU Sea-Tech Ocean Engineering Research Center in Davie. By 2008, FAU’s enrollment increased to 27,000 students with 170 bachelors, master’s, specialists and doctoral degree programs.

Today, FAU serves over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students with 70 percent located at the Boca Raton campus. The modern campus has a tropical vibe with its lush landscaping and architecture. The temperature is often described as mild, thanks to its vicinity to the Atlantic Ocean and the tropical breezes but summers can be extremely humid with tropical downpours that come in almost as quickly as they leave. During the winter (well South Florida’s version of winter) the temperatures can drop to the 50’s and stay in the ’70s.

FAU is considered to be a walking campus although bus service is included in the cost and is strongly recommended especially when you need to get across campus. Download FAU Mobile for a campus directory, maps, news, as well as FAU Owls sports and more.

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Home Sweet Dorm Make It Homey! https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/home-sweet-dorm/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/home-sweet-dorm/#comments Tue, 30 Jan 2018 20:45:20 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=3172 Transforming The Dorm Space To Look Homey. Don’t be ala [...]

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Transforming The Dorm Space To Look Homey.

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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Making the Most of Your Summer B https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/summer-b/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/summer-b/#respond Tue, 19 Jun 2018 21:37:55 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=5910 Summer Can Be the Most Fun Season! Prepare for an excit [...]

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Summer Can Be the Most Fun Season!

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!

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Safety Matters https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/safety-matters/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/safety-matters/#respond Tue, 30 Jan 2018 22:19:53 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=3200 We All Want A Secure Campus. FAU takes safety very seri [...]

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We All Want A Secure Campus.

FAU takes safety very seriously. As my child left the relative safety of our home, FAU’s safety procedures helped to ease some of my concerns for safety on campus. Technology has changed the landscape of how they impart information to students through texts and emails, and social media platforms. There are also options available for students to use to get around campus.

Guardians of the Students

FAU rolled out a new cell phone application called Guardian. The Guardian app is available for download on the iPhone and Android. The Guardian app allows students and faculty to connect with the FAU police department. The app creates a safety net when a student or faculty member contacts the FAU police through the app; a complete profile is sent to the Police offers. This profile includes any medical conditions, current address, campus ID, and the caller’s exact location. The Guardian App also allows students to select emergency contacts or guardians, and send in anonymous crime tips.

Night Owls

FAU has a nighttime transportation service called Night Owls. Night Owls is a student-run program that transports students across campus or to their cars from the hours of 7 pm-11 pm. Students who participate in this program as drivers are subjected to a background check and academic standards before they can begin their work. Night owls can be ordered simply with a phone call to (561)-297-6695. When you place your call, you will be prompted by a menu to select which campus you are on. After you make your selection, a dispatcher will ask for your name and location on campus and a Night Owls golf cart will be there shortly.

Hours of Operation
Fall, Spring, Summer: Monday-Thursday 7-11 pm

More information on all the safety programs on campus is available here.

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Orient Yourself at the Orientation Event https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/orient-yourself/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/orient-yourself/#respond Tue, 30 Jan 2018 18:16:58 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=3132 First Steps For Orientation Congratulations! You have a [...]

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First Steps For Orientation

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 AICEAPCLEPDSSTCAPE, and IB.

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Health Insurance https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/health-insurance/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/health-insurance/#respond Tue, 30 Jan 2018 21:05:10 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=3182 All The Ways In And Around Getting Health Coverage. Flo [...]

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All The Ways In And Around Getting Health Coverage.

Florida Atlantic University does not require students to have Health Insurance (unless they are international students); however, it does help to keep costs down during visits to Student Health Services. Deciding on which health insurance plan your student should be on may require a degree in economics. There are so many variables to consider when choosing:

• Is the monthly premium you pay for your child pre-tax or after-tax?
• Is it marketplace insurance or subsidized and again, does it meet the university’s minimum requirements?
• Does your current insurance cover your student at an out of state college?

If your student is coming to FAU from out of state, you will need to check with your current health insurance coverage to see if it covers their costs while attending school and living out of state. At Florida Atlantic University, Student Health Insurance Plans are available for students to enroll in. The FAU student insurance plans are underwritten by Aetna.

The Florida Atlantic University plan’s rates for a single student are approximately $388 per month (average) for the calendar year. There are also plans that cover students for only two semesters or just the summer semester. Your Student can enroll in quarterly or annual payment plans. If your student is already covered by your own plan, you should consider what your cost is to keep them on your plan. Suffice to say, if this is a Cafeteria Plan using pre-tax dollars, it may be more reasonable to keep them on your insurance plan.  In addition, if you are going to be studying abroad, you may want to consider your options on which plan to go with. The Deadline to submit waivers for the Fall 2020 semester is August 17, 2020. More information on pricing and coverage options with FAU’s student insurance plans.

To be eligible for this coverage, students must be considered Full-time, or enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and attend the first 31 days of courses. For more information, a Representative from Insurance for students is available to speak with on Thursdays from 1-4 pm in the Student Health Services Clinic. Students can also call (561) 297-1135.

Student Health Services accepts Aetna, Florida Blue, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Be sure to pack an insurance card for your students to hold onto while at college for on-campus visits or emergencies. Students without health insurance can also visit Student Health Services and pay out of pocket. If you are unsure of which plan makes the most sense for your family and you have a financial planner or a certified public accountant, they can run the numbers for you. For information about FAU’s Aetna Student Health Insurance options, or information in regards to coverage and costs at Student Health Services.

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Where Will They Live- Managing the Gap https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/where-will-they-live-managing-the-gap/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/where-will-they-live-managing-the-gap/#respond Mon, 02 Apr 2018 15:09:16 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=4606 It's More Than A Visit. Manage the Gap. Although it fee [...]

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It’s More Than A Visit. Manage the Gap.

Although it feels like you just moved your students into their dorms, you now have to move them out. The worst part, aside from the grueling heat, is that some may be returning in just a few weeks to move back in somewhere. And, if they have to be back early in August, whether it be another dorm, house, or an apartment, having to schlep their stuff back home to return in just a few weeks seems a little silly. I know how many carloads it took to get our daughter moved in and, frankly, I am not prepared to rent a U-Haul to get her home and back again. So, my first piece of advice is to recommend that they start bringing things home if they are making any trips home between now and the end of the semester or if you are visiting them, bring some of their belongings home. Here is how we managed that weird time between semesters, the gap!

FAU has partnered with Smart Box, which schedules pick up, and storage for students and return of the belongings. There are also several other storage options within the vicinity of campus. There are other companies that service FAU including DormRoommovers. They too will drop off boxes, pick them up and store them and then redeliver in the fall.

Another inexplicable frustration for students who live off-campus in apartments over the summer but are not planning on renewing their lease. Most leases end on July 30th but classes do not end until August 10th. That leaves those students in a bind as to where they should live for that 10-day period and store their stuff all while heading into finals. Check with the apartment rental to see if they will extend the lease; the issue here is that those apartments that are in high demand have no incentive to do this and many will not. If they are moving into another apartment or house, most new leases start after August 1st to allow the management company to clean the premise). It’s not ideal to have to move while studying. If they are graduating, perhaps find a good friend to put you up or look at an inexpensive hotel or Airbnb. As for their belongings, there is no easy solution. It is one of the many reasons I am not a big fan of students changing living arrangements every year.

For my daughter, we had no other option but to put her stuff put in storage by a company that FAU works with. Her items were in storage for a total of 7 days but we still had to pay for the full month. It is a pet peeve of mine that takes place not just at FAU but many of the Florida universities where students have to pay for sometimes only a few days of storage; you actually cannot rent a storage facility for less than a month so the price is still the same.

Hope these ideas help you manage the gap with your college student!

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Volunteering Turns Your Compassion into Action https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/volunteering-turns-your-compassion-into-action/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/volunteering-turns-your-compassion-into-action/#respond Mon, 16 Jul 2018 21:46:49 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=7198 While volunteering, you might have a life-changing expe [...]

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While volunteering, you might have a life-changing experience.

Volunteering in college gives students the opportunity to give back to the community while doing what they love. It is important to give back to your community for a variety of reasons. Not only will you be helping others, but also students can discover a passion for their future and increase their chance of standing out within a sea of grad school applications.

Why should the graduate program pick you over another person? Graduate schools look for more than just the book smart student. They look for well-rounded students who want to make a difference. Being altruistic is such an important quality to have. Another great quality graduate schools look at is being able to balance your time. If you are able to take rigorous classes, be involved in extracurricular, have a job or internship AND volunteer, they know that you will be able to handle their program. (Is this sounding like your application to get into undergrad?)

While volunteering, you might have a life-changing experience. If you have some idea of what you want to do in the future, it may be a good idea to volunteer in that field. If you are interested in making a difference in the medical field, volunteer at a local hospital. Maybe you are aspiring to be a teacher; a youth center might be the perfect fit for you. Students who are undecided should not be deterred; volunteering is a great way to find your passion.  There are so many options to make a difference and have the experiences impact your life.

But you may ask, how do I find these experiences? FAU has incredible resources to help find volunteer opportunities. Check out FAU’s Wepner Center for LEAD & Service-learning. You find information on several volunteer opportunities on and off campus including Elite Owls and Owl Breaks. The Wepner Center for LEAD & Service learning also presents a Volunteer Fair each fall. The Volunteer Fair features 25 local community agencies looking for volunteers.

Other Volunteer Opportunities include:

Volunteer for OwlThon

Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Florida

American Heart Association

American Cancer Society

Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Deaf Service Center of Palm Beach County

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Quantum House

Big Brother Big Sisters of America

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County

Boca’s Helping Hands

Feeding South Florida

Habitat for Humanity

Tri-County Animal Rescue

Major-specific volunteer opportunities can be found here.

Interested in helping to aid the local environment? 4Ocean is a group started by FAU alumni that sponsors beach cleanups around the world in an attempt to improve to the condition of the Oceans.  4Ocean’s headquarters is in Boca Raton where they often hold beach cleanups. For more information, click here.

Another option students who are majoring specifically in medical, engineering and Physical Science may find volunteering opportunities through is research. This is often a great option because research and volunteering are often two large portions of an application that a student can complete at the same time. To find research positions, click here.

If you have a passion for art, consider volunteering at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

Political science majors also have several opportunities to get involved in Florida and Boca Raton Politics. Click here to learn more.

For the history buff, Boca Raton and the surrounding cities are a part of Florida’s rich and deep history. One of its most famous residents, Henry Flagler, had a winter estate that has become a museum.  Click here for more information.  The Historical Society of Palm Beach is also filled with volunteer opportunities.

And, some students will participate in FAU’s Owls Break program, which can be international, or within the country. These trips provide a great opportunity to give back to communities in need while having some fun. These trips are available in the fall, during Thanksgiving and winter break. They are also available during spring and summer break. Check it out here.

There are so many opportunities to volunteer in and around FAU.

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An Insider’s Guide to Living on Campus at FAU https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/an-insiders-guide-to-living-on-campus-at-fau/ https://haveuheard.com/posts-fau/an-insiders-guide-to-living-on-campus-at-fau/#comments Tue, 01 May 2018 20:16:41 +0000 http://haveuheard.com/?post_type=posts-fau&p=5001 The Secrets You Need To Know About Living On Campus. Yo [...]

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The Secrets You Need To Know About Living On Campus.

You can certainly read about the dorms and places to live on campus on the FAU Housing and Residential Life pages, but we asked my daughter and our interns for the inside scoop about living on campus…which is probably what you really want to know before you choose where to live when you become an Owl. Here’s what they had to say:

Each dorm is very unique and, in my experience, you make lifelong friends from living on campus, plus you don’t have to share a communal bathroom with everyone on your floor. You just have to share a bathroom with 2-4 people depending on where you live. My favorite was Innovation Village because it had more of an apartment type feel rather than a dorm. One of the many things I loved about living on campus is it includes utilities, cable, and wifi, you can be on the residential meal plan (and add flex bucks which can be used at any retail restaurant on campus, making it very convenient when you need to eat, there is the security of an on-campus police department, it is easy to walk to class, the library, friends’ dorms, the dining hall, and fitness center, and the rooms are already fully furnished.

During winter break, residence halls close but if students need to stay anytime during this period, they will have to fill out the break stay form. They will be approved if they live more than 60 miles away from campus, have a spring housing contract, no balance, and registered for spring classes. Students will get an email with this information at the end of November.

Here is a breakdown of the dorms based on our experience:

Glades Park Tower:  Glades Park Tower (or GPT) features suite-style dorms with both double and single rooms. You share a restroom with your suitemates. GPT’s North tower is home to FAU’s Resident Learning Communities. In the Resident Learning Communities, students have the opportunity to live on the same floor as students with the same major giving opportunities for the same class schedule, study group options, and learning community-specific events. The North tower features the same amenities as the South Tower. The South Tower of GPT is a freshman residential hall featuring complimentary laundry services, computer labs, outdoor grills, communal kitchen, Sand Volleyball, and study rooms. The close proximity of GPT to the breezeway makes it a favorite amoung Freshman students.

Heritage Park Towers: Heritage Park Towers (or HPT) is a suite-style residence hall featuring both single and double rooms. You share a restroom with your suitemates.  HPT features complimentary laundry services, computer labs, outdoor grills, and communal kitchen, Sand Volleyball, multipurpose room with a large screen tv and study rooms. Heritage Park Towers is close to the breezeway, center marketplace, and the Atlantic dining hall. Hertiage Park Towers is a favorite amoung Freshman Students.

Indian River Tower (IRT): This dorm is for both Upperclassmen and first-time college students. It has a two-story lobby area. Suite-style dorm with both double and single rooms. Each dorm in Indian River Tower features a living room and restroom.  IRT features complimentary laundry services, computer labs, outdoor grills, a communal kitchen, furnished sun deck, and study rooms. IRT is adjacent to the Sand volleyball courts, BBQ pits and close to the breezeway and center marketplace.

Innovation Village (IVA): Innovation Village features 2 towers, North and South. Innovation Village is exclusive to upperclassmen, graduate, and medical students The Innovation Village Courtyard, shared by both North and South Towers, has a resort-style swimming pool, sand volleyball court, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a convenience store. In both towers, every room is a single in a suite-style. There are 4 bedrooms in each suite that share a full kitchen, in-suite washer and dryer, 2 restrooms, and a living and dining area.  Innovation Village features complimentary laundry services, computer labs, outdoor grills, and Sand Volleyball, Fitness Center, multi-purpose room with a large screen tv and study rooms. Innovation Village is within walking distance to the stadium and is one of the newest and nicest halls on campus.

Parliament Hall (Par): Parliament hall is the newest residence hall at FAU. Parliament Hall features both single and double dorms. You share a restroom with your suitemates. Parliament Hall has amenities such as a communal kitchen, library, computer lab, fitness room, laundry facilities, and a two-story study lounge.  Parliament is one of the most popular resident halls on campus; however, it is the farthest freshman dorm from the center of campus.

University Village (UVA): University Village Apartments are apartment-style dorms for upperclassmen, graduate, and medical students. UVA features 4 bedrooms, 2 story apartments or 1-bedroom studio style. Both apartment styles are fully furnished and feature kitchens in the apartment. The 4-bedroom style also includes a furnished living and dining area. UVA features complimentary laundry services, computer labs, and multipurpose rooms with TVs and pool tables.  UVA is a great option for upperclassmen living on campus; it is close to the business and science buildings. Students are allowed to bring their own microwaves if they wish. The studio bedrooms serve as just a large open space with the bedroom and living area. In the four-bedroom option, the kitchen is on one floor while the bedrooms are on a separate floor.

There is also the Business and Professional Women’s scholarship house which is for women with strong academic promise as well as substantial outside financial assistance. 16 women are able to live here. There is an application that must be done which shows all of the requirements as well as terms of program involvement. Through elected officers, residents are responsible for house operations which include: finances, cooking, and cleaning.

Looking for specifics about each dorm? Click here for tours. Of course, we have a ton of recommendations for decorating dorms here.

Algonquin Hall was torn down and FAU is building a bigger dorm in its place. The new dorm will be a 616-bed residential facility.

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