Remember how when our kids were little we couldn’t envision them leaving us and going off to college? Now, if you are like me, you can’t believe how quickly the time went. It continues to rush by and before you know it, college graduation will be here. I am not trying to scare you; I just want to give you ample time to make those hotel reservations. Similar to football weekends, graduation weekend hotels are at a premium if you want to stay close to campus. People book them a year out. No joke. I literally booked my rooms a solid year before my son graduated. Being in Orlando though, we definitely have an advantage if you don’t mind staying a tad bit further from campus. (Don’t know where to stay, check out our blog on hotels.)

Be sure to check the policy with whichever hotel you choose, but if possible, book more rooms and cancel later when Grandpa decides he isn’t up to the seven-hour drive. It is far easier to cancel than to try to find a room in February for May graduation for Aunt Sadie who decided she just can’t miss it. I actually booked three rooms originally, but only used two. And book those rooms in separate names. If Aunt Sadie or Grandpa can’t make it, it is very difficult to cancel just the one room if it was put through as one reservation.

One more option is to look into air BnBs in the area. There are many. Talk about the comforts of home.

Most of the helpful information you’ll read here comes from years of experiencing both the ongoing traditions and evolving modifications of graduation at UCF. But 2020 has inserted a very large “Just a Minute” wedge into all of our well-laid plans. As with the May 2020 graduation, the summer 2020 graduation, scheduled to be held August 1st will again be done virtually. UCF alumnus and top Disney executive George Kalogridis will deliver video remarks to graduates. Students can still rent cap and gowns for the perfect photo. You may want to check out our blog on graduation photos and photographers. More information about commencement and reimbursements is available on UCF’s coronavirus website.

As of right now, the fall graduation ceremonies are still scheduled for:

• Friday, December 18, 2020
• Saturday, December 19, 2020

You might not know which of these days and time is for your student’s major until a few months before though. You will find that particularly for the May graduation, there are so many students graduating they split it into multiple ceremonies throughout the day and evenings.

August and December graduation reservations are generally a tad easier, but there are far more students graduating then than you may think, so don’t hesitate to book early. As you know, UCF is an enormous school. Besides, in December, there is still a lot going on with students moving out for winter break.

Graduation takes place in the UCF Arena, recently renamed that Addition Financial Arena. The arena bans pepper spray, pets (unless indicated a service animal), outside food and drinks, selfie sticks, free-standing photography equipment, strollers, and e-cigarettes. The arena also does not allow backpacks of any kind or bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12” inside the arena. Guests who bring backpacks or large bags will be asked to return them to their car before entering the building. Accessible seats need to be purchased through the box office and are first come first serve. Doors open 90 minutes prior to graduation. No re-entry is allowed for the Arena so don’t leave; they won’t let you back in. There are concession stands inside as well as flowers for sale outside. And don’t worry if you someone can’t make it. They can always watch the live feed by finding their specific ceremony.  Seating for graduation is general admission and you can sit wherever you want, so early arrival is recommended to get the best seating. Students can get information about graduation tickets.

Parking for graduation is located in Garage D.

Disabled graduates – contact Student Accessibility Services 407-823-2371,  if you have hearing or visual impairments, are in a wheelchair, use a motorized scooter, service animal, assisted listening services, or to make special arrangements. Disabled guests are asked to arrive at least an hour and a half early before your scheduled ceremony. Parking is in Garage D. Wheelchairs are not provided so bring your own if needed. There’s an elevator through the main entrance that guests and one companion can use to get to the accessible seating section. Reserved seating is provided.

Reserve, Reserve, Reserve!

Remember to make restaurant reservations as well. Generally, restaurant reservations can’t be made as far in advance as hotels, but due to the crowds, you will definitely want a reservation. I actually called so far in advance they couldn’t make it yet but told me when to call back so I could be one of the first to reserve the date and time I needed. I marked my calendar and all worked out beautifully. Many restaurants will ask for a non-refundable deposit in the event you do not show up. If you do, they will just apply it to your bill. Check out our Graduation Restaurant Reservations blog. For more suggestions, read our Restaurant blog.

Not enough tickets? There is actually a lottery to get more than the four tickets each graduate is allotted. There is, however, a ticket lottery where students can request up to 4 more tickets through their My.ucf account. Although you can hope for the raffle for free tickets, many students sell their tickets on the UCF class of ____ pages so don’t panic if you don’t get extra through the ticket lottery! Insider tip – If you are looking at the stage, it’s best to sit on the left side so you can see your student get off the stage and take pictures!!

Cap and gown cost $79.98 to rent. Candidates are required to wear official regalia available exclusively through Herff Jones. Herff Jones representatives will be onsite to assist with cap and gown rentals. Can’t make it to campus? Order online. For all your cap and gown questions, call: 407-882-0364.

Students must return the gown but they keep the cap, which many students will decorate. A souvenir tassel is $15.98; both through Herff Jones. Tassel colors are determined by the college they are graduating from. If your student is buying their tassel from somewhere else, the colors are as follows:

• White – Arts and Humanities
• Olive Drab – Business Administration
• Light Blue – Education and Human Performance
• Orage – Engineering and Computer Science
• Kelly Green – Health and Public Affair
• Gold – Medicine (Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences)
• Apricot – Nursing
• White – Office of Undergraduate Studies
• Aqua – Optics and Phonology
• Pineapple – Rosen College of Hospitality Management
• Science Gold –  Sciences

In mid-February, graduates will have to fill out a form for cap and gown sizes and pick them up the last week in April. After graduation is over students have one hour to return their gowns. HaveUHeard how creative some of the graduation caps are? Your student, not a DIY’er? They can buy a graduation cap topper decoration. Get some inspiration for UCF grad caps.

PHOTOS!

I know you are going to want some great photos. We can recommend a few photographers and have some great ideas right here.

Our intern has a twin graduating from another state university at exactly the same time. She was able to get permission to walk during a different ceremony so that her parents can then make her sister’s graduation ceremony.  She contacted the Graduation Coordinator at the Registrar’s Office (email is mary.collington@ucf.edu and the office number is 407-823-2842). Our intern’s request was sent to the Office of Presidential Events and her switch was approved.  She will need to exchange her tickets for the ceremony when she picks up her cap, gown, and tickets at Millican Hall.

Finally, we’ve got some great graduation gift suggestions including diploma and tassel frames. And if you want to send or bring flowers, here are some local options:

• Bouqs – These beautiful flowers come from eco-friendly farms that use sustainable growing practices which means longer lasting flowers and no middlemen. You can buy individually or start a subscription.
• From You Flowers delivers and there are options to include teddy bears, balloons, and even chocolates!
• Carolina Flower Lei – They will make beautiful leis for graduation
• Colonial Orlando Florist has such cute options for flower vases like cars or grills!
• Harry’s Famous Flowers has a great selection of flowers and vases.
• In Bloom Florist has such unique options including wines, rainbow flowers, and more!
• A Downtown Florist is located in Lake Eola (just 15/20 minutes away from UCF main campus).

Trader Joe’s, in Winter Park, always has nice flowers, but they do not deliver. But wait…None of this matters, if students don’t apply to graduate. Check the deadlines for undergraduate seniors or graduates graduating to fill out their intent to graduate form.

All students should download Pegasus Path, an app that allows students to plan their credits for graduation. The app also suggests courses in a student’s academic plan so they can graduate within four years and gives university officials the ability to identify students who are off track for on-time graduations. And now that graduation is a reality, consider joining the Alumni Association.

We also want to point out how helpful our interns have found Career Services as they near graduation. One short visit changed the landscape of a few resumes and eased their minds about the job hunt. Career Services also offers many excellent events that can take the guesswork out of the next steps. We highly recommend a visit or two over the next few months. And now that you are a graduate, you might want to read about the benefits of being an alumnus.

We’ll send you off now with some great graduation gift suggestions including diploma and tassel frames.  Should you need to order a replacement diploma, it will cost you if you need a duplicate but you can request one. See you at graduation! 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.

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Do you know what a true Knight does with his/her keys during a football game?* If you have a student ready to spend the next four years at UCF and plan to visit, you best get a good collection of keys in order. You can feel the school spirit by just getting near campus. Orlando is both, in character and appearance, generally known as one of the country’s most fun cities. Centrally located (consequently UCF’s appropriate name) in the heart of Florida, Orlando is home to more than a dozen theme parks. Chief among its claims to fame is Walt Disney World, comprised of parks like the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, as well as water parks. Another major destination, Universal Orlando, offers Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Remember, being Florida’s fun center and one of Florida’s largest cities (which could be why there are so many choices of airlines flying to and from Orlando) has some advantages for your four years.  Here, you will find almost every major box store; many chain restaurants from fast food to quick service to some pretty darn good full-service restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, grocery stores, and an abundance of amusement.

Did You Know?

The University of Central Florida is a public research university. It is the largest university in the United States by undergraduate enrollment, as well as one of the largest by total enrollment. UCF is home to 13 colleges that offer over 100 majors. Do not let this scare you though; there are plenty of ways to make UCF feel smaller. Perhaps start with some of our other blogs about Sororities, Fraternities, Getting Involved, and knowing your resources. And did you know…Forbes has named UCF one of the nation’s most affordable colleges, while both The Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s rank it a best-value university? As a parent, this should make you feel pretty darn good. (I won’t elaborate on Playboy’s 2011 ranking UCF as the 9th best party school in the country.)

Champions Play Here…

Knights athletic teams have earned landmark victories on the state and national stages from AAC titles to BCS bowl wins. Some of the greatest triumphs our athletes have seen though have been in the classroom. Boasting a 93% graduation success rate – #1 in the nation, our athletes have achieved an average GPA of 3.0 or higher for 18 consecutive semesters. Every student gets free admission to sporting events on campus; as UCF wants everyone to be part of the action.

If you haven’t already, you may want to begin to collect clothes in black and gold, UCF’s official colors for your next four years. But do not wear black to a noon kick-off; it is way too hot. You should also probably know too that the mascot is Knightro and the logo, a Pegasus, symbolizes the university’s vision of limitless possibilities. The clean, modern campus was designed to be pedestrian-oriented, with a series of concentric circles and student housing along its perimeter. Lake Claire is an on-campus lake with canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats available for rent (free to UCF students), and a small beachfront, not a bad way to spend extra time during the four years of school. Newsweek has ranked UCF as having the 20th most beautiful university campus in the country.

In the fall, UCF’s tradition is to celebrate homecoming with Spirit Splash. This is the one time during the year that students are allowed into the Reflecting Pond. Spirit Splash, a giant, school-wide pep rally, occurs the Friday before the Homecoming game. If you plan to come to any football games, this is surely a fun time to be there. And if football is not your thing, then there is certainly plenty to do in the area.

Finally, HaveUHeard that UCF has an awesome Youtube channel with tons of info from summer school to sports to UCF traditions. Here is a wonderful link for students looking to organize their summer schedules and stay on track for graduation.

Welcome home!

*Knights jingle their keys whenever the football team kicks off. Did you think I’d leave you hanging?

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Before you know it, you are walking across the stage at graduation, and with that last step, you are officially a Knight alumnus. The question is, what does it mean to be an alumnus? Certainly, you will wear your Knight pride for years to come, but there is more. Right from the start, you will find that Knights want to help each other. Encourage your students to join the Alumni Association for a variety of reasons, but first to network with other alumni when looking for jobs. HaveUHeard that all UCF alumni have free access for up to three months after graduation to the many services offered by UCF Career Services and Experiential Learning? Should your students move to another city, they may find alumni activities there as well. It is also a great way to meet people and find a realtor or a roommate. Check social media for group pages. There are quite a few including the UCF Marching Knights on Facebook.

After graduation, should your student visit or live in Orlando, they will find that the Alumni Association often have events for their graduates. Their alumni tailgates are rather popular, but by being a member of the Alumni Association, they just need to bring a driver’s license or valid ID and an alumni keycard for expedited entry. On-campus the UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center hosts many of these sorts of events.

Knights take great pride in their football team even after graduation. When they are no longer able to tailgate on campus, they can check out the Watch Parties in cities all over the country – another great way to meet people when they are new to a town. The Association has many chapters and clubs; another excellent avenue to stay connected with alumni wherever you are. Clubs vary based on special interests, the different colleges within UCF (i.e.: Engineering & Computer Science or the Burnett Honors College), or differing locations throughout the country (although there is also a chapter in Saudi Arabia).

Some alumni may want to become a mentor to current UCF students or volunteer by bringing their ideas and talents to help others. More information on volunteering and mentorship programs. UCF Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provide alumni access and discounts to UCF Continuing Education programs and exam preparation courses. Along the same lines, students still at UCF may want to check out some of the many scholarships the alumni support.

UCF Alumni and UCF Career Services also want to help you find your dream job, whether you’re a new grad or a seasoned professional looking for something new. Check out MyPlan.

Students can even celebrate their lifelong connection to their alma mater by purchasing an engraved brick to be placed on the Knights Terrace, adjacent to Memory Mall. The first thing your graduate will probably want to do is order a UCF Alumni license plate frame for their car. My son preferred cufflinks to wear when he started his new job.

Being an alumnus provides benefits in many ways. There are too many to list and I would imagine, many alumni don’t take full advantage of these discounts simply because they aren’t aware. Credit cards, insurance (Geico offers special rates to UCF alumnus), and one of my favorites, car rentals and CheapAirportParking comes with discounts for Knights. There are discounts at optical stores, on various computers, and SGA tickets to many venues and events, as well as discounts on things like flowers or storage units. Some discounts require a code.

Leave your mark…by purchasing a brick. Each brick is laid into the beautiful Knights Terrace, located behind the UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center. No matter what memory you choose to pay tribute to, your brick is the perfect way to display your UCF pride and forever leave your mark at your alma mater.

Once a Knight, always a Knight.

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.

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Like any college town or city where many residents carry a yearly fun pass,  there are literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. The more time my daughter spends up there, the more places to eat we have discovered. You will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean; a restaurant for every palate, and every price point. So wakey-wakey get ready for breakfast!

Depending on whether you are touring with a prospective student or visiting your student in Orlando, who will undoubtedly be clamoring for a good meal, the options are plentiful. Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable wait, even with a reservation, on a game weekend or graduation, at some of the more popular selections. Please note some are in Orlando and others in Oviedo, which is right there too. I even listed a few in Winter Park, because the quaint town is just worth the 20-25 minute drive.

Ready, Set, Wakey!

Another Broken Egg Cafe – In Winter Park and has a wide range of yummy options.

Black Bean Deli – If nothing else, go for the Cuban coffee. They have light bites and quick snacks all day. All authentic.

Blu on the Avenue – in is Winter Park and they have a great brunch selection

Briar Patch – This belongs under breakfast and lunch and is worth the drive to Winter Park. Oh, and it also belongs under. Everything is delicious.

Brooklyn Water Bagel – the closest you will come to a New York bagel with all the toppings, but it is only a 10-minute drive from campus.

First Watch – This is one of my favorites. If you want delicious and a little more health-conscious breakfast (brunch or lunch too), this is the place. There is also a one on Alafaya too, where Newks used to be.

IHop – Because sometimes you just want a fat stack of pancakes and it is just one mile from campus.

Keke’s – is clearly the best place for breakfast (and lunch), based on the fact that literally everyone I asked said go to Keke’s. It is a diner-style chain with booth seating that serves your typical American breakfasts. The lines are worth the wait for the pancakes and/or French toast.

3 Natives – From Acai bowls to amazing salads to delicious wraps; he/she is all set here.

Maple Street Biscuit Company– A casual cafe serving melt in your mouth biscuits and sandwiches topped or smothered in gravy or syrup and southern sides. Breakfast and lunch (dinner on Saturdays). This being the south, you will want to naturally try their biscuits. Located in Oviedo on the Park. Closed on Sundays

Metro Diner – Located on University Boulevard near UCF, Metro Diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner but we are recommending breakfast/lunch. Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, hosted by Guy Fieri.

Nick’s Family Diner – is another brunch place on Orange Blossom Trail 30 minutes from campus, and they’re vegetarian-friendly!

Omelet Bar – Don’t let the name fool you; there is far more here than eggs. They serve incredible breakfasts, munch (as they say) and lunch.

Peach Valley Cafe– Located in downtown Orlando. Open for breakfast and lunch. They tend to get long lines on the weekends but serve free coffee and water for those waiting. Traditional breakfast comfort food with a southern flair. Don’t let the peach in their name confuse you and try their apple fritters.

Press’d Juice Bar and Kitchen – located in Winter Garden, good acai bowls and smoothie place

Tropical Smoothie Café – has an endless amount of smoothie options, breakfast wraps, and lunch bowls.

TooJay’s – in Waterford! They have a great breakfast, brunch selection until 11 from Monday  through Friday and on Saturday and Sunday up until 2 p.m

Townhouse – For an old-school breakfast (including American and Greek classics like gyros and spinach pies), this is the place. The wait can be long, but it is worth it if you want something a little more eclectic and value great service. (Please note: There is a new location diagonal to the old building.)

Yard House  – according to our interns, Yard House is a “yummy” brunch spot

If you are scoping out places for your students to eat, since we all know they are not cooking three meals a day, they should check out these two apps: Pocket Points and UConnection. Each time students turn off their phones in class they accrue points for food discounts and deals at many restaurants around town. How smart is that?

And, should you sleep in late, wakey works for brunch too, check out our Brunch recommendations.

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.

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Lunch is the fun break in the middle of the day! Like any college town and/or city where many residents carry a yearly fun pass,  there are literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. The more time my daughter spends up there, the more places to eat we have discovered. You will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean; a restaurant for every palate and every price point. Of course, if you are in a hurry, Steak and Shake is now open in the Student Union!

Depending on whether you are touring with a prospective student or visiting your student in Orlando, who will undoubtedly be clamoring for a good meal, the options are plentiful. Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable wait, even with a reservation, on a game weekend or graduation, at some of the more popular selections. Please note some are in Orlando and others in Oviedo, which is right there too. I even listed one or two in Winter Park, because the quaint town is just worth the drive. And because brunch and lunch can be so closely related, you may want to take a look at our blog for Breakfast and Brunch.

4Rivers- Popular BBQ right across main campus on University

Agave Azul– Mexican

Artisan’s Table – is a new lunch, brunch, dinner, and bar-restaurant that just opened up in Downtown Orlando on Church Street. They have specials every day including their $8 Burger Tuesdays and they also have a coffee bar too!

Bar Louie – has you covered if you are craving a fantastic burger. Check out the “Fried Louie Burger” and don’t skimp on the “loaded tots.” Happy hour is pretty great too, but I only go for the upscale bar food.

Bento Asian Kitchen – I would love to give you firsthand information on the Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi chain, but the two times I have gone the line was out the door and when I am hungry, I don’t want to wait. But if it is that crowded, it must be good, right?

Blaze Pizza – Make your own pizza and get exactly what you want on a crispy, thin crust.

Bolay – just opened 3 new locations in Orlando;  in Lake Nona, Winter Park and the UCF area. It’s a 100% gluten-free bowl restaurant with so many healthy, delicious options!

California Pizza Kitchen – another chain in the Waterford Plaza. Inventive pizzas, pasta, and salads.

Castaways Sports Bar & Grill – Located in Waterford Shops. Good atmosphere with bar food – chicken wings, dogs, burgers & sandwiches, entrees, salads and more.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – Family-friendly chain serving American comfort food with a Texas twist, plus cocktails – so dinner too.

Chipotle – on University is always a good go-to for a filling lunch.

Chuy’s – Delicious Tex-Mex food. You can even watch them make their tortillas!

Designer Greens-small restaurant, but has healthy wraps and salads for a light lunch

DOMU Chibi Ramen – A new place in Waterford, ramen style.

Don Julio’s – Mexican

Fresh Kitchen – also in Waterford is also great and healthy too.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop – Baja-style tacos & other Mexican eats, plus beer & margaritas. Counter service.

Giovanni’s – is a really popular restaurant near campus by Publix. It is good for dinner too.

Golden Krust – you may want to go just for their amazing bakery desserts, but their authentic Caribbean food is pretty outstanding as well.

Gringos Locos– Mexican. Extremely popular amongst students!

Hummus House – Located on University Blvd. near campus and Winter Park, this is a favorite for Mediterranean foods. You can create your own bowl. Gluten friendly and vegan options.

Jimmy Hula’s – is a good and inexpensive Caribbean place on University

Krungthep Tea Time – perfect for afternoon snacks, sandwiches, and tea.

Kyoto – Asian hibachi is on University drive right off-campus with a great lunch special.

Lazy Moon – The pizza is not just delicious, but the slices are gigantic. The vegan pizza is fantastic too. I’m listing it under the lunch category, but it is generally open very late too. Oh, and you might want to try their craft-brewed beers to go with the slice.

Le Crave Express– new crepe place in Waterford. They have both sweet and savory crepes.  Our interns claim the crepes are to die for!

Little Greek Fresh Grill – delicious gyro and chicken pitas on N. Alafaya.

Mark’s Caribbean Cuisine –  recently opened on University. They are a Jamaican style cuisine restaurants and have very healthy delicious options.

McAlister’s Deli – More than just a deli! Has soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Mellow Mushroom – Stone-baked pizzas (including gluten-free options) and delicious calzones.

Miller’s Ale House – Their most popular menu items are flavored wings, but there is so much more you can get.

PDQ – recently had their grand opening in Waterford. PDQ, in case you didn’t know,  officially stands for People Dedicated to Quality. It is fast-casual and serving crispy chicken tenders, hand-cut fries, salads, and chicken sandwiches.

Pei Wei – is a chain, but one we really like. Counter-service, health-conscious and inexpensive Pan-Asian (Chinese) food – noodle, rice dishes and more.

PokeWorks – in Oviedo just opened and is highly recommended. They have poke bowls and burritos chipotle style.

Prato – A really cute Italian restaurant in Winter Park. Try the pizza!

Sakari Sushi– in Winter Park Village

Se7en Bites Bake Shop – a modern bakery with seating serving breakfast & lunch eats with a Southern flair, plus sweets & coffee.

SlapFish – recently opened in Waterford next to Brass Tap and we hear it is really good.

Smash Burger  -in Waterford Towers (across from the main Waterford) is delicious.

Sno Tea Caffe – Delicious boba tea with yummy meals like rice bowls, fries, and fruity desserts.

Sprouts Farmers Market – is open in Winter Park on Aloma Avenue and on Alafaya Trail in Oviedo and we love it!

Sus Hi– All things sushi

Sushi Eatstation – Chipotle-style sushi rolls, wraps, and bowls.

The Hangry Bison – is a burger bar in Winter Park.

Tijuana Flats – inexpensive, hormone-free chicken and steak, vegetarian options, no microwaves or freezers; so basically healthy Tex-Mex.

Toasted – has specialty mac-n-cheese, crafter grilled cheese, and burgers.

Toojay’s Deli – Bakery – Restaurant  – in Waterford is also a good staple for a good deli sandwich.

Uncle Maddios Pizza – in Waterford

Zaza New Cuban Diner– serving traditional Cuban food including fresh-baked dulces, platos, espresso, cafe con leche, and traditional Cuban sandwiches.

Zoes Kitchen – Mediterranean fare, no microwaves or fryers, because it is all freshly made. They even have gluten-free options.

On-Campus…

Burger U by the Addition Financial Arena

Chili’s in the Student Union

Einsteins in the Business 1 Building and in the Education building

Jimmy Johns by Addition Financial Arena

Panda Express recently opened in the Student Union

Pollo Tropical by the RWC

Qdoba is a really popular chipotle style restaurant in the Student Union

Steak ‘n Shake in the Student Union

UCF Gringos Locos finally opened on campus and our Knights are excited

Which Wich in the Student Union

The truth is one might think Orlando is more about Disney and amusement parks, but there are plenty of great places to eat that aren’t terribly far from campus. There is plenty to choose from whether you are looking for a quick breakfast before you rush off to tailgate or a long, delicious dinner so you can spend a little quality time with your hard-working student. I hope this helps you find your favorites.

If you are scoping out places for your students to eat, since we all know they are not cooking three meals a day, they should check out these two apps: Pocket Points and UConnection. Each time students turn off their phones in class they accrue points for food discounts and deals at many restaurants around town. How smart is that!

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 Let’s Do Lunch Because we can! appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Like any college town and/or city where many residents carry a yearly fun pass,  there are literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. The more time my daughter spends up there, the more places to eat we have discovered. You will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean; a restaurant for every palate and every price point for a great dinner.

Depending on whether you are touring with a prospective student or visiting your student in Orlando, who will undoubtedly be clamoring for a good meal, the options are plentiful. Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable wait, even with a reservation, on a game weekend or graduation, at some of the more popular selections. Please note some are in Orlando and others in Oviedo, which is right there too. I even listed one or two in Winter Park, because the quaint town is just worth the drive.

Reality

First, let’s be clear; like getting hotels and beating the traffic, securing a dinner reservation at a restaurant – good or bad – on game days, graduation or parents’ weekends can be a challenge. The further from campus you go, the easier it gets. Plan ahead. Even if you want more casual dining, where a reservation is not possible, consider the wait times.  This might actually be the time to venture to another town, like Winter Park, a quaint little town about 20-25 minutes from campus. (Note: Rollins College is in Winter Park so the wait times may be similar depending on the date.)

Azteca D’Oro – Should be a staple for UCF families if you like Mexican

Bar Louie – is a favorite amongst parents and students. Check out the “Fried Louie Burger” and don’t skimp on the “loaded tots.” Happy hour is pretty great too, but I only go for the upscale bar food. You might want to mention the Tuesday night burger special to your kids. It can’t be beaten.

Bonefish Grill – always feels like a solid standby if its seafood or steak you are looking for.

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine  – three locations in Lake Nona, Orlando and Winter Park area. They have an authentic Turkish menu and a lunch menu too.

Bubba Gump – in City Walk in Orlando

Cafe TuTu Tango – Artists paint as you eat at this funky tapas spot with live entertainment plus a patio & bar. Bar specials Monday through Friday afternoons.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – Family-friendly chain serving American comfort food with a Texas twist, plus cocktails.

Cocina 214 – in Winter Park, Mexican restaurant, but less casual.

Cooper’s Hawk – They are popping up all over the country and lucky us; there is one right near campus. Known for creating their menu based on dishes designed to pair with their own wines (made by their own private winery), Cooper’s Hawk is gaining popularity quickly.

Domu Chibi Ramen – Located at the Audubon Park Garden District within East End Market, this restaurant specializes in serving ramen and Asian small plates plus cocktails, sakes, wine, and beer.

Earl’s – Located at The Mall at Millenia, Earl’s serves lunch, dinner, and drinks. The menu is inspired by international cuisines and uses locally sourced ingredients.

Fuji Yama Sushi – From what the kids tell me, this is the place to go if it is sushi you need. You can even order online and avoid the crowds.

Habanero’s Mexican Grill – on Collegiate Way (saw this on the 21 and fun blog but it would also be good on a dinner blog!), also a short drive from UCF, is a great place for two for $10 Margaritas. The complimentary chips and salsa are unbeatable and their food options are authentic and delicious! The perfect place to casually get some drinks or enjoy Mexican food.

Hillstone – Overlooking Lake Killarney, this is an upscale chain eatery featuring steak, seafood & pasta alongside specialty cocktails. They have a dress code. Large parties of 6 or more may have difficulty being accommodated.

Hotto Potto – Near Winter Park. Chinese and dim sum served tableside, but its the huge soup bowls you get to make yourself that everyone is talking about.

Island Wing Company – in the Plaza by University is the new hot spot for a great bite and happy hour. Everything they serve is baked and not fried for a healthier option. They have an insane amount of beers and $5 margaritas from 4-7pm and 10pm-12am. The location is perfect for anyone looking not to travel too far from UCF.

Luma on Park – An upscale casual American restaurant with a locally inspired menu including diver scallops, red snapper, chicken, steak, and more.

Mamak Asian Street Food – a local family-owned restaurant specializing in Southeast Asian street food is opening a new location in the University Shoppes in September. They will start with delivery/take out and then dine-in pending the current situation.

Marlow’s Tavern – upscale and cozy atmosphere with a hint of southern cuisine in Winter Park. Some of our favorites are the shaved Brussel sprouts and grilled turkey meatloaf, but we have heard great things about the white cheddar grit cake and seared tomato bacon jam.

Peter’s Kitchen – This China Bistro located on Colonial Drive specializes in authentic Hong-Kong style cuisine, dim sum, Chinese BBQ, and seafood.

Pho 88 – Delicious Vietnamese food from noodle bowls (try the beef noodle bowl) to Bahn Mi bread (just try it). It is a great place for large parties.

Rocco’s Tacos – is a hit particularly for birthdays and other celebrations.

Shakai Sushi Lounge – downtown and trendy. Closes at 1:30, after lunch and re-opens at 5 pm. Sushi and cocktails.

Slate – classic modern American restaurant offering wood-grilled cuisine. (We hear the Sunday brunch is great as well.)

Summer Palace Sushi – $17 all-you-can-eat sushi and our interns highly recommend it.

Sushi Kichi – Japanese teriyaki & BBQ dishes, plus sushi & lunch specials. Closes at 2 pm (after lunch) and re-opens at 6 pm.

Teak Neighborhood Grill – is pretty popular for burgers and American fare. There is one in  Maitland and Orlando.

The Milk District – in Downtown Orlando, in a cool, hipster neighborhood, offers a Food Truck Block Party worth checking out if you happen to be available and hungry on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 10 pm.

Tin and Taco – Waterford is a popular taco joint that has multiple Orlando locations but most recently opened a location in Waterford Lakes. They offer gourmet tacos, burritos, nachos, and even loaded mex fries.

Tijuana Flats – inexpensive, hormone-free chicken and steak, vegetarian options, no microwaves or freezers; so basically healthy Tex-Mex.

Uncle Julios – upscale Mexican on I-drive! Great table side guacamole!

Viet-Nomz – counter-serve specializing in simple Vietnamese eats such as pho & banh mi sandwiches, that our interns say it could easily be overlooked, but shouldn’t.

Zaza New Cuban Diner – serving traditional Cuban food including fresh-baked dulces, platos, espresso, cafe con leche, and traditional Cuban sandwiches.

In Waterford, there are also the basics: Duffy’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, Miller’s Ale House, Smokey Bones, and TGI Fridays.

The truth is one might think Orlando is more about Disney and amusement parks, but there are plenty of great places to eat that aren’t terribly far from campus. There is plenty to choose from whether you are looking for a quick breakfast before you rush off to tailgate or a long, delicious dinner so you can spend a little quality time with your hard-working student. I hope this helps you find your favorites.

If you are scoping out places for your students to eat, since we all know they are not cooking three meals a day, they should check out these two apps: Pocket Points and UConnection. Each time students turn off their phones in class they accrue points for food discounts and deals at many restaurants around town. How smart is that!

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.

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When I first applied to UCF, I didn’t even have a question of what my major would be. I confidently clicked Psychology on my application. From the moment I got accepted, I was so excited to be going to a school with such a great Psychology program. Even during UCF’s Orientation, when they divide the students into groups based on their majors, I was so certain I was in the right place as we were discussing all of the different course options. However, about a year into my college career, I realized that I wasn’t as certain I chose the right path.

I think it is so important for college students to realize it is normal to change their minds about their careers. On average, about 80% of students change their major while in college; some even change their major up to three times. Most 18-year-olds entering college don’t know what they want to do for the rest of their life. UCF is very accommodating to students changing their major.

One of the greatest things about being a UCF student is the variety of top colleges and programs offered. UCF has 13+ Colleges and 210-degree programs so there are many options to explore if a student is undecided. Did I mention that there’s also a First-Year Advising center for first-year students specifically?

Career Advice

When I went to the advising center, the advisor sat down with me until I felt comfortable with my decision and made me feel much better about my options. Additionally, UCF has Career Services Centers, one of which is located on the downtown campus, that helps students explore majors, careers, explore graduate school, prepare for interviews, and much more.

Students can also make an appointment through their Handshake account (if you don’t have one, you should) to speak with an advisor about:

• resumes
• cover letters
• networking
• interviewing
• job search
• LinkedIn

The Career Center is virtually open for appointments and interviews via Handshake from Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm or you can call 407-823-2361 or email career@ucf.edu.  The downtown Career Services Center, like so many other places on campus, hours have been altered. Check out the new hours, virtual times, and what is and isn’t open before going. For more information, you can email courtney.pelfrey@ucf.edu.

Check out the Lunch and Learns with and employer offered by Career Services throughout the spring. All Lunch & Learns!

As I got older, I realized how important it would be to start getting internships and looking for jobs for the end of my college career and for post-graduation. I did my research and discovered that UCF has so many resources on campus. They also have Career Expo each semester.  I figured now was the time to take advantage of these resources. Occasionally, there are also visits from various graduate schools about their programs. that are worth attending if this is something you may be considering. For instance:

By attending a Career Expo, you could potentially leave with a full time or part-time professional position, internship, or work pre-graduation. The Expo is located on campus, which makes it so easy to attend and doesn’t even require registration; you just need to show up.  However, it is important to dress appropriately and come with your resume as you will be speaking to professional organizations and maybe even your future employer. Students have many choices here from the UCF’s The Knight’s Pantry which has a blazer-loaning service for students that they can rent to Thrift Stores to taking advantage of retailers that offer discounts for students with their college ID.

Be sure to attend the’s events Career Readiness week’s to help prepare you for this event. They will give tips and workshops on how to dress for success, resume critiques, supply a LinkedIn photo booth, and even conduct practice interviews to test your skills. And, even if you’re not looking for a job quite yet, this event is still such great practice and exposure to the professional world. Last year, there were around 2,600 students in attendance so be prepared for a big crowd but also be prepared for this great event!

There are various workshops from Resume Writing to Interviewing Strategies. *Note: These are presently happening via Zoom throughout the fall.

UCF offers so many great tools and we should take advantage of this opportunity. The next Career Expo is virtual on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 29 and 30, 2020 from 10 am to 4 pm. In the past, UCF’s Career Expos have included the following companies and many more.

• Aeronix
• American Traveler
• ArcBest
• Back of New York Mellon
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc.
• Bowlero Corporation
• Capco
• CEMEX
• Cintas Corporation
• City Furniture
• Cole Engineering Services, Inc.
• Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc.
• D.R. Horton
• Deutsche Bank
• DJO Global
• Enercon
• EY LLP
• FIS
• Florida Auditor General
• Gartner
• GEICO
• Gilbane Building Company
• Gravity IT Resources
• Hajoca Corporation
• HOERBIGER
• Hospitality Softnet
• Insight Global
• JA Edwards of America, Inc.
• Jackson Healthcare- Jackson Nurse Professionals and Jackson Therapy Partners
• Kimley-Horn
• Landis Evans + Partners
• Leidos
• Loyal Source
• LSI
• Medix
• Meritage
• Moss, Krusick & Associates, LLC
• MRSL Real-Time Systems Laboratory, Inc.
• National Security Agency
• Natoshia Banken
• NAVAIR
• Navy Nuclear Officer Programs
• Navy Nuclear Officer Programs
• NextEra Energy
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Northwestern Mutual
• Nova Southeastern University
• Orlando Police Department
• Palm Beach Accountable Care Organization, LLC
• Parametric Solutions, Inc.
• Parsons
• Penske Truck Leasing
• PepsiCo
• Picerne Real Estate Group
• POWER Engineers, Inc.
• Procter & Gamble
• Ravago
• Raymond James Financial
• Raymond James Financial
• Robins AFB
• Ross Stores, Inc.
• Scotlynn USA Division Inc
• ScribeAmerica
• Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS)
• SS&C Advent Software
• Stacy and Witbeck, Inc.
• StaySky Resort and Hotels
• Systems & Technology Research
• Target Corporation
• Teach For America
• Techtronic Industries, NA (TTi)
• The HCI Group & Tech Mahindra
• The Nassal Company
• The Pike Companies, LTD
• U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate
• Universal Parks & Resorts
• US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center
• USHAdvisors
• Vestal & Wiler CPAs
• Wawa, Inc.
• Withum, Smith-Brown

Students are able to RSVP through their Handshake account as well as see the updated list of who will be attending.

At present – Fall 2020 – in-person workshops and events sponsored by Career Services will be postponed until further notice; however, there are many events happening via Zoom. Additionally, you can schedule virtual meetings (via Zoom) with career counselors through Handshake’s appointment scheduling tool. If you have any questions, please email courtney.pelfrey@ucf.edu or dinaj@ucf.edu. Check our calendar or refer directly to Career Services.

And, HaveUHeard that LinkedIn has a version specifically designed for students looking for their first jobs? The LinkedIn Students app is free and lets you research jobs, view companies where alumni from your schoolwork, and connect with more people. You can create an account and get started right away without spending a dime.

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.

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Is that A really and A? Give or take a plus or minus? The University of Central Florida is ranked as a college of excellence among other national universities. This level of excellence is a balance of many things including rigorous academic courses and competitive entrance exam scores. Technically speaking, it is a UCF policy that all professors use the plus/minus grading scale so most classes follow this rule. UCF strives to uphold a strong academic standard and, because of that, the GPA scale can either work for or against you. So you really need to count each plus or minus for the best grades! Here is the official GPA break-down:

Passing Grade, Grade Points

• A 4.0
• A- 3.75
• B+ 3.25
• B 3.0
• B- 2.75
• C+ 2.25
• C 2.0
• C- 1.75
• D+ 1.25
• D 1.0
• D- .75

This GPA scaling system can be tough; however, it serves to encourage students to continuously work as hard as possible for the chance for a better grade. For example, a student that studies consistently to achieve 89% versus a student who skates by getting 80% but receives the same 3.0 GPA may seem unfair. This system is designed to prevent that from happening and better reflect the efforts of many students.

For certain majors, getting that minus next to a letter grade can affect your overall GPA which plays a large role when applying to graduate school or getting accepted into an extremely competitive program. For other majors, where perhaps your experience and portfolio weigh more heavily when it comes to getting a job, the difference between an A and an A- may not be as important. Of course, one must also take into account that not all classes even use the plus and minus system. In that case, an A is actually just that, but so is a C actually a C.

Depending on what major is chosen and the rigor of the classes that must be completed for your degree, some classes curve and some do not. Some professors also don’t use the traditional grading scale. For example, while an A is usually between 90%-100%, some professors start the A at 85% or a different percentage which is up to their discretion. This applies to any letter grade. Or, to further confuse things, one of our interns recently reported her class was scaled with the usual A-C letter grades, but a D ranges from 35%-69%. This sounds horrible at first, but in actuality for those students at risk of failing, it won’t hurt your GPA as much. Chances are if this is you, you will still have to take the class over, but the D is not as harsh as an F to one’s cumulative average. Make sure to pay attention to the syllabus and the professors grading scale.

Another grading scale used is the No Credit grade. NC is often used for STEM classes when a grade falls in the D category. Instead of it affecting your GPA you get NO CREDIT and therefore it doesn’t hurt your GPA so drastically. Basically, you just paid for the class, but you don’t get a grade. Chances are you will retake the class for a letter grade next time, but it can be a better option for taking the poor grade when it is too late to drop the class. The NC still shows up on a transcript.

Finally, some classes are graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory (S/U) and don’t count towards your GPA, but still show up in your transcript. 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.

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Keeping in mind that Orlando is not only a college town but also the fun capital, there is a vast selection of hotel options. There are all different things to take into consideration when booking. Some may want a suite type of room, free breakfast, or to be able to walk to campus, or perhaps, a trendier hotel with a Starbucks in the lobby. Some look for hotels that allow them to bring their pets. And others, but not many, don’t mind traveling a little bit and want to be more downtown, near Disney or even stay in the Winter Park, a quaint little town not far from UCF.

Hilton Hotels

My family is big on accruing hotel points so we always try to stay in a Hilton brand hotel. All these hotels have suites. Be sure to ask for the UCF rate.

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando East – 12125 High Tech Avenue. It couldn’t be more convenient to campus. They do have a restaurant (and comfy beds), but their delicious breakfast is only included if you are a gold member (or pay).

Hampton Inn and Suites Orlando East  – 3450 Quadrangle Blvd. Nearby campus and they have a restaurant (and bar) on the ground level and are next door to a Waffle House. There is also a Homewood Suites by Hilton -3028 N Alafaya Trail, minutes from campus. I’m told their breakfast is enjoyable and the rooms are large enough that if your kids want to stay with you there is room.

Hilton Garden Inn 1959 N Alafaya Trail, 1.5 miles from campus. They too serve breakfast; the cost will depend on your rate. (This hotel also has a washer and dryer, should you get there and find that it has been a while since your student has seen one of these and you are feeling kind.)

All these hotels have suites. Be sure to ask for the UCF rate.

Marriott

Now if you are a reward point collector and Marriott hotels are your choice, there are plenty of options as well.

Courtyard Orlando East 12000 Collegiate Way is near UCF and also has suites available. They serve breakfast for a nominal charge. They do not have a restaurant on the premises but will arrange delivery from local restaurants.

TownePlace Suites Orlando East  11801 High Tech Ave, is also an option with a free breakfast.

Residence Inn Orlando East 11651 University Blvd, are pretty roomy and breakfast is complimentary there as well.

Fairfield Inn and Suites, 3420 Lake Lynda Dr, with breakfast included, and I am told that if you can find this hotel at a better rate elsewhere online, they will match it, plus give you a 25% discount (Marriott rate price guarantee.)

La Quinta

La Quinta 11805 Research Pkwy in Research Park does not charge a fee and offers services like a free Bright Side Breakfast®, free Wi-Fi, and free parking, as well as an outdoor pool area and spacious, comfortable and well-equipped rooms and suites. Each one features a coffeemaker, hairdryer, data port phone, and Samsung flat-panel TV.

Best Western

 Best Western 8750 E Colonial Dr., nearby is generally less expensive than some of the others. Pets allowed based on the availability of pet-friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80-pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel’s discretion. Pet rate is $20.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

IHG Hotels: Holiday Inn

If you are a Holiday Inn (Intercontinental Hotel Groups Brand) Rewards member, consider the following properties:

Holiday Inn 1724 N Alafaya Trail. Newly renovated and located just over a mile from UCF. Guests enjoy amenities including an outdoor pool, Fitness Center, 24-hour Business Center, and room service or dining at the Black & Gold Bar & Grill.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 12250 E Colonial Dr., minutes from UCF. Guest rooms and suites offer triple-sheeted bedding, a choice of soft or firm pillows, flat-panel HDTV, microwave & refrigerator, work desk, and free Wi-Fi. All guests receive a Free hot breakfast including their famous cinnamon rolls, fresh whole fruit, eggs & meat. Be sure to enjoy our spacious outdoor pool & state of the art fitness center.

Exciting News

The newest addition to hotels by UCF is The Celeste Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel located on the campus of the UCF in East Orlando. It is the first and only on-campus upscale hotel. Featuring function and event spaces with a private dining room, the full-service hotel has a lobby bar, restaurant, take-away pantry, and room service. It will be wonderful because of location, but it is also fabulous because they will be paying rent to UCF for the land, bringing in a fair amount of money for the university over the next few years. If your student is studying at the Rosen School of Hotel Management this is even better. We will update as more information becomes available.

Cha-Ching

Cost is obviously something most of us consider. Generally, the farther from campus one goes, the less the prices will be…unless you are getting closer to Disney/Universal and all that jazz. Of course, during football season; all bets are off. Prepare to pay as much as $375 a night during game weekends and be sure to book very far in advance. As for Parent’s Weekend (and graduation); the same story goes. Peak season can be tough, but keep calling back or opt to stay a bit farther from campus (and consider leaving your car at the hotel and taking an Uber, because the traffic and parking are unreal.) You might even contemplate staying in Winter Park; which is about forty minutes outside of Orlando, but a quaint little town with some great restaurants and shops. (Keep in mind if something is going on at Rollins College, this option may not work.)

Get Your Rewards

Since you will be doing this for at least four years, I recommend staying at the same brand hotel each time so you can accrue reward points. These points can earn you free nights and breakfasts. Also, compare prices online. Oddly, you can find various prices for the same hotel on different sites.

You can book directly through the different hotel brands listed below or book through a website like Reservations.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com.so you can accumulate points there as well. Perhaps by graduation, your stay will be free, but it is strongly recommended that you try to book that graduation hotel a year in advance. (Same goes for football games.) Some reservations require a two-night stay and/or allow for 48-hour cancellation, but for high demand weekends, you will generally need to cancel 30 days in advance. Be sure to check on this.

If you are coming in for a football game and want to stay at a hotel that is walking distance to the stadium, some of the options I listed above are possibilities, but there is much more. Seriously, the town has almost as many hotel options as students, but more seriously; they fill up very early.

Then there are the non-peak weekends, where the prices are practically slashed by half. That same deluxe room, which consists of two queen beds or one king, can run as little as $132 a night. I have even seen some listing for rooms, during offseason for as little as $85 a night, but not necessarily at the chain hotels, I try to stick with to earn those points. Choices?

Bed & Breakfast

I admit to never having tried out any Bed and Breakfasts in the area, but I have been tempted. The prices seem to be more reasonable (even in football season they appeared to be under $150 a night for double occupancy (and breakfast!) and are adorable; based on the photos. This may be a great alternative, although not walking distance from campus, but I still feel strongly about the abominable parking situation during peak weekends, therefore that Uber account will be very useful. You may want to check out FlipKey.com or AirBnb.com for a house rental nearby.

Pet-Friendly

For those who are traveling with pets, the hotels that are pet-friendly include:

• Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center on I-drive
• Best Western Orlando East Inn & Suites
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando/UCF Area Research
• DoubleTree Resort by Hilton at Seaworld
• Floridays Resort Orlando on I-drive
• Grand Bohemian Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando.
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress near Disney on Lake Buena Vista
• La Quinta Inn & Suites Convention Center by Universal
• La Quinta Inn Universal Orlando Studios
• La Quinta Orlando Inn & Suites by UCF on Research Parkway
• Park Plaza Hotel in Winter Park
• Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
• TownePlace Suites Orlando East La Quinta Inn & Suites Orland UCF
• Woodspring Suites Orlando East

Be sure, when making reservations, you tell them you are traveling with a pet. Some have fees. You can book directly through the different hotel brands listed below or book through a website like Reservations.com or Hotels.com or Expedia.

One more option is to look into Airbnbs in the area. There are many. Talk about the comforts of home. While you are visiting, make sure to check out our recommendations for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner.

That about covers where to stay while visiting the University of Central Florida. I’m leaving you responsible for what black and gold attire to wear for game day.

Go, Knights!

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The last four years (or so) probably flew by and commencement is around the corner. There is no doubt that graduation is a big deal and one you will definitely want to memorialize. It should be celebrated and remembered! Graduation photos are a big deal too; far bigger than the simple cap and gown pic I remember taking….well, a few years back. Students today often hire photographers to guide them around campus and get all sorts of pictures of them in their black and gold to commemorate the event.

Some students will go to the usual spots for their photos. Others may choose to have some of their senior pictures captured someplace that is specifically special to them. Some want a few of their photos to be with their friends or sorority sisters or brothers too. One of my favorites is of my daughter and her two BFF’s dancing around the stadium.

Many students (particularly photography enthusiasts) will offer their services to take some amazing pictures for a reasonable price, days, and even weeks before graduation. Check Facebook to find your student photographer or see some that students recommend. Students may want to schedule a few weeks early as classic UCF places, including the fountain, the college they graduated from, the library, Memory Mall, Student Union seal, Pegasus Statue, and the football field, tend to get very crowded. I have some amazing photos of my graduates that are beyond Instagram worthy that were taken by a photography major.

Encourage students to book their photo session very early in the morning when it isn’t so hot. And once you get there and want those family pics with your student adorned in cap and gown, be sure not to leave it for right before or after the ceremony, because that is what everyone else will do and you will literally wait in a very long line to snap in all the key places that scream Knight.

And, just in case you haven’t heard, a lot of girls like to blow glitter in a celebratory pic so the Student Union gives out little bags of biodegradable glitter for students to use! Recently we came across a UCF photographer, Marc Blair, that also gives some great ideas for where to take some creative graduation photos. Here are a few more:

• Angela June
• Ashley Ferguson
• Baylee Hogan Photography
• Christina Astore
• Cindy Ros
• Katherine Arćić
• Kim Go
• Kory Billingsley
• Madison Leigh
• Manuel Mejia
• Manuela Mejia-Correa
• Naomi Ramirez
• Sonali Prab

Prices range from $125 to $250 depending on the photographer, the number of people, and how many prints you want. I, personally, prefer to have the rights to the photos for a flat fee and then print as many as you want on your own. Negotiate that prior to booking. Senior pictures are a fabulous way to wrap up your last few weeks at UCF.

For more information about all things leading up to graduation, including where to buy flowers and the ruling on tickets and cap decorating. One of our favorites, Bouqs sends beautiful flowers from eco-friendly farms that use sustainable growing practices which means longer lasting flowers and no middlemen. You can buy individually or start a subscription. We can even help you choose a hotel for that weekend or a restaurant for your big celebration, come up with a few ideas for graduation gifts and suggest a few places to get your hair done for those pics.

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.

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