Florida International University Top Questions

FIU is a big university. It is not really in a college town but it is possible to get somewhat of the traditional college experience but FIU is and always will be unique. There isn't a lot of school pride but that is changing. For now, it's kind of dead on the weekends.

FIU I think is great. From its innovative and colorful architecture, from the variety of complete programs, from the well-know faculty to the wide variety of nationalities within the students.

FIU= Is NOT one of the best schools in the nation for good reason. The Financial aid office is a constant mess, and the University does anything it can to steal a broke students last penny. The school size is just right, but involvement does seem to be an issue. Half the reason is because it's located in a city that have so much diversity to do other things, that who will want to stay in school? This campus is definately NOT a college town, it is an up scale version of high school, popularity always wins. FIU does need a lot of improvement.... And wastes too much of our Money on unneccesary things.

FIU is a commuter school of about 38,000 students. The size of the student body is pretty well suited for the school's location and the size of University Park campus, although parking is often a problem. It doesn't really have a "college town" feel to it since its primarily a commuter school in the middle of a large urban area....

The best thing about FIU is that most upper division professors are very good at what they do. Every professor I've had has helped me as much as possible and because of this, i feel as if I have learned very much. The biggest complaints come about because of our parking situation. All of the parking lots and garages are pretty much filled up by 8:30 AM. So any time after that, you have to drive in circles waiting for someone to leave. The only garage which sometimes (not always) has parking is the panther garage, but it is so far away from the main buildings that you have to get to school half an hour early just to walk from the garage to the Graham Center.

FIU is just amazing!!! i mean come on...we are located in one of the largest cities in the nation...we have resources that not all universities have for example everglades national park. There are so many different types and kinds of students that we are, i think, more prepared to enter the real world and the work force. The administration is sometimes messy..but lets be real...there are over 38000 students...i can guarantee that every student in every university has a problem with administration....as far as our faculty....they rock...yeah i have had bad teachers, but overall i have learned and mastered my major and that is due to the teachers and the facilities provided by FIU. Honestly we are a young university...we have accomplished so much in 38 years...imagen in 100...im sorry but FIU is going to be up there with Harvard!!!

I would like to change the fact that there are untrained students working in important positions in the registrars office and the graduation offices and messing up on a lot of students paper work.

Parking...More parking FIU's size is fine. There's no reaction sensed when mentioned I attend FIU I spend most of my time at Starbucks in GC It's definitely not a college town The administration is ok. Recent controversy...none I recall. There is decent school pride. Nothing really unusual about FIU. I will always remember my experience pledging Alpha Kappa Psi. Student complaints: Passing College Algebra, and wanting more parking.

large student body. most of my time is spent on campus because i live on campus and i attend events there. there's school pride but not enough

What's the best thing about FIU? FIU is one of the best schools for diversity in professors and students. Name one thing you'd change. Change nothing Is your school too large, too small, or just right? School size is perfect How do people react when you tell them you go to FIU? Pleased Where do you spend most of your time on campus? Library Starbucks College town, or "what college town?" Miami What was the biggest recent controversy on campus? SGA presidential campaign and candidates

Personally for me FIU is close to home which is really good. As for the size of the school I think its small for the amount of students there is, but yes its a gorgeous campus. When I tell people that I go to FIU, most people react normal, I mean in Miami FIU and UM are like the only majors universities so not much to react for. I spend most of my time on campus especially since I have join Alpha Kappa Psi and ASB. I think that the FIU administration is not doing is job the right or efficient way, especially the financial aid office as well as the registrar office, I mean they seem to always take forever to get things done. The biggest recent controversy on campus has been the budget cuts. That money is really important especially now that we are entering summer, and like most know, most students do not get any type of financial aid before, and perhaps those that did won't get it. I feel that there is not much school pride as there should especially because a lot of students are commuter students and not much these students can participate in; since most work and just come to campus to take the classes and leave. If i can name one thing that I would change it would be parking: its horrible.

School Pride is an aspect that could be worked on and is improving everyday. Athletic teams especially the football team will alot to do with this and will be the determinant of how fast this pride grows. Also, communication of events and actiities to the mostly-commuter population can aid in helping us grow in the way of school pride.

The best thing about FIU is the Campus Life. One thing I would change is that for people to work together, instead of all the infighting going on.

It's just right. 40,000 students and you can lose yourself in the crowd. People are indifferent when I tell them i go to FIU. I spend most of my time in the library studying or in GC with my freinds.

FIU is a good school on the rise, i feel its expanding on both campuses really quickly and in time when Im outside of Florida and I say I go to Florida International University, they will know what I'm talking about. This definatly is not a college school, probally mainly due to the fact that most of the students live off campus, and we are in Miami, which is a popular city, so that just comes with the territory. The only thing I would probally change is expand the parking area, or build another parking garage. They also need to be more stict on how they select their teachers because some of them really do not speak any English well, or they just cant' teach and that's annoying, espically when its a class towards your major. School pride can be increase, but we need to have better school merchandise and our teams need to start winning so we can become reconized and school spirit will definatly follow.

Fiu is a commuter school, aside from fraternities, sororities and clubs must students don't have "school spirit". Great business school but lacking in a lot of other majors. Too many budget cuts. Financial aid and organization within the schools is not great. Budget cuts are the newest and BIGGEST problem. A lot of people think that if you are at FIU is because you couldn't make it to UM.

There isn't a lot of school pride and that is bothersome. I think people need to focus more on the housing students and freshman and transfer students for pride, and it will grow. The best thing about FIU is that we are growing and will become better with time. Some people react well when they know I go to FIU; others frown upon it.

FIU is in an international city. You are exposed to diversity in every aspect. I get upset that spanish is the first language...and the fact that if you dont know the language it creates social barriers.

Major changes have been for the best

FIU is too large. And the reaction I get when I tell people I go to FIU is neutral. If I said I was going to UM there would be more of an "ooh!" type response. I feel like FIU is looked down upon, but it really isn't a bad school. I just think the people that run it sometimes don't have common sense. I can't think of any examples right now...but some of the decisions made seem to be made without thinking (it really upsets me when that happens). I spend most of my time in the library (yes I'm a nerd), but I know a lot of people hang out in GC. It's usually too loud and crowded in there so I tend to only go there for lunch (because the food court is there). It definitely is not a college town. Most of the students, like me, commute, which I think is a downside. I wish there was more of a campus life (and that I was part of it) but it's hard when a school is so big. My most recent complaint, and the complaint of many many students, is the fact that there has been a reduction in that amount of summer classes being offered because of the budget cuts. But I guess that is what had to be done (unfortunately). Also...there seems to be a shortage of outlets in the library for laptops...that another annoyance.

One of the best things about FIU is that despite that fact that we are a commuter school we still have a lot of spirit. Another thing that I love about our campus is the art all around us. We have the Robert Frost Art Museum, the exhibitions in the Green Library and all of the sculptures around the campus (UP) itself.

I love FIU. We need to improve parking. I hope our budget gets back to normal. FIU doesnt have too much pride but thats only because the majority of students commute.

I would make the professor more dependable, and make it easier to meet with advisor!

i love this school to death, getting so big i wish i could be here for years to come to see the final product. we have an amazing president

What I like most about FIU is that it is close to home. I love the fact that there are so many students because it gives you the opportunity of meeting a lot of diverse people. When I am on campus I am usualy in the library, studying. School pride could be improved. And my most memorable experience would be joining Alpha Kappa Psi. I have definitely learned and grown a lot. The most frequent student complaints is the inaccuracy and uncertatinty of the all major offices: College of Business advisors, Financial Aid, Parking & Transportation.

FIU administrative policies take way too much time to process. too bureaucratic...

The best thing about FIU is its diversity. One thing I wouldn't change is the students. The size of FIUin poulation is just right. People react in a way that pleases me when I say I go to FIU, it is a well known school in FL especially for it's Business program. I spend most of my time in the classrooms on campus. What college town? Fiu has a capable administration. There is not as much school pride as I wish there were. The biggest recent controversy on campus was the "cancellation" of summer classes. FIU has a very unusual policy about ducks. The 1st UM / FIU game. The most frequent student complaints are food and parking.

Everyone is very nice, and helpful.

The advising center at FIU is not too discripitive or helpful so you might want to avoid it and just fellow students for help. If your desperate and really want a formal opinion then go to the advising center. I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE: Students should be told and aware of the variety of scholarships available. They should specify all the uses of a students' ID it can be a payment or your library card. They should specify and list all available tutoring centers beside the Learning Center, AAA tutoring service, and others. I was not aware of math tutoring in DM. Instead of wasting money on food check out GC for bake sales. Students should be told of participation and prizes, recently I took a survey in return for my opinion I was given a food coupon for any participating restaurante on campus.

The only best thing about FIU is that it is less expensive than other universities in Florida. Most of my friends and schoolmates think that if they have the money to go to other universities they will study in some other universities. Most complain I heard especially the freshmen and transfer students, FIU is only after for your money and they also mention that professors knows the material but just dont know how to reach students. There is no school pride fo rmost FIU students unless you are one of the fraternity members that goes to footbal games. "Football games, which FIU can't perfrom well and they spend time and money building new facilities for the football team. FIU should look at other sports that will make FIU known.

FIU is a rather large institution with about 40,000 students. Anyone passing through (except on Fridays) can see the many, many faces that go through the halls and buildings all over campus. Because of its size, the classroom suffers high student-to-faculty ratios (Florida, as a whole, has the worst in the nation, about 31-to-1, according to http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/mar/15/30gtis-floridas-tuition-too-low/). I could tell as a freshman that FIU's ratio was a bit poor; I had between 40 to over 100 students in my introductory courses, which oftentimes counted as requirements for graduation (known as the University Core Curriculum [UCC]). But the number of students dwindled as I entered courses more pertinent to my major, and it was much easier to contact and communicate with professors outside of the classroom. School pride is mixed among the student body. It's difficult to establish "solid" pride in FIU within the body at large because it is primarily a commuter school. The general opinion is, "I don't want to stay on campus longer than I have to" - which means students may sometimes be unable to participate in activities and events the university offers in order to instill esteem. It's a rather unfortunate circumstance; the school plans many activities for its students, primarily through the Student Programming Council. But until students see the university on a more personal level - as perhaps out-of-state students see theirs - then this attitude will change. Though venues for student involvement - social organizations, honors societies, service groups - are great opportunities for students to participate in events on campus, and therefore celebrate FIU pride. Mixed emotions about FIU also come through students' general opinion on the university as a whole. Many students feel FIU is "not as good" as other universities, making it less worthy of recognition compared to other schools in the area (in regards to academics and athletics - especially athletics). In some circles, there is some bitterness: "Yeah, I wish I went to [insert university here] instead." (Usually that other school is in the same city as FIU... to give a hint, it's affiliated with a natural phenomenon Florida is all too familiar with.) But over time, I think this attitude has diminished because of FIU's large and recent projects, mainly, the approval of a medical school and the opening/graduating class of a new law school. FIU is homegrown; it is relatively young, so it isn't taken in the same regard as say, Duke University or even the University of Miami (and the latter is only about 50 years older than FIU). The biggest complaint about FIU, is undoubtedly, the parking situation. Though I don't drive, I know through friends and others (even professors) that parking at FIU is like traveling to Hell and back. There are even Facebook groups dedicated to talking about how lousy the parking is on campus. Students are often caught waiting in line for spots, making them late for class or even unable to attend. As long as students are mindful of potential waiting times, they should be fine when it comes to getting to class promptly. (Teachers know about the trouble, but some will probably not accept it as a legitimate excuse for tardiness.)

The best thing about FIU is ther cafeteria. The school size is just fine. People do not react any particular way whenever I tell them I went to FIU. I use to spend most of my time in the library as I had alot research to do. The most student complaint is that FIU makes too many errors where documents are concern.

It is a good school. I enjoy the "realness" of the people that go there, however, it is rather large. The classrooms fit the class sizes, but the parking lot does not. I spend most of my time in class, not around campus. South Florida as a whole does not represent a college town. It's too big a city for that. The administration hasn't done much that has impacted me to have an opinion on, and there has been no controversy, as far as I know. There is not much school pride outside of incoming freshmen, but hopefully with each new wave of students coming in that'll change. Not much unusual about FIU, best experience was Jack's Mannequin in the Pharmed Arena. Most complaints are about the parking situation and final exam scheduling.

I spent most of my time in the graham center and in the library. There is a lot of school pride, but ONLY from the people that are involved in a club, organization or greek organization. I think that the school is getting very populated, so it will have to add more buildings, parking spots etc. I have high expectations for FIU. I think that it is a wonderful institution that can and will achieve great things. It has been able to offer new programs to the community such as, the Law School and the School of Medicine. This offers an GREAT education at a reasonable price, which is hard to find nowadays! There is something unusual about FIU, but it is the most incredible thing about it: FIU is TRULY DIVERSE! It is international, and people are tolerant of one another and this is a great thing.

I love FIU

Best thing about FIU is that we are ranked for Business. - I think FIU is just right in size. - People just see FIU as an avergae school to go to, low prestige. - I spend most of my time in GL. - What College town? - I think the administration stinks, advising is the WORST!!! and FIU is known for losing paperwork and beng unorgainized. - NOt sure of any controversy - Not enough school pride - Very Diverse - The biggest complaint is against advising, and how horrible it is!!!

the best thing about fiu is the students, staff and organizations which make it known for a great research university. I would change some of the professors at FIU because some of them, really do not know how to teach. There is medium school pride. Something unusual about FIU is that it has ducks that is not scared of people! It's the other way around, people are scared of the ducks. i spend most of my time on campus

First and foremost, FIU is very dynamic university, but it suffers from being a state-run university. Specifically, pertaining to its inefficient administration. Surprisingly, one would expect the faculty members to exhibit the same characteristics aforementioned...fortunately, that's not the case. In fact, those that I have come across during my time at FIU were friendly, knowledgeable, and more importantly, willing to share their knowledge and experience with us. One thing I'd change is the inclusion of parking areas in the school's buildings development projects. The campus is too small...not in terms of classrooms seats but in having enough space to accommodate 40,000 car-owner students. Well I have to admit that not many mainstream people know about FIU. That is because for one FIU is only 43 years old and second it does not excel in any sports. Schools are known by the general public in one of three ways: prestige, sports, and academic achievement. FIU has made great leap forwards in the first and the last, but in the sports section there is still work to be done. I spend most of time on campus at the library and Graham Center. The former to study and the latter to meet the world (i.e. FIU possess an extremely diverse group of people -nationalities, ethnic background, etc... FIU is located in urbanized region and is not the center of attention to the neighboring businesses or residents. I greatly associate school pride to sports, and at FIU sports is not main attraction or subject of discussion for that matter. The school student is oblivious of the different athletic teams on campus. Frankly, I barely know the sporting activities that take place on campus. To the question is there anything unusual about FIU? Yes! Have come to refer to the UP campus more as shopping mall or a summer/fall fashion show than a university. At FIU it's not your average grim-looking, poorly dressed students commonly seen in Hollywood productions, but rather a true fashion show. One experience I'll always remember happened roughly two years ago and had to do with the university being on lock down by the police, as I would later learned , a serial rapist had stolen an armed police vehicle a few blocks away from the school and was thought to have seeked refuge on campus. Was a afraid? No, because I was informed about the incident as well as the vast majority if not all of the student body the day after it had occurred. Since then, I have very dubious about FIU's ability to deal with a Virginia Tech-like incident. The most frequent student complaint has to do with the lack of parking areas .

The best thing about FIU is the sense of close knit community when I'm walking around on campus. It seems I know more people than I originally thought; or more people know about me than I knew about? It seems where ever I'm walking to or from on campus there are at least five people I pass that say "HI" or "J-DOGG!" (the name I've acquired since coming to FIU). I believe my school is just the right size for me. When I first told my family I decided to attend FIU they didn't even know what I was talking about; and then after I explained to them where it was and what the institution was like, they told everybody else that I go to Miami University (some day they'll get it)! I spend most of my time at the Graham Center or just hanging around the common areas on campus: the Fountain, the Green Library, the dorm quad (Lakeview and Everglades), etc. There tends to be a lot of school pride in the form of apparell worn by students and at the eve of sport games. However, the main complain I hear from fellow students about FIU is that of the food service. Although these complaints mainly come from housing students and not the majority of commuter students.

cheapest school in south flordia- needs shuttle on campus, major parking issues and scary to walk alone at night- it's very large, but class sizes are okay- i follow "i got to fiu" with "University of Miami doesn't offer my program"- in class, no one spends extra time on campus, all commuters- not near hotspots of miami, 20-30 min drive to Coconut Grove, South Beach, Coral Gables, etc- Administration is a mess- College of Education classes are being cut for summer by 2/3 due to budget cuts yet there is a new med school and the president got a 50K bonus- no- you hear more spanish than english?- how badly i've been treated by registration, student financials and financial aid- the parking situation and how far you have to walk to your car, no shuttle service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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