Florida International University
Miami, FL, USA

Reviews

Florida International University

Milagros from Miami, FL

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
FIU is, first and foremost, a University. It's not a college. It can be tough on its students, and it has a 'no-nonsense' attitude when it comes to exams. You'll find few to no teachers there who are willing to baby their students. As such, it would be advisable to get your game face on and be ready for a rigorous study schedule, as it's the only thing that will keep you afloat besides tutoring sessions.
Am enjoying being here
This University is beautiful. Campus is immaculate, and dotted with art displays and interesting architecture. Each building looks like it belongs to a completely different part of the city. It's an engaging atmosphere that can best be appreciated as an on-campus student, as there's always something going on, somewhere to be, or something to do. As an international University, it also offers a rich melting pot of cultural diversity, something I've come to appreciate after meeting a few international students.
Bang for the buck
If one knows how to tackle college life right, FIU can be a wonderful learning environment. There is no shortage of possibilities there, not even nearing graduation, the time of year when their career services office is busiest holding mock interviews and assisting pre-grads on their hunt for employment opportunities.
Tips for prospective students
DON'T. PROCRASTINATE. In an environment as engaging as that of FIU, it's only too easy to lose oneself. Keep your head in the game, and remember that you're there for the degrees and opportunities. It was a mistake I myself made, an excitable freshman positively dying to experience college life. Remember that you have a full four years (or more, if you like) to enjoy all that FIU has to give. Trying to cram it all into one semester will only serve to lower your GPA and get you kicked out for good.
Great for these types of students
FIU (the Honors College in particular) is not for the faint of heart. Students that can accept educational challenges and balance them well with extracurriculars will flourish. Students who have a good concept of time management and are culturally accepting also have an advantage.

Hansel from Miami, FL

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
College is truly the place to learn not memorize. At FIU, the opportunities for learning and academic fulfillment are endless. Tips: get to know your professor, ask questions, and most importantly study hard!
Am enjoying being here
Aesthetically, the campus is beyond beautiful and people are amiable. Although college should not precede to socialization over academics, it is important to join organizations and clubs that will help you meet new people and network. An Important part of being a successful in college is familiarizing yourself with the environment in which you study and are inevitably part of.
Bang for the buck
Compared to other school, FIU is truly a “bang for the buck” In a good way that is. You will get a great education, for a lot less money than other public universities. After all, you do not want to be full of debt after you graduate.
Tips for prospective students
College experience is entirely subjective. Everything they say in high school that professors are mean and that it is super hard are all lies. As long as you stay focused and on task, you will thrive at FIU. Start college with a blank mind set, build your own schemas, and do not let people’s comments interfere with your unique experience as a college student. I will not lie and say that college is 100% “fun for all,” but make the best out of your college experience.
Great for these types of students
FIU is home to people from all round the world--hence the ‘international’ in FIU. Whether you are an athlete or complete nerd, you will find your niche at FIU without a doubt.

Stephanie from Miami, FL

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers are great here. Most of them will help you and have office hours. Unfortunately, the office hours are not very flexible with your schedule. I have only had a bad experience with the math teacheres here, but all my other professors have been a delight.
Am enjoying being here
I love the campus, it is so calm and nice. There are always activities to take part of here and many programs offered, though most are overpriced. One thing i do love are the free movies every Friday and the free health services.
Bang for the buck
The financial aid office is a pain whenever they mess up on something, but the tuition is worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early! Pick the earliest orientation especially if you start in fall.
Great for these types of students
Know what you want already starting orientation. Ask people who know what classes you need to get the best classes. They fill up ridiculously quick.

Taimi from Miami, FL

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently in the FIU Honors Program and it has been a great experience. The teachers are excellent and the classes are rich in knowledge, if you really want to take advantage of them though you absolutely need to put in your effort. A lot of the classes are integrated with online tools so you'll be spending some time learning online. A convenient feature of these classes is that they even have an app for Smart Phones so you can study on the go.
Am enjoying being here
I love FIU's environment, the nice Miami weather and the coolness of both students and faculty. The professors are really nice and won't have a problem sharing a laugh with students outside of class. There are tons of clubs and fraternities/sororities, so if you like to be involved you'll definitely find something that suits you. Sports-wise we are very spirited and there's always some activity going on somewhere in campus so you'll never find yourself saying I have nothing to do today.
Bang for the buck
Compared to most other universities FIU is quite affordable. My average semester runs for about $3000 (16-17 credits). Living expenses are probably a bigger issue, but if you don't mind sharing with fellow students you can split the rent (you might be paying about $400 per month) or live on campus. Dining on campus is affordable and there's several places to choose from, so you won't go hungry or get bored of the same menu.
Tips for prospective students
If you're considering FIU you must like big universities - FIU currently has about 44,000 students. That also means you'll meet people from every where around the world, with different customs and ideas and being open minded will help you socialize much better. Many students commute to campus and parking is typically an issue, so prepare to spend some time finding a convenient spot, or park a bit far and take a good walk through campus to get to your class. I live close to campus so I got a scooter, there's always easy parking for it and you'll enjoy the warm Miami breeze. ;)
Great for these types of students
FIU is a great option if you're the type of person who likes a fast paced environment with tons of people around you - all the time. Miami is the perfect beach city, so if you're a beach goer give thoughtful consideration to FIU. The Law program is very good, the Pre-Med program is fairly new but is going great and has respectable funding, and Engineering is a big thing (I'm a Biomedical Engineering major), there's even a separate, smaller Engineering Center a few blocks away from the main campus for your upper division Engineering classes. One thing is for sure - if you want to make your college experience fun FIU is a perfect place.

lauren from hialeah, fl

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
because the school in based in south florida, there is a great deal of diversity, not only in relation to the students but also the teachers. the main campus, also knows as the modesto maidique campus (mmc), has the largest and greatest class selection in comparison to the other campuses--many of the classes and extracurricular activities are very interesting and bountiful, allowing there to be something for everyone who attends the school. the beautiful tropical campus is also easy to navigate, with it taking a relatively short amount of time to get from one side of the campus to the other, meaning getting to class on time will not be a problem.
Tips for prospective students
you should always get involved, especially considering the wide variety of extracurriculars that fiu has to offer. you should always make friends in your classes; not only can this help you expand your circle of friends but it can also lead you to greater connections that will benefit you later on at fiu and even after. also, definitely take advantage of their free tutoring--it is paid for as a part of your college tuition, so if you need help or want to do better in a certain class, take advantage of such an opportunity.
Academic Rigor
while it is not the hardest college/university out there, fiu does not hold there students to exceptionally low standards, especially when you get to your majors upper level classes. although a good number of the teachers there are mainly there to make extra money while doing their own research, they do care about the students' education and want you to learn the material.
Dorm Life
many of the students who go fiu commute there, however, living there is a great experience, one i would highly recommend. the students who live there are nice and crime rates are low, even nonexistent. while there are parties, most of the students like to stay safe.
Food and Dining
there are plenty of places to eat of campus, and good places at that. the school is always asking there students to rate their service and to recommend new food establishments and they have just recently added a few new establishments to their diverse list. the meal plans available are also relatively cheap, especially in combination with a dorm package.
What to do for fun
since fiu is located in south florida, there is plethora of activities available just a few minutes away. the beach is just 10-15 minutes away and there are quite a few museums in the area as well. dolphin mall, dadeland mall, and miami international mall are also relatively close to the school, allowing not only for shopping and activities, but also more dining options
Bang for the buck
the dorm and meal plan packages are relatively cheap. using your one card in conjunction with your wells fargo bank account is also really useful and gets you discounts
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there is a bridge on campus that doesn't lead anywhere
Great for these types of students
it is great for more liberal students who accept and embrace diversity

Vlera from Washington, DC

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
fiu is a great school for anyone who is looking for a diverse group of students and a great education. teachers will always have office hours open to help you whenever you need it and they truly encourage you to come ask them for help. fiu also makes it easy for you to work your schedule around your hours.
Tips for prospective students
the biggest tip would be making sure that you get all of your financial aid done early because you don't want to have to wait and stress about it like i did and have to pay more money out of pocket rather than the money that you got for financial aid.
Academic Rigor
i do feel challenged in my classes so far which is stressing but also a great thing because it pushes me to study,study,study!
Dorm Life
depending on which dorm hall you live in you can have a lot of fun. lakeview is a great dorm hall that provides a lot of space in your room and plenty of activities to get involved in. also there are lounges on every floor that you can study in. i'd recommend you try to get a dorm in lakeview rather than panther hall, it isn't all that great over there.
Food and Dining
there are a lot of options on campus! especially if you have a lot of panther bucks they all work there. the cafeteria is ok. it all depends on the day and what kind of food you like to eat. there's a shop on campus called breezeway and it has the best food ever. especially cookies, everyone goes insane for their cookies since they are one of the most popular things on campus.
What to do for fun
for fun there are plenty of things to do. you can join groups, greek life, a sports team, anything you want! or you can take a walk around the beautiful campus. you might also want to just hop on the bus and go visit downtown miami or head to south beach. there's plenty to do in miami!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there is a tradition that if you spin the big cube on campus three times, you will get an a on your exam! also there is a bridge called the kissing bridge and if you share your first kiss on campus there then you will be with that person forever!

Michael from Miami, FL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The amount you learn here, or for that matter at any college/university, is directly related to how much work you put in. If you study hard and put in an honest effort, you'll be rewarded for it. Most of the teachers care about your education and grades, and you just have to do your part and you'll do just fine.
Am enjoying being here
Most of the students and Faculty are very friendly, and it is a great environment. The only thing one could be picky about is the parking, as the school at the moment is absolutely packed, although there is a lot of construction going on in an effort to alleviate this.
Bang for the buck
If you want to go to school in Miami, you won't find a better one with this price tag in the area, it's a big school with a relatively small price tag and you get a great education.
Tips for prospective students
Honestly if your GPA is good and your SAT/ACT is on par with it, you are guaranteed in, the school is still looking to expand and so isn't getting picky yet about its students, no telling if that trend will continue into these next couple of years.
Great for these types of students
If you like a bustling environment, lots of events going on, people from every nationality and heritage you can think of, and a relaxed environment, this is your school. Go Panthers!

Elizabeth from miami, FL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a biology major school is a big stress. Luckily, my professors are always there to help. Whether you need help understanding or catching up, they're there. Believe it or not professors are normal human beings who understand the subject is hard, who understand its just one of those days, or who know it may just not be clicking. Take advantage of the time they're willing to give and the help the school offers, such as tutors. Even the little things may help the most. And if you love the field you're in, you wont even feel it. In the end, we're all college students, we must study. Classes maybe hard and the rules you may not like but at the end of the day you think about your future, and its all worth it.
Am enjoying being here
As a sophomore at FIU i am proud to say I am a very involved panther. I am currently part of one of the top sororities at FIU, I am part of the FIU alumni association, part of an honor society, and i play sports. After all, i've realized you get from FIU what you give to it.

There’s also the fact that FIU in located in Miami. This city never sleeps. There’s always something to do, something or someone to see, someone to talk to or simply share memories with. There are music festivals, football games, parades, and educational activities for college students. Never a dull moment.
Bang for the buck
FIU is very inexpensive compared to most other schools but if there is still a problem, the financial aide office is always there to help. They offer many grants and student loans to those who apply for them.
Tips for prospective students
Study and get involved, theres no way you wont enjoy your college experience.Yet always remember, you are first a student studying at FIU; everything else comes afterwards.
Great for these types of students
The type of student who wants to be something. The type of student who wants to get somewhere. The type who wants to study but have fun while doing it and enjoy the college experience.

Amber from Cambria Heights, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
an amazing school to attend. coming from new york, florida international university felt like home with the warm people and the warm climate. i would recommend anyone to come here.
Tips for prospective students
still confused? choose regular classes and explore your surroundings. in f.i.u, they make it alright not to know what you want to be in life and direct you to a path that suits you.
Academic Rigor
classes here are tough, but thats college. nothing is easy, it is what the student makes out of each class.
Dorm Life
amazing. anyone would enjoy living on dorm. it makes going to early classes easier.
Food and Dining
fresh is the place to go. there so many places to choose from on campus, you'll never be bored
What to do for fun
it's miami! there is always something going on in or off campus. ask anyone, everyone is willing to be helpful.
Bang for the buck
if you are a florida resident, coming here would not be a issue at all. being an out-of-state student, paying for school is more expensive, however, f.i.u is not an expensive school at all compared to other states. it's worth every penny
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
if you are a science or business major, the library will become your new home. it is the best place to study, and because most of the people there are doing the same thing, study groups could be formed.
Great for these types of students
f.i.u is great for any type of student. this school is very diverse.
Clubs and Activities
there are many clubs to choose from. anyone could join anything! a perfect place to build up your resume'.
Campus Safety
exellent. the security here is amazing. i never feel insecure about walking around the campus at night

Stephanie from Hialeah, FL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
College is not only about excelling in your classes in order to be rewarded with a degree but, it is also about life. At FIU you learn key concepts about working with your peers, time management and how to act in a professional manner. The university offers tons of different classes from artistic ones to complex sciences. I'm anxious to attend my orientation and choose. :)
Will enjoy being here
Because I chose to live on campus I get to indulge myself in campus activities such as rushing to be in a sorority and various clubs. I haven't started school yet and I already have a list of things I'd like to be into.
Bang for the buck
Out of all the schools I've researched FIU is the most affordable one.
Tips for prospective students
TIPS : Make sure you not only maintain your G.P.A but also score well on the SAT/ACT. FIU WILL decline you if your G.P.A is good but your scores are lacking.
Great for these types of students
People with positive mindsets who want success