Last Steps

1. When you arrive, make sure to have cash in US currency or travelers’ checks.

• You should bring $200-$500 in US currency to cover expenses in the first few days of your stay here.
• Bring enough small bills ($1s, $5s, and $10s) so that you can tip your taxi driver and/or buy snacks or anything else you may need upon arrival.

2. ATM cards, credit cards, travelers’ checks, and cash can be used effectively. However, please note that travelers’ checks may not be accepted everywhere.

3. Make sure to check with your credit card company and/or your bank to ensure that you will be able to use your card(s) here in the US upon arrival.

4. Do NOT carry large sums of money with you.

5. Keep your money stored in a safe location.

Students are welcome to open US bank accounts. Many local banks can help you open an account including the University Credit Union and Wells Fargo located on the Modesto A. Maidique campus. Here is a list of local banks.

The FIU One Card is the official FIU identification card. The FIU One Card serves as your on-campus student identification card and as a debit card that you can use around campus. For more information, please visit the FIU One Card website.

Campus dress is casual and informal. Most dress in short-sleeve shirts with lightweight pants or shorts. Dresses or skirts are common all year round. You may want to bring some professional and/or formal attire for special events.

The weather in Miami is warm year-round. Temperature varies from the 90‘s (Fahrenheit) in the warmer months to the mid-60s during cooler months. In the winter time, temperatures may drop to the 40s, but that is an unusual occurrence. The climate in Miami is quite humid and there are heavy rains. You may want to bring a light coat, raincoat, waterproof shoes, and a mini-umbrella. Visit the Weather Channel for reliable forecasts.

You will be able to purchase most of your toiletries, linens, and study supplies when you arrive in Miami. Your accommodations on campus do not include any bed linens, pillows, towels, or toilet paper. You can bring those items with you from home or purchase them when you arrive.

The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) will take you on a shopping trip the Saturday of check-in weekend. There are many shopping centers and malls located near the FIU campuses to purchase anything you need as well. School supplies (notebooks, pens, textbooks for class) are available for purchase at the FIU campus bookstore. For additional items to bring to FIU, visit the “What to Bring to Campus” section on the FIU housing website.

It is extremely important for you to attend orientation with both International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and with the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs (OPP). You may register for orientation through your my.fiu.edu portal after you have accepted admission.

Please visit ISSS Orientation website and the General Student Orientation website for more information.

FIU requires all international students to submit proof of medical insurance. If you have insurance in your home country that meets the requirements set by the university, you may submit that documentation. Otherwise, students are able to purchase insurance from the university directly.

Please visit the Insurance for International Students website for more information.

All FIU students are required to provide proof of immunization against MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Hepatitis B, and Meningitis. However, it is possible to waive the immunization requirement for Hepatitis B and Meningitis, but the appropriate forms must be completed and submitted to the Office of Study Abroad. The OSA submits your documentation to University Health Services. This is a registration requirement. Students who do not provide this information are not allowed to register for classes.

Visit the Student Affairs immunization website for the all the required forms. Please email your immunization documents to immune@fiu.edu.

Living in FIU Housing means enjoying a real college experience. The student housing community is vibrant and bustling with 3,200 students who live, work, and play by FIU's lush, expansive campus. Not only is on-campus housing a safer choice, but it also an environment dedicated to meeting all student needs. Housing is available on Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC) and Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC). Make Panther Territory your home.

For more information visit FIU Housing.

FIU accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions and nationally accredited institutions that participate in Florida’s Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS).

• 60 = Maximum number of lower-division credits applied toward the bachelor’s degree.
• 30 = Maximum number of upper-division credits applied toward the bachelor’s degree.

If you transfer with more than 60 lower-division credits or more than 30 upper-division credits, we still review all of your transfer courses and equate those that satisfy University Core Curriculum (UCC) and major requirements. However, the maximum number of credits applied toward the bachelor’s degree is 60 (lower-division) and 90 (60 lower-division + 30 upper-division). Florida’s Transfer Guarantees.

• AA Degree = Exempt from the UCC, 60 credits applied toward graduation.
• General Education Met = Exempt from the UCC, up to 60 credits applied toward graduation.
• Credit-by-Exam = Awarding of credit based on state-approved equivalencies.
• Statewide Course Numbering System: Awarding of equivalent courses under the SCNS.

For more information on the State University System of Florida, Board of Governors policies for transfer students, visit: http://www.flbog.edu/forstudents/ati/transfer.php

As an international student or exchange visitor to our university, we want to make sure you have a positive and productive experience as you become an integral part of our community and beyond. Each and every member the staff at ISSS can assist you with a wide range of important and practical information and guidance to help make your transition into our university and your new life as smooth and comfortable as possible.