Letting off Steam before Finals Mention Spring Break to most parents and immediate visions of lawless partying comes to mind. Spring Break is March 4th through March 10th. While we parents are looking forward to seeing our students after a long stretch without them, they may have other plans. It is not uncommon for students to go away with their friends for Spring Break. For those of you who have students living on-campus, dorms do stay open during Spring Break. Parking is lifted for certain lots. Considering that Boca Raton is relatively close to the Port of Miami, cruises are by far the most popular option for Spring Break trips. Whether its a weekend cruise to the Bahamas or 8 days in the eastern Caribbean, there are several options for every price range. My daughter took a weeklong cruise with some sorority sisters her sophomore year. While it worked out to be […]

Who doesn’t want to live in New York City? Ok, I am a little partial. I am a born and bred New Yorker, living in S. Florida for 25 plus years, and I still love it. And so do many of our students, which is why New York is so popular for summer internships. They will need a place to live in. Where to look for housing? There are many options. Most interning students live in dorms in various colleges throughout the city. New York University – is the most popular and fills quickly. My daughter lived downtown on the border of Little Italy in an NYU dorm one summer. The dorm wasn’t very fancy, but the security was tight and the living space was huge, well for NYC. NYU has multiple dorms in a few parts of the city. To save money living in the NYU dorms students can share a […]

Career Fairs can be daunting. The thought of choosing a career can be daunting, however with a little guidance and a visit to a career fair, the path can become clear. Throughout the Spring and Fall semesters, FAU holds several career fairs. These fairs can be generalized or are split up into different fields, for example, there are fairs for nursing, education, and other various degree programs. FAU also holds fairs for students looking for part-time work and internships. At the urging of my advisor, I went to my first career fair during the fall semester of my sophomore year. Some of my sorority sisters joined me as we all wanted to check it out. We made the trek over to the Rec center in our best business casual completely unaware of what to except. We split up as we began to walk around because there were just so many different employers […]

The Next Step is Living Off-Campus. Just a few months after getting your student settled into their dorm, they will start to bring up where they want to live next year. By December, they are ready to sign a lease.  It is hard to imagine making a decision so early, however; the demand for living in certain areas is driving the need to sign early. You will hear them mention specific apartments yet all you want to know is the rent amount, is the area safe, how much it costs to rent an apartment. There will be questions you may not have thought to ask. By far, the most popular and luxurious group of student apartments are found about a mile away from campus. These apartments are University Park, University View, and University Square (they are all owned by the same company). These are apartments tailored specifically to students. Amenities include fully […]

Learn About Your Options. What better way to learn about a prospective field or career than to do an internship? Obviously, I am a big believer in internships. I did my first internship while at FAU at a law office in West Palm Beach.  It was an amazing experience and I truly believed it helped me to get my first job out of college. Internships allow students to learn, but it also helps them decide if that is actually the career for them. They help them figure out, while still in school, whether the career they envisioned for themselves all along may (or may not) be just what they wanted? The question is how to find one. I’m not going to lie….if you know someone, now might be the time to put the word out there that your student is looking. My oldest daughter got her first internship at Walgreens because a […]

Time Flies. 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. Allow ample time to make those hotel reservations. Similar to football and Parent weekends, graduation weekend hotels are at a premium if you want to stay close to campus. Some people book them a year out in order to get the hotel they want. I literally booked my room a solid year before my daughter graduated. Being in Boca Raton 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 Restaurants Than You Can Count!  Boca Raton is home to literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast casual, from family style to fine dining. You will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean, a restaurant for every palate and every price point. When coming to Boca Raton to visit your student or tour the campus with a prospective student, what restaurants are must visits? Below we give you a breakdown of some of our favorites. Dining in Boca Raton, especially on weekends and during the months of November through April, are extremely crowded. Some of the restaurants take reservations either through their own website or on websites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp or Open Table. Lunch… Boca’s Best Pizza Bar: Palmetto Park Blvd. A well-loved spot of college students, Boca’s Best serves large slices of pizza as well as classic Italian dishes. A favorite for pizza and […]

Events and Important Dates for FAU. Here is where you can find a calendar list of events and important dates for students and parents of the Florida Atlantic University.  We can’t list everything so here is the official FAU Calendar of events. HUH – FAU Calendar MAY 2019 Friday, May 10, 2019-FLACADA 2019 Conference May 11, 2019 – Classes Begin May 17, 2019 – Last day to drop/add courses without consequences: In person by 5 pm (Boca Raton, Davie and Jupiter campuses), online by 11:59 pm; courses are fee liable after this date; $100 late registration fee after this date May 20, 2019 – Last day to pay tuition and fees May 27, 2019 – Memorial Day, No Classes May 31, 2019 – Last day to submit an application for degree JUNE 2019 June 10, 2019 – Last day to withdraw from all courses in the current term and receive a 25 percent tuition adjustment; to […]

Where To Go To Celebrate  One of the more difficult moments of having our college kids away at school is missing them on the holidays. With Easter and Passover falling during the same period (Passover starts on Friday, April 19th at sundown, Good Friday is April 19th and Easter is on Sunday, April 21st). Some students will head home for the weekend but many are not able to leave (and exams are only a few weeks away).  We have put together information so your student does not miss out on celebrating the holidays including restaurants that are having Easter brunch. For a listing of other places to worship at FAU or nearby, click here. If you are looking to send your student an Easter basket, we recommend Mrs. Fields. Passover Seders Hillel – They will have a 4th Night Seder at 6 pm on April 22nd, a DIY Matzah Pizza on Tuesday, April […]

What 529 Pays When you decide to have kids, your first thought is not how am I going to pay for college, but it might be your second. I made a decision when they were about 5 to buy a Prepaid Florida Tuition Plan which is one type of plan, locking in a Florida college. The 529 Savings Plans, or what is also known as a Qualified Tuition Plan (QTP), is a saving was fairly new and I chose not to invest in a 529 savings plan. I wish I had not overlooked this type of tuition plan or had asked their grandparents to invest in a 529 Savings plan, as opposed to gifting them money for birthdays and holidays. Since 1996, 529 plans are a way of saving for college for your student. If you had such a qualified tuition plan or a relative set one up for you, then you […]

It’s Nice To Get A Little Lift. Why wait for midterms or finals to send a little something to your student? They may not admit it, but your student probably misses some of the touches of home life, even if their new-found independence trumps a home-cooked meal. When all-nighter study rituals begin, you may not hear from them much. And sometimes you just know they are stressed, which makes your level of stress go up as well. There are many options for making your own to going online and having the whole thing packaged and shipped for you (which is nice too)   Pinterest has hundreds of creative ideas to make your own. From homemade brownies to teddy bears to my favorite – new underwear or socks, because they probably haven’t done much laundry and fresh ones can buy them an extra few days until they have to. Sometimes just a card […]

A Nice Place to Stay. Boca Raton is not only a college town but also a vacation destination for families looking to hit the beach and indulge in some of the luxurious offerings available around town. Boca Raton has a vast selection of hotel options; all in varying price ranges and distances from the Florida Atlantic University campus. There are a few different things to consider when booking a hotel to visit your student. Some may want a suite, free breakfast, close proximity to campus, or perhaps a hotel with a beach view. Some parents may want to bring the family dog along for the visit. And some may want to make a full vacation out of the trip and opt to stay in Delray Beach or Ft. Lauderdale. Whatever your personal preference may be, there is an option to suit your needs. Loyalty When it came time for my husband and […]

How to Get an Advisor Appointment If you’re looking for advice, then you’re looking for one of the most popular locations on campus, the Office of Advising Services at FAU.  It is essential to have a strong relationship with your advisor to ensure that you do not miss any requirements for your major and graduate in four years. While it may be difficult to get an appointment at busy times of year (the busiest times are the beginning and end of the semester), FAU offers several options to meet with an advisor. As an incoming freshman, the advice is key and every student will meet with an academic advisor to select their courses for the following semester during their orientation. These advisors will be located in the University Advising Services Building. (SU-80)  The advisors that a student sees here will be able to offer general advising and information for general education classes. […]

It’s a Good Idea! Students who attend FAU quickly discover that college isn’t all fun and games; success in the classroom requires dedication. At the same time, there are many other opportunities to get involved and enjoy these four years including football games, Greek life, and outdoor activities. A student needs to be able to balance all of this, which can prove daunting to many; However, tutoring is a great option to provide a little extra help. Tutoring isn’t just for classes a student may be struggling in; peer groups are beneficial to students who enjoy studying together or working through problems together. BUT JUST IN CASE…GET A TUTOR If your student mentions that they are having difficulty, there are many places they can turn including speaking with their professor and/or teacher assistant. There are also peer study groups. FAU offers many options to students to help them succeed in their classes. […]

Take Your Dog (or Cat) to College Every time I headed up to Florida State to see my kids, they asked that I bring our dog. Let’s face it; the pup is everyone’s favorite family member. Personally, I would rather travel with a pet than have our daughter adopt one of her own that may eventually become mine too, so I often obliged. (You may want to see our blog on Pets at College if you already have a grandbaby with fur.) The good news is that is becoming rather common for people to travel with their pets. Dog-friendly Restaurants: When it comes to dog-friendly restaurants, unless you have a Service/Emotional Support animal, dog-friendly means you may eat outside with them. Boca Breakfast and Lunch Club Casa D’Angelo Coconuts Bahamas Grill Dubliner Irish Pub Duffy’s Sports Grill Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen Kapow Lion and Eagle English Pub Max’s Grille Rocco’s Tacos The […]

What U Should Know. So you have a student ready to spend the next four years at FAU? That means you will undoubtedly be visiting once or twice. If you have never been to Boca Raton, you may have a preconceived idea about this city. For Seinfeld fans, you may recall that Jerry’s fictional television parents lived in a retirement community called Del Boca Vista (they even sell t-shirts with this fictional city). The novel and film adaptation, “Marley and Me” takes place in Boca Raton. The city is oftentimes referred to as New York South since so many New Yorkers live here part-time (we refer to them as snowbirds) or are now full-time residents. Boca Raton, which actually is a misnomer for a jagged inlet, is not as populous as its Fort Lauderdale neighbor, but you would not know that from the traffic that congests the major roads no matter what […]

Make Sure Your Package Gets There There are many reasons that a student receives a package. Whether it is just their usual Amazon delivery, a care package for midterms or because your student is under the weather; there are a few things that will make package delivery simpler. If your student lives on campus you should be happy to learn that Upark has a central mailing system. The process is as follows: The mail goes to the leasing office in the lobby. They should then receive an email letting them know they have a package. The email will contain a verification code which they will need to retrieve the package. The student mailroom department is open Monday through Friday from 9-6pm and Saturdays from 11-3pm. Times vary in the summertime. USPS deliveries are accepted Monday through Saturday. Should you need to reach the mailroom to check on a package,  the number and […]

Congratulations! Welcome to Paradise as an FAU Owl Class of 2022! You can now take that sigh of relief that a decision has been made and then take a look at our list of what to do next. First, this may sound silly, but check your admissions letter for accuracy regarding their name, entrance term, address and major. If any changes need to be made it needs to happen in writing or online at myfau. When you applied, you would have gotten an ID number, or at FAU they are referred to as a Z-number. It can be found on your application status page. Save this number, you’ll use it for the next four years. When you were accepted, you received a computer account, or FAU Net ID, which can be found on your acceptance letter. This Net ID will be your username to access the MYFAU website. MYFAU is the main website […]

A Guide to Eating At College The start of college is right around the corner and many of you might be envisioning your student’s diet as burgers and pizzas and fries, oh my? Sure, we have been making meals for our kids for as long as we can remember. Before you get ready to go on a cooking frenzy, packaging and labeling items to send with them, stop. Because we assure you, college food choices have changed since many of us went to college. Today’s college campuses, in addition to offering burgers, pizza and fries, offer many healthy alternatives as well as meal plan options. Freshman The Easy Way For an incoming freshman who is living in the on-campus residence halls, meal plans are a requirement. My daughter lived on campus so she did sign up for the meal plan. It was a great way to meet other freshman and learn to […]

Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431   Congratulations! If you are on this page, you have or are an FAU student. Read on to find out the inside scoop. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com  

What Does It Pay For? Many of us who have lived in Florida, planned for our students’ education by taking advantage of the Florida Prepaid program. The program allows families to prepay for their child’s education at a guaranteed fixed rate. Many of us, also, were practically in shock when our last payment came due, possibly because that meant that college was right around the bend. If you are anything like me you made your payments habitually, but when it came time to actually register my kids for a university in the state of Florida, we weren’t completely sure what all those years of payments were going to cover. Now we know. We will admit we learned along the way. For instance, we did not pay for dorms for more than one year as we were advised not to since many students choose not to live in the dorms beyond freshman year. […]

Important  Reminders I remember when I first heard about Uber and thought it was a brilliant concept for so many reasons; one of which was that it should cut down on people driving after drinking and provide a way that my college kids didn’t walk home late at night or alone. I still think the idea is great and encourage my kids to continue to use Uber, Lyft, Wahi Ride or whatever their choice may be; however, before more scary stories show up in the news, we have had to create some new rules to be sure that they remain safe. Of course, the first rules are that whenever possible ride with a friend and when you feel the slightest bit uneasy, do not hesitate to call for a campus police escort. Simple rules: Confirm the name of the driver, make of the car and license plate. In other words, make sure […]

How long do we have to wait? Florida Atlantic University has a rolling admissions system. Students can expect to hear an answer about six to eight weeks after hitting submit. A distraught friend  (A Former Owl) recently called me wondering why they hadn’t yet heard from FAU although they sent in her daughter’s new SAT scores and first-semester senior grades. “How long do we have to wait?” she pleaded. I told her to have her daughter call. Of course, this is for students that have previously been denied admission and or have negotiated a sort of conditional admission. Sometimes, if you can show FAU that your grades have improved senior year or that you brought up that ACT/SAT, they may be willing to work out an agreement. Taking some classes at Palm Beach State College may be part of the deal, but if your student’s heart is set on being an Owl […]

You’ll Need to Do This. What is Entrance Counseling? In July of 2016, the U.S. Department of Education made it a requirement that, in order to have student loans disbursed, all students must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling. This counseling includes information needed to successfully repay the federal student loans they will be receiving to help pay for college costs. You can get more information here. If you have not previously received a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL), the federal government requires you to complete entrance counseling to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming. You must complete entrance counseling before you can receive the proceeds of your first Direct Loan. If you are completing entrance counseling to borrow as an undergraduate student, then the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. If you are completing entrance counseling […]

A Guide to FAU’s Bus System If you have ever been to FAU’s campus, you know that driving and parking can be stressful. However, FAU’s Owl Express is here to make parking situation stress-free.  The Owl Express is a free on-campus bus shuttle available to all FAU students, faculty, and staff. FAU currently has two shuttle buses, the red and blue shuttles. Both shuttles circulate around campus and stop at various points so students can park their cars in the morning and won’t have to move them again until they are ready to leave campus. The shuttle bus will also pick up students from both University Village apartments and Innovation Village student apartments. The FAU mobile app has updated to date time estimates and route information for both the red and blue shuttle bus.  The hours of operation vary for each shuttle bus per semester. FAU also offers a shuttle bus for transportation […]

Renters Rejoice!  Here are some great tips about our favorite apartment rentals. With my daughters, I have three, not one stayed in the dorms beyond their freshman year. My youngest daughter lived in Delray Beach her last two years at FAU. She lived at Delray Verana and found the rent was reasonable, the rooms were nice sized with each having their own bathroom and she hated moving. The commute to campus was only about 10-15 minutes; however, there are several great options closer to campus that can suit every student’s needs. In Boca Raton, the choices are plentiful. Below are some of the more popular apartment complexes students live in near FAU. Some provide buses to campus (which can be important since parking on campus can be a nightmare), some have facilities that rival a fancy hotel (pools, hot tubs, volleyball courts, lounges), some provide reserved parking spots for a fee, some […]

Top 7 Categories of What They Need. Back to school-college is the second biggest consumer spending season right behind winter holiday season. Parents expect to spend an average of $1,347 on their soon-to-be college student. College shopping is big business. Is it too early to shop? No, definitely not. HaveUHeard how much there is to shop for? Look at the college checklist from the top retailers and you will see an average of 126 items. It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement of shopping with your student for college; the lists can get overwhelming so we tried to break it down for you. You may also want to read our blog on Dorm Décor. There are lots of good ideas there as well. The average traditional dorm size is only about 130 square feet and most likely, that is shared space. It is hard to think that all […]

Wait, What? It’s Only Spring. Yes, it’s spring, and yes we mean football. It’s crazy I know. But it is springtime when Owls football practice. The 2019 Blue and Red Spring football game will be Saturday, April 13th at 2 p.m.  This free event is a great way to spend a beautiful Spring day. It is held at the FAU Stadium on the FAU campus and is free to both the public and students. The day begins with food trucks, music, and a kids zone featuring a bounce house and kids’ activities. Pre-game tailgating can be held in the campus lots on North University Drive adjacent to the stadium. FAU Season Tickets are on sale after the spring game; however, information about seating options and plans can be found here.  You can also learn more at the FAU box office while attending the Spring game. With FAU coming off of a rough […]

The Secret to Sporting Events. Did U know…FAU students get in FREE to all Owl athletic events? All they need is their Owl Card and printed ticket from their MYFAU account! FAU is a part of Conference USA and participates in most collegiate sports including football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, swimming, and soccer. The Owls are the reigning conference USA champions under the direction of Lane Kiffin. The Owls play at FAU stadium better known as The Burrow or Schnellenberger field (In honor of the Owls first and beloved coach). The official seating capacity is 29,419. FAU stadium is relativity new; it was constructed in 2011 and is considered to have one of the best playing surfaces in Florida. With a growing, loyal alumni base and strong student support, game-days are exciting can’t miss events. Student Tailgates occur in the area behind the stadium known as the “Rats Mouth” (the English translation for the […]

Breakfast And More. Another Broken Egg: Via De Palmas. Multiple locations across South Florida, this casual breakfast and lunch spot is a favorite among students. Bagel with a Smear: Federal Highway. Great Spot for Bagels, Breakfast Sandwiches, and Iced Coffee. Cote French Café: Plaza Real. French Cafe and Bakery featuring a variety of breakfast sandwiches and French pastries. Great for Brunch, their quiche is a local favorite. Denny’s – This inexpensive, iconic diner has been around well, I grew up eating here. Open 24/7 every day of the year. Inexpensive spot for every type of eggs, pancakes, bacon, and comfort foods. College students love it for their under $10 breakfasts. Green Owl Restaurant: SE 4th street (Delray Beach).  Quaint Breakfast and Lunch restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating located off of Atlantic Ave in Delray Beach. Home-style cooking. Cash only. Keke’s Breakfast Cafe: 1385 West Palmetto Park Rd Boca Raton, FL. Breakfast menu […]

So Many Sports, So Little Time. Spring may not have football games, but there are tons of other sports to enjoy! When people think of FAU now, they immediately think of football. After this year’s unexpected successful season, Owls fans may want to save their energy for football tailgates and games.  But rest assured, FAU has many other Spring Sports that are just as exciting to watch as football. Some of the sports in the spring include basketball, swimming, and diving, tennis, Lacrosse, Softball, and baseball. The best way to keep track of all of the sporting events and the dates is on fausports.com. The Florida Atlantic Owls play baseball at FAU Baseball Stadium and it is ranked as the best baseball-playing surface in South Florida. It seats 2,000 fans at capacity. The men’s basketball team is definitely worth checking out. Basketball is played in the FAU Arena, also known as “The […]

Other Things You Can Do. There is more than just football for entertainment around FAU, in fact, there is a rich and vibrant arts scene and parks opportunities nearby. Now that’s entertainment! If a movie night is what you are looking for, head to the Cinemark Palace 20. There are, as the name says, 20 movies to choose from; all in fabulous reclining chairs with reserved seating. There is also the iPic Mizner Park, which offers a more luxury movie watching experience.  Living Room Theaters is Located on Campus showcases independent films and features a European café. For bowling, there are several bowling alleys in the area. Strikes is the closest to FAU and feature a bar and grill.   Boca Raton has been a city for almost 100 years. Perhaps a visit to one of the museums might be your family’s thing. Check out the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the […]

Shhhhh, Here Is a Great Study Spot!  Finding a good place to study is essential for freshman students. College classes are very different than high school; studying is a must and it’s important to find a quiet, comfortable place. Fortunately, there are plenty of study spots on and off campus. Wimberly Library: FAU’s library is open 7 days a week, however, the hours vary. The library is open later during final exams, Click here for hours. The noise levels vary on each floor (the higher the floor, the lower the volume level). Students can rent computers, chargers, and headphones on the first floor. Students who are studying with two to four people can also rent a private study room, free of charge, for 3 hours at a time. The library also has a Dunkin’ Donuts on the first floor. If your student isn’t a fan of the library (mine wasn’t), there are plenty […]

Seems It’s Always Almost Tax Time. April 15th is right around the corner. As you are preparing your return or having a CPA prepare your return, do not forget to take advantage of the Education Tax Credits available which can help offset the cost of your student’s education). Two Credits Available There are two tax credits available to take, The American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit. The AOTC (American Opportunity Tax Credit) was made permanent by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act signed in 2015. It now includes required course materials (think books, supplies, equipment) in addition to tuition and required fees (local, technology – you know, all those fees not included in tuition). The AOTC allows credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two. Those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student for which $1,000 is refundable for the […]

Transforming The Space To Look Homey. Don’t be alarmed on move-in day when you walk into your student’s bare and cold dorm room. It’s amazing how quickly this space can change with a little planning and some trips to Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Walmart. The key to transforming the dorm space into something a little homier is preplanning. Pinterest alone has enough ideas to make your head spin.  Of course, decorating for a girl’s room is drastically different from a boy, but both will need a little extra organization. Either way, check the size bed their dorm will provide. FAU’S freshman Resident halls (Heritage Park, Glades Park, and Parliament hall) offer twin extra long beds. The beds in Parliament hall are lofted with the desk underneath, Keep this in mind before purchasing bed risers or organization items. The remainder of the Resident halls (upperclassmen) all have twin extra long beds […]

When Disaster Strikes!  My daughters (and myself) have dropped their phones more times than I care to admit; so much so that even the insurance for accidental damage is used up.   When disaster strikes and a phone screen shatters or a laptop stops working just as your student was finishing up a term paper, it can feel like the end of the world for them. I myself am known to panic if my computer freezes up for a moment just as I’m finishing up a work project. In today’s world, it is a difficult task to go on for any amount of time without access to a phone or laptop. The good news is that a repair is only a phone call away. FAU even has a computer and phone repair right on campus. I do, however, highly recommend a backup system for computers. As a Mac user, I presently rely on […]

If It’s Broke… Fix it and repair shops are a necessity of life! Cars, Bikes, Longboards, and Scooters oh my!  At FAU, you will find all in large numbers. Talk to any student about which is the most useful at FAU and you’re likely to get an equal number of answers. No matter the transportation your student is using, they may, at some point, need a repair shop. There is nothing worse than having your main mode of transportation break down. Below you will find a list of repair shops. Bike Shops Have U Heard that many local businesses offer discounts on Bike and Auto shops for FAU students?  For more information, go to fau.edu/owlperks/boca-raton/services.php Bicycles Tech U Shop (On Campus) 777 Glades Road #134 561-948-5402 Tropic Bike 1501 NW Boca Raton Blvd #3 561-392-5546 Bike America 3150 N Federal Hwy 561-391-0800 TUNE Cycles 3500 NW Boca Raton Blvd Suite 508 561- 392-7311 […]

Online Test Taking For Today’s Students Technology has changed the way students take tests. My daughter was able to extend one of her holiday breaks by scheduling her exam at home. FAU actually uses two different online test-taking services to prevent online class students from cheating on their online exams; Honorlock and Lockdown. The company Honorlock was actually created by FAU students who felt it was unfair for students to take the class online and cheat. Honorlock is based out of Boca Raton. The way Honorlock works is by monitoring your computer screen/computer actions and recording a video of yourself throughout the test. To begin the test you have to take a picture of yourself, your student ID, and do a 360 scan of the room you are taking your test in. Once you do this, the exam will start. You are screen sharing with Honorlock for the entire length of the […]

What Every Student Should Know Recently I told my daughter to go pay something with a check. She responded by asking me if she had those somewhere. She literally had never written one. In a day of Venmo, Zelle, debit and credit cards, people, students included, just don’t seem to carry cash anymore and checks are becoming more and more archaic. Credit cards, though, can be scary for students; particularly when they see the word “limit” and somehow skip over the fact that those balances have to get paid. Given that we made some serious errors with our oldest regarding money management, we decided to approach things differently with young adult #3. As she entered her sophomore year, we actually encouraged her to get a credit card. We began by explaining the reasons why: Establish credit Learn to manage money Provide ease and convenience when paying for things Take advantage of offers […]

The Flu ends with “U” It’s that season again – and I don’t mean hurricanes. Flu season is generally from October through May; peaking in December. Given that the flu is easily spread by coughing, sneezing and close contact – and what gets closer than dorm life and classrooms – your student may want to consider getting vaccinated. FAU makes it incredibly easy and it is free too. FAU Student Health Services in Boca Raton is open 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays (they are closed on Sundays, holidays and breaks). Students can walk in for a flu shot or make an appointment by contacting the center at 561-297-3512 or FAU’s Student Health Services Student. Bring a valid student ID. They can also check out the dates, times and various locations around campus. The vaccines given on campus do not contain any live influenza virus […]

My Best Advice as a Parent Three times the charm. Well, I suppose that isn’t fair; all three of my kids are charming and adorable. The difference is that not all three are very good with money and frankly I blame myself a little for that. I am not one to preach, but since you asked, the best advice I would give to a parent of a new college student is to give them a budget and make them stick to it. With my first college student, there was no real budget. She called and said she needed more and I supplied. Her requests never seemed too unreasonable. I paid her rent, credit cards, car expenses, food and so on. It all seemed so logical. Why then, as a college graduate in the real world, did she have such a tough time navigating bill paying and budgeting? Because she never had to. […]

Finding your inner peace. A few years ago, I was looking for a way to help manage my stress. Several of my friends are self-proclaimed yogis so I decided to join them for a class. I have been hooked ever since! Yoga is great for both your physical and mental health.  My older daughters have been hooked for years. My youngest fell in love with it when she took the class as an easy elective her senior year. In Boca, there is plenty to choose from, both on and off campus. If your student is resistant, you may want to remind them that the practice is over 5000 years old. There has to be something to that. In addition, it has been proven to alleviate stress; and what college student doesn’t have some stress? Research indicates that within seven weeks of regular practice, students enjoyed significantly reduced stress levels and as a […]

Next Steps… Time flies when you’re having fun! It wasn’t until college that I realized how true this statement is. While it may feel like you just finished studying for the ACT/SAT, graduation will be looming and many students will be preparing for graduate school exams of some sort. Getting familiar with the vast amount of degrees and programs out there would be the first step. Florida Atlantic University offers over 75 different graduate programs to choose from. If you are considering graduate school at FAU, be sure to check out FAU’s Annual Graduate College Open House. There are also several Graduate College Information Sessions held throughout the year. More information on information sessions can be found here.  Consider visiting other colleges as well. This will give you the opportunity to meet professors and ask questions about the program. Start talking to an advisor early to be sure you have all the […]

Summer Can Be the Most Fun Season! Prepare for an exciting summer if you plan on attending FAU Summer B. It is by far the favorite semester of many Owls (myself included). It’s likely going to be a summer filled with firsts; first college class, college party, and new friends. It’s also likely that it’s the first time you can make most of the decisions for yourself like eating cereal for dinner or staying out late. While my roommates and I were nervous to take on all these new experiences, FAU does a great a job of making the transition smooth. Florida Atlantic University is a large campus and it’s growing every day. One of the first things my roommates and I did was explore our new home and find our classrooms. My RA was extremely helpful and answered all of my questions (trust me I had quite a few). Her room […]

The Earlier The Better!  Do you really make your graduation restaurant reservations now? The resounding answer is YES! Graduation is a time to celebrate and a celebration requires a nice meal, a nice meal needs a reserved spot! FAU holds graduation ceremonies three times per year with May being the largest ceremony, broken down by college. Spring Graduation is May 3rd and 4th. Hopefully, you have read our hotel blog and made your hotel reservations. But if you are coming up with your entire family, you may want to reserve your favorite restaurant in plenty of time, as many of the restaurants get extremely busy. To help you out, we are listing the restaurants that take a reservation and if they require a deposit to hold the reservation (some do). Obviously not a list of all possible places but these are some of our favorites. For other restaurant recommendations, see our blog on […]

All Aboard the Study Abroad Train!  Two words you’ll hear over and over again after orientation, Study Abroad. Study abroad is a wonderful program that gives students the opportunity to travel to their choice of over 20 countries to attend classes while immersing themselves in a different culture. My older daughters chose not to study abroad as they did not want to miss a full semester at their universities. The only regret they had after graduation was not taking advantage of this opportunity. They both have encouraged my youngest daughter, nieces, and nephews to not miss out. For many majors offered at FAU, study abroad can open the door to many opportunities (international business, for example). We live in uncertain and frightening times so the decision to send your student abroad is very personal. The support FAU students receive from the Center of Global Engagement as it applies to travel warnings and […]

Time To Look Professional. As they get closer to graduation, one of the greatest changes our students are about to experience is abandoning their shorts, t-shirts and yoga pants, as they begin to dress for success in their new roles, or as my older daughter stated, for adulting. Dressing for success can be daunting in different ways, but the one that stands out most may very well be its cost. Starting with the career and internship fairs students are attending, students need to put look professional. For the young men, this may mean a suit and tie and for the young women, while they have more options, it may mean a suit, pantsuit, skirt, and blouse or dress. That’s not to mention shoes. For students who may not have the means to go and purchase a new outfit, FAU has the OWL Professional Clothes Closet, a lending service where students can take up […]

Learning To Spend And Save Are Part of Being An Adult. I quickly realized that I needed to place my daughter on a budget when she decided she needed to take her third Starbucks run of the day while at orientation. The university will bombard you with information regarding meal plans, scholarships, FASFA, and financial aid; but an orientation weekend can’t prepare you for the personal decision that is your student’s budget. After Orientation, her father and I decided to have an honest discussion with our daughter to find the best option that would suit our family’s needs. First family rule; I will not pay for alcohol. I am not sticking my head in the sand and pretending kids won’t go out and drink, but I don’t have to pay for it either. They can use their summer earnings for that stuff. Books and school supplies were to go on my credit […]

App, It Is the Easiest Way. Remember when you were in college and everything was easily accessible via apps on your phone? No? Well, me either. Our kids, however, do live in this world and there are literally apps that provide things like food delivery, tutoring services, how to create a budget or the perfect bibliography. Below is a list of the ones I thought most useful. FAU and College Studying Apps FAU Mobile gives students access to FAU resources, including campus maps, Web courses, My FAU Email, the library, sports schedules, class schedules, emergency information and more. FAU Guardian: because the first thing on my list is always my child’s safety.  With FAU Guardian, students can report a problem silently via text. It sort of empowers students to prevent assaults before they get out of hand. View crime around the FAU Campus, trigger Mobile Blue Light to send your location and […]

Get Your Hand Trucks Ready! Because it’s move-in day. From the day your student gets their room assignment, the whole process of move in can seem stressful, overwhelming, and expensive (start collecting those Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons now) Traditionally, female students tend to take a full on decorating approach complete with wall décor, signs, picture frames, string lights, desk accessories and many other decorative items. Male students do not quite go that full in and often just want a comfortable bed, maybe a poster or two and perhaps a rug. Either way, the prospect of making a cold dorm room into a home seems like an arduous task.  According to the National Retail Federation, back to college spending averaged $916.48 in 2014. This is big business with college checklists resembling the lists usually reserved for wedding/bridal registries and baby shower registries. And while I won’t sugar coat the day, a little […]

First Applicants Find Substantial Assets.  FAFSA is the national Free Application for Federal Student Aid but, based on how aid is distributed, it may as well stand for First Applications Find Substantial Assets. Because aid is distributed on a first come, first serve basis, every student that hopes to receive aid for college must fill out this form to even be considered. Every college has their own deadline. For incoming freshman, they should have filled out this form back in November 2017 and listed the colleges they were interested in attending. FAU’s school code is 001481 for the Boca Campus. FAU’s first priority deadline was January 1, 2018, and the second priority deadline was March 1, 2018. After March 1, applications reviewed in the order they were received.  Of course, your student did not know if they were accepted back then, but they can speak with the Office of Financial Affairs to […]

Surprise Them With a Box of Love! Midterm and final exams can be some of the biggest stressors for your student. I typically do not get to speak to my daughter during exam weeks. My calls usually get a “sorry I cannot talk right now” text response followed by an “I’m at the library mom” text. I also know that she is not going to eat healthily and probably going to consume any form of caffeine she can get whether it is coffee or energy drinks and late-night snacks most likely consisting of pizza and junk. Everything from eating habits to sleep habits, from study skills to exercise changes during exam time. I hate to say it but I had my share of all-nighters when I went to UF and, no matter how good a student you may have, when there is a grade on the line, students will do whatever it […]

That Was Then… I would race home from school so my mom could put together some sort of costume for me then rush to meet my friends to go trick-or-treating. Somehow, by the time I had my own kids, Halloween included much more; carving pumpkins, putting up decorations, more formal costumes, and, of course, trick-or-treating throughout our neighborhood, but not without a parent escort. This is Now… Halloween traditions in college are, well, a far cry from the pumpkin carving, candy apple making gatherings we had in our driveway before the kids started their trick-or-treating. Many places, including the bars and the frats, will have parties – all week. Keep in mind this is Boca Raton, which is in the Ft. Lauderdale vicinity, there is a lot of Halloween-themed partying going on in general. It may not be a bad idea to remind your students of all the nice parts of Halloween […]

There are Football Pre-game Tailgates in Paradise Football season is upon us and other than making sure you will be properly attired in Red and Blue and that your Owl fingers are up, you will need to know where to go to tailgate and pre-game. Pre-gaming, according to Urban Dictionary, generally means drinking before going to an event where drinks that you will purchase are more expensive. I believe the term crazy fun was included in the description as well. At FAU, the most popular places to Pregame, also known as tailgating, tend to be: 1. The Irishmen – Located on 1745 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (extremely close to campus) closes at 2am. Similar to O’Brian’s, people come here to drink and watch the game either before, during, or after the Owls play. It’s within walking distance from the stadium, making it a great place to head to […]

How To Be Prepared For Move-In Day.  FAU’s move-in day is …well…a lot of work. Be prepared for many trips to the car and possibly one or two to the store for the inevitable forgotten or overlooked item (ours was not having enough Command hooks last year).  The heat does not help, but a hand truck does. I will not get into the emotional goodbyes at the end of the day, but I will say that large sunglasses to cover my watery, red eyes (and having to wait another 8 years for my youngest to move out) was my savior. M.I.D. is August 17th The day this year begins on Thursday, August 17th for incoming freshman. Your student will get an appointment as to their move in time-based on their dorm number. Even number floors move in from 8:30am-12:30pm, odd number floors move in from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Move in continues through Friday for […]

Here are the ins, outs and don’t’s. You sent them to college with a car and they are grateful. However, although it will make a weekly Publix run easier, no one really thought about the fact that parking at FAU can be pretty inconvenient and tends to be a problem every year. There are not enough parking spots for as many students live on or drive to campus. For those that do have cars, parking permits, are required for all vehicles. At FAU, there are 3 color distinctions given to each parking lot: Blue, Red, and Green. The Blue lots are reserved for Commuter students. Green lots are reserved for residential students and red is reserved for faculty and staff. Students must register their vehicles online to obtain an EPermit. This is FAU’s new system that uses a student’s license plate to grant virtual parking decals.  If you are in need of […]

Picture this: It is a beautiful GameDay Saturday... You and your roommates are getting ready for pregaming, there is not a cloud in the sky and the Owls kickoff at 7:30 pm. Tailgate season is upon us and I’m here to bring you up to date with the latest fashion attire trends. Although it looks like you’re in a Bring It On sequel, Cheerleading skirts are one of the popular bottoms that girls pair with a customized college tube top. Did I mention that they’re affordable too? While a cheerleading skirt is not something that I would necessarily wear, many of my friends are able to make a super cute outfit using one! White high-top converse or Vans can also be paired with this look to add some comfort, especially when you are walking from tent to tent to tailgate with all of your friends. If sneakers are not your style, pick [...]

How To Fix A Sick Kid From Miles Away. I don’t know about you, but when they call to say they are sick, the miles between home and school seem even longer. My daughter had the flu during her first semester at FAU. She could barely get out of bed and I checked on her frequently throughout the day. I even offered to drive down if she needed me to. This was not an everyday cold; she sounded miserable and I knew she felt the same.  I was even more concerned because she was a few weeks into the semester at FAU. After about a week and visit student health services, she was feeling better. You would be amazed at how quickly a care package can get to them. (UPS is generally overnight from one Florida destination to another.) Depending on what is ailing them, even the simplest of care packages filled […]

What To Look For In That Ideal Roommate. Finding the ideal roommate(s) can be tough and a hassle. I’m here to tell you a couple of ways to make that process easier. Being an incoming freshman is a stressful time with a lot of different things to worry about. While you might find yourself scrambling to get everything done, you do not want to rush picking your future roommate. One easy way to find a lot of different possible roommate options is to join the official class page for your graduation year. For example, I joined the FAU Official Class of 2020 page on Facebook. The Facebook page is a great way to find people that you gel with. Once on the page, I uploaded a couple of my favorite pictures of myself, and a short description of me and what I was looking for in a roommate. This is a great […]

Is That How Your Favorite Fairy Tale Begins?  It’s not just for fairy tales, getting the beauty treatment makes her happy. As the mother of girls, I know all too well that not being able to go to get their hair cut, nails done, eyebrows waxed is something they really miss when they are away at school. Most guys are the same way. Now before anyone gets ready to jump all over the “beauty is skin deep” bandwagon, let me just say, when your student is away for an entire semester, being able to get a hair trim or eyebrows waxed may be important to them. And for special occasions (Greek formals, university banquet, a job interview on campus), they want to make certain their nails look polished. So where are students to go for hair treatments (cut, color, and highlights), eyebrow waxing or threading, manicures, and pedicures? Here are some of […]

The Future Is So Bright You’ll Need Shades! Bright Futures has been a great source of financial aid for many Florida Students and is now shining even brighter. Summer 2018 was the first year Florida Academic Scholars received 100% tuition and summer 2019, 75% of tuition is available for Florida Medallion Scholars. The $300 college-related expense stipend is still only available for fall and spring semesters. The requirements for summer are as follows Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours across all summer sessions. Students with less than 6 credit hours required for graduation, may receive FAS and FMS by submitting a memo on letterhead from an academic advisor indicating less than 6 hours are required for graduation. Graduate level hours may be approved by the student’s academic advisor.  Students taking graduate-level courses must submit a memo from the academic advisor indicating graduate level courses meet undergraduate graduation requirements. […]

There Is A Better Way To Get It Paid. The reality of having to pay for college started to set in as soon as the first acceptance letters started to arrive. While we encouraged our daughters all through high school to aim to earn as much as possible from Florida Bright Futures, we also invested in Florida Prepaid. However, every little bit helps. With so many scholarships available today, the trick is finding the ones that suit your student’s needs and that they will qualify for. Some scholarships are quite competitive, some last for four years, and some are downright silly, but pay for something. All make those bills for the next four (or more) years more bearable.   The best place to start is probably on some of following websites:  FastWeb and NextStudent.com  (both are excellent free search engines that are updated daily), GoodCall,  BestColleges.com, Cappex.com, CollegeAnswer.com, Scholarships.com, Scholarship Experts, CollegeScholarship.org, […]

Donuts are Not on the Eat Healty List!  Eating healthy can be a difficult task on a college campus. Meal plans, rushing to and from classes and activities, budgets, the amount of burger, pizza and fast food restaurants surrounding FAU, and, of course, late night food runs definitely compromise our student’s plan to not gain the Freshman 15 and stay in shape. Recently, college students everywhere have demanded healthier and higher quality food options. While it may be easy to grab that slice of pizza in the Café, FAU is now offered a wider variety of healthy options in the dining halls. FAU is located in Boca Raton, a city that is ideal for the health conscious. There are many healthy dining options surrounding FAU that have quickly become student favorites. Fit Foodz Café:  Located on Clint Moore Road, Fitz Foods takes a healthier spin on many classic dishes. Fit Foodz also […]

Check Out Our List Of Important Documents. Before you leave to take your kid to college, there are a few items you will want to take care of that are extremely important. Most college students are 18, although a few are younger, which means they are considered to be legal adults. With that comes a whole lot of independence from their parents, regardless of who is footing the bill for their education. Unless they give you permission or their login information, you will be unable to have access to their health records, grades, pretty much anything that has HPPA laws behind it. Talk to your student about signing over permission for the college to speak with you. Make certain they understand that without that signed permission, everything, and we mean everything, pertaining to the college, from medical records to financial aid, cannot be discussed with any other person but themselves. While you may […]

Here Is What You’ll Need To Know. After the fall 2017 season, FAU football is ready to show that they can keep up their winning streak. For the first time since the program started, the Owls had a 10-game winning streak and are the champions of the Boca Raton Bowl.   I have been going to Owl football games since their program started and continued, as two of my girls became students. The big rival game is against FIU (We’re the reigning champs). An Owl home game is an experience, from the pre-gaming (ask your college student) to the Owl Walk (two and a half hours prior to each home game when fans line up in the Rat’s Mouth and cheer on the players as they walk in the stadium) to the actual game itself. Have U Heard that FAU has a Clear Bag Policy for football games? I have been at many […]

Honor Roll Pride It is that time of year when students receive notifications that they have made a collegiate scholar society. The cream-colored linen envelope arrives with its gold embossed logo of said scholar society organization. As a parent, you do a mental cartwheel as you see the invitation. Read the fine print carefully when you get invitations to join The XYZ Honor Societies. Educate yourself as to what they provide in exchange for this membership. Because honestly, there are many organizations on campus that your student can get involved with that will be far more beneficial to their resume and postgraduate application than membership in a society that either profit from the fees they collect. Read their annual report to see how much of their revenue goes toward administrative fees, just as you would with a charity you are vetting. I am not trying to diminish the euphoric moment you are […]

Check out these Owl Things to Do If you have decided you want to be an Owl, congratulations! Welcome to the University where there is football in paradise. All Owls will tell you there are some “must-dos” at FAU before graduation. Exploring all of what FAU and Boca Raton have to offer will make your time at FAU that much better. Check out our Bucket List for some popular must-dos. See a Movie at Living Room Theaters- Living Room Theaters is an upscale movie theater on campus showing current popular and indie films. They also show classic films. Enjoy a movie with lunch, dinner, dessert, and drinks; all available at student discounted rates. Enjoy a Beer at the Burrow- The Burrow is FAU’s on-campus sports bar. It’s a right of passage to enjoy a beer here once an Owl turns 21. Walk the Tortuga Trail- Check out Florida’s natural landscape and wildlife […]

Freshman Year is a Challenge The start of freshman year of college can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. As my time in college is nearing the end, there are definitely a few things I learned along the way that I wished I knew freshman year. Take this advice as someone who has been through it all and can look back and see a better path! Think of me as your future self, it’s not like your parents are telling you this, a fellow student. So listen up. Strive for straight A’s Join a club Go to as many football games as possible Make at least two friends in each class you are taking Introduce yourself to your professor and TA’s to establish a personal relationship Make sure to get along with your roommate, even if you have your differences Stay close with your parents and home friends by Facetiming […]

What Students Wish They Took Do you have a jam-packed schedule and are looking for an easy, fun, and exciting elective? Or simply looking to learn a new skill and meet new people with the same interest as you? Electives can serve many purposes: fulfill an individual’s major requirement, supplement more rigorous courses to complete a minor, fill a schedule, or simply to have fun. For those who have the time and space in their schedule for a fun and easy elective, this blog is for you! The following electives are great to choose from: Arts & Crafts Art: Elementary School Italian American Cinema Film Appreciation Music Appreciation Drawing 1 Food & Beverage Sociology of Food Criminal Justice White Collar Crime Business law in an ethical environment Dance Modern Dance Ballet 1 Tap Dance 1 World Dance Health & Wellness Health & Fitness for Life Stress Management Karate Introduction to Sports Management Jogging […]

No Student Hungry Much like the national campaign No Kid Hungry®, there are many students at colleges throughout the United States that are barely getting by, some putting their nourishment behind paying for college and all of the expenses that go along with college; tuition, books, rent, utilities, to name a few. The USDA average monthly cost of food for a college-age student for a moderate-cost food plan, following the recommended Food plans, is $223.55. Many students who are struggling just to keep up with the cost of college even while working and getting loans, often feel uncomfortable saying anything about struggling to maintain a balanced diet. As a college student who relied on school loans, I would often make light of this, kidding around and saying my meals consisted of ramen noodles. But knowing the importance a healthy diet plays on one’s health, sleep patterns, stress, capacity to think and be […]

Blow Out The Candles! When their birthday rolls around, it can be just one more reminder that you won’t be celebrating together so putting together a care package takes the sting out. All three of my daughters were away at college when their birthdays came. Our family tradition was filling their bedrooms with birthday balloons and eating cake for breakfast. Since I knew none of my daughters would be home on their birthdays, I placed balloon and cake orders and had their roommates or sorority sisters set it all up. They loved that I brought our tradition to them and that they were able to make their friends a part of our traditions. If I couldn’t celebrate with them, at least they knew I was thinking of them. Some of the local places like Just Baked will deliver warm, homemade cookies or brownies (one dozen cookies for 11.99) You can even customize […]

Need Some Cash To Make Ends Meet?  Some students have to work to pay for college; some consider their school work their only job and fortunately don’t have to find work outside their studies, and others choose to work while at school to supplement their spending. Whatever the reason, it is rarely a negative when a student gets a job, whether it is to pay tuition or housing, plan for their spring break trip (see our spring break blog for more information on that) or to backpack through Europe after graduation or simply to augment their wardrobe; working, while in school, is not new. FAU will even help students find jobs both on and off campus by visiting the Career Center and with the Student Employment Office. There are many job fairs, both on and off campus, with FAU students. Click here to find out about what job fair may be right […]

How To Take Care Of Them During Stressful Times. Midterm and finals can be some of the biggest stressors for your student. I typically do not get to speak to my daughter during finals or exam weeks. My calls usually get a “sorry I cannot talk right now” text response followed by an “I’m at the library mom” text. I also know that she is not going to eat healthily and probably going to consume any form of caffeine she can get whether it is coffee or energy drinks and late-night snacks most likely consisting of pizza and junk. Everything from eating habits to sleep habits, from study skills to exercise changes during exam time. I hate to say it but I had my share of all-nighters when I went to UF and, no matter how good a student you may have, when there is a grade on the line, students will […]

Fall Semester’s Big Event One of the highlights of the fall semester is Homecoming. It’s a time for Owls young and old to celebrate their Owl Spirit. Homecoming has grown into a major event that students and alumni look forward to. Homecoming week for 2018 is November 4th – 10th, 2018. The anticipation builds for so long that there is literally a countdown timer to the beginning of festivities on the Homecoming website. Homecoming Festivities kick off on Friday night with a pep rally for all students on the housing lawn. Owlsley (the beloved mascot) and the FAU marching band help to kick off the festivities. The next event is the annual homecoming Drag show put on by the office of diversity and multicultural affairs. Sunday is the annual 5K Fun run. The run is open to both children and adults in the community and raises money for Autism Awareness. The run […]

Mom…I’m Sick! It’s bound to happen.  At some point, the phone will ring and your mature, independent college student will cry “I don’t feel well.”  Hopefully, their illness will be a result of their new-found independence that includes lack of sleep, exercise, stress, an unhealthy diet and hygiene habits that don’t embrace enough hand-washing and can be cured quickly and easily. I sent my daughters to school with a “things you may need that Mom thought of just in case” box. Inside was a thermometer; vitamins, the medicines that they used at home for symptoms of a cold; sinus infection; stomach ache or other common ailments.  In my experience, my kids and I have had great results taking Source Naturals Wellness Formula.  It has been a strong herbal defense supplement in fighting an illness that was recommended to me by a local natural health food store. Two a day for prevention but when […]

We All Want A Secure Campus. FAU takes safety very seriously. As my child left the relative safety of our home, FAU’s safety procedures helped to ease some of my concerns for safety on campus. Technology has changed the landscape of how they impart information to students through texts and emails, and social media platforms. There are also options available for students to use to get around campus. Guardians of the Students FAU rolled out a new cell phone application called Guardian. The Guardian app is available for download on the iPhone and Android. The Guardian app allows for students and faculty to connect with the FAU police department. The app creates a safety net when a student or faculty member contacts the FAU police through the app; a complete profile is sent to the Police offers. This profile includes any medical conditions, current address, campus ID, and the caller’s exact location. […]

Let’s Eat! Whether your student lives on campus or off, they will need groceries. Boca Raton has plenty of places to shop in this regard. For those new to Florida, let me first introduce you to Publix. Publix is a Florida-based supermarket with every department found in most grocery stores including produce, deli, meats, canned goods, seafood, frozen foods, flowers, bread, soda, and stationery, candy, dairy and so forth. There are many Publix supermarkets not too far, but definitely driving distance, to FAU’s campus. One of the closest ones is Publix’s Greenwise Market which is one of three locations in Florida. While you can find Greenwise products in most Publix locations, this store specializes in providing predominantly organic or made with no artificial ingredient favorites as well as a great prepared foods section for those who do not have time to cook and a coffee and smoothie café. My friend gave my […]

First Steps For Orientation Congratulations! You have a new Owl in your house, but what do you do now? One of the first steps after your student opens their acceptance package should be to pull out your calendar and book an Orientation weekend. Orientation isn’t just for your student; FAU offers breakout sessions that offer a plethora of information to new FAU parents. Listen attentively; no need to take notes. When my daughter attended, we were given a folder with all the information presented over the weekend. It can be very overwhelming. Go on the tour of the campus. Eat with your student at the Atlantic Dining Hall. They will have their first experience being assigned to share a room in the dorm with someone they do not know.  FAU did provide some bedding when my daughter spent the night, however you may want to bring along some comforts of home. They […]

A Little Shopping Helps!  There is plenty of retail therapy in Boca Raton and although your student is up there for school, there is always something that he or she will need particularly at the start of the first semester. It’s a good idea to order some things online or at home and have them waiting for you at some of the stores in Boca. This can be done at Target, Walmart and Bed, Bath and Beyond, and can be extremely time-saving as well as freeing up space in your vehicle or if your student is flying into town, making shipping far easier and less expensive. Boca Raton is a fairly busy city with a lot of local traffic and construction. When you are first moving your student to FAU, expect that the city will be extremely crowded with parents and their students all vying for the same items. Being located in […]

A Plus or Minus Does Count College grading systems can be especially confusing when coming straight from high school. The biggest difference between the public school and college grading scale is the plus/minus addition to the traditional As and Bs. At FAU, the plus/minus grading scale adds weight to the letter grade. For example, the difference between an A- and an A is 0.33 points (see FAU grading scale here). In order to get an A and not an A-, you need to achieve a grade of a 93 or higher. An A- is within the range of a 90 to a 92.5. Most teachers will be nice enough to round your 92.5 or above to a 93, which would give you the complete A. Many students complain about this system and the way it works considering an A- is a 3.7 to your GPA, while an A is a full 4.0. […]

When You Need to Stay on Budget Being a college student, it can be stressful to be thrifty and stay on budget throughout the semester. There can be interviews, social events, and many occasions for a new outfit. In between, living in a rental, I like to redecorate my room and living space with my roommates. Spending money at the mall, popular house décor stores, Target, or discount stores, such as Homegoods, can add up quickly.  Fortunately, I have discovered thrift stores. Thrifting isn’t just a hot trend right now, it’s an amazing way to stay in style while saving money. In college, it seems like there’s always something to do, and of course, we don’t want to repeat outfits. Thrifting takes the stress out of spending extra money to look your best. I first started thrifting to find pieces that would set my style apart while staying within my college budget, […]

Where Will They put all of their Stuff? As if move out day isn’t stressful enough, now imagine trying to find storage place in your house for all of your student’s belongings. When it was time for my daughter to return home for the summer, my husband and I couldn’t believe how much more stuff she had to take home than we had moved in 10 months prior. Suddenly, my garage and guest bedroom were loaded up with a mini-fridge, microwave, and what seemed like endless amounts of dorm décor. All of this was brought back to my house just to move it back down to Boca Raton two months later. I knew that there had to be a better option for the following summer. We decided to look at storage facilities in Boca to avoid some of the stress. As we began to shop around, we realized that facilities farther away […]

Send Help Now! Finals can be some of the biggest stressors for your student. I typically do not get to speak to my daughter during exam weeks. My calls usually get a “sorry I cannot talk right now” text response followed by an “I’m at the library mom” text. I also know that she is not going to eat healthily and probably going to consume any form of caffeine she can get whether it is coffee or energy drinks and late-night snacks most likely consisting of pizza and junk. Everything from eating habits to sleep habits, from study skills to exercise changes during exam time. I hate to say it but I had my share of all-nighters when I went to UF and, no matter how good a student you may have, when there is a grade on the line, students will do whatever it takes to make sure they are prepared. […]

Should Your Student Take a Year Off Before Graduate School? I remember when I started graduate school and on the first day of class, we were assigned to read over 300 pages and write a paper before the next class. My jaw dropped and I wondered if the professor was serious. Not every class is like this, but after four years in college, some students may choose to take a break before jumping into graduate school; whether it’s medical school, law school, an MBA or just about any other advanced degree. Graduate school can be a grind. There are other reasons students choose to take a break; or gap year, before going on to pursue an advanced degree. Many graduate programs prefer students to have some time out in the working world before grad school. It is not uncommon for students to partake in internships that will provide them with experience in […]

Sometimes You Change Your Mind. When we pick what college we want to go to our senior year of high school, we always believe that it is going to work out and be the perfect fit. While that turns out to be true for some people, it is not always the case. In fact, the transfer situation is a lot more common than you might think. I went to the University of California Berkeley for my freshman year of college. I was recruited to play D1 lacrosse on the women’s team, which was an amazing experience. At the end of my freshman year, I got a career-ending injury. Since I was born and raised in South Florida, I decided it made the most sense to recover from my injury back home. When I was in Florida, I knew that this was the place I was supposed to be. My sophomore year of […]

Easier Than ToGo, It Comes To the Door! Taking time away from studying can be the difference between dinner or a bag of chips and a soda.  Sometimes it pays to turn to delivery services. Here are some of the ones we found and what they deliver and/or how they work. GrubHub – Sign up for their emails and get $7 off your first order of $15+. As well, for each friend you get to sign up you get $7. Eat24– is actually powered by GrubHub. It is super easy to navigate, you type your address in the search they will show you restaurants currently delivering to your area, as well as places that offer pick up. There can be a minimum amount spent, depending on the restaurant. Just enter your address into the website or app and before you know it you’ll have dinner. Just Baked -This Cookie and Candy shop […]

Salad Days Are Here!  When my youngest daughter left for FAU, she was a carnivore. Her last meal at home was a full course Italian meal featuring many of the classics. During her sophomore year, she began to research the health benefits of being vegetarian and made the switch. So more veggies are needed, wanted and loved! Whether your student is vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of options in Boca Raton. Here are our recommendations: Raw Juice: Located on Glades road, They serve up smoothies, fresh juices, oatmeal, salads and a wide variety of acai bowls.   The Poke Company: Located on Federal Highway. The Poke company serves a wide variety of customizable Poke Bowls. Try the seaweed salad and their homemade sodas to complete the meal. Playa Bowls: Located on Palmetto Park, they serve up smoothies, fresh juices,  and a wide variety of acai bowls. Parlour Vegan Bakery: Located on […]

Who Wants Dessert, Is My Favorite Sentence! Getting your just desserts, where did that phrase come from? But desserts are our favorite meal! Sometimes, we think the best part of the dinner are the desserts; here are some of our favorites! 16 Handles– Located on Glades Road. Frozen Yogurt with almost every topping you can think of. Cinnaholic– Located on 20th street. The new favorite for dessert, Cinnaholic serves up large, warm, and vegan Cinnamon Rolls. Cinnaholic Cinnamon rolls are completely customizable with over 20 types of frosting and toppings available. ChillN Nitrogen Ice Cream– Located on Yamato Road. Ice Cream frozen with Nitrogen, the Nitrogen gives it a smoother, creamier consistency. ChillN’s Ice creams are meant to be customized with various ice cream flavors and Mix-ins. In addition to traditional ice cream, ChillN also offers coconut milk ice cream and frozen yogurt. Dandee Donuts– Located on S. Federal highway. While Dandee […]

Maybe It’s Not A Luxury But A Necessity. I never thought I would be saying this, but sometimes it is a good idea to hire a cleaning service for your students’ apartment or dorm. Hear me out…I think most kids are perfectly capable of keeping a clean room. Growing up, my daughters knew I was not their maid and they certainly learned how to clean their rooms. But, recently I had a friend whose daughter was extremely sick with the flu. The mom began a search to have the entire apartment disinfected. With flu season and virus’ going around; wouldn’t it give you peace of mind to know those nasty germs have been eradicated and may lessen the chances of your child catching what their roommate has or the roommates catching what your child has? Of course, this is my strongest point, but having seen my daughter’s apartment after a few months […]

The Big Blue Beyond!  Your first few trips down to Boca Raton were probably about seeing the school, orientation, and move in (which means shopping too) and possibly a football game. By now, you know that FAU is really a beautiful school. To boot, there is no denying that Boca’s also gets the best of Florida’s weather (well, minus the ridiculous summer heat, but that is a great time to go check out the beach)… Good weather makes us want to be outside and drink it in. Great news; there is plenty to do in and around Boca Raton that will keep you enjoying nature and the outdoors. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center: Located about 4 miles from FAU, Gumbo Limbo is a must see. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a local favorite. Gumbo Limbo features a boardwalk, butterfly garden, a small museum and large outdoor tanks featuring Florida sea life and tropical […]

Marathon of Funk And Disco. Perhaps you have seen the Facebook posts from your student or friends’ kids that say #FTK or #ForTheKids. Maybe even fundraising pages for an event called OwlThon or Dance Marathon.  Or maybe you have never even heard of the event. If you have a student at FAU, you will definitely want to know about this event, donate to this event and encourage your student to get involved in this event. This is college philanthropy at its best. Created to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in 1991, Dance Marathons are held at college campuses across the country to raise funds and awareness for more than 170 pediatric hospitals across North America. Dance The Night Away The Marathon, also known at FAU as Owlthon, will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2019. This is the 6th year that dance marathon has taken place at FAU. Dancers […]

Ways To Feel More A Part of the Community. With an undergraduate enrollment of over 25,000 spanning across the Boca Raton Campus, FAU can feel huge. The large size of campus means students should find a place where they feel at home. Some students will choose to rush a sorority or fraternity but others will not find Greek life their cup of tea. No worries; there are many other possible ways to get involved on campus. Some of you may believe that your student’s first job is school, and I couldn’t agree more. That said; being involved in some way is rather important too. Firstly, joining a club will help your student build a community. Since they’re leaving their family and sometimes their friends behind, getting involved helps them to discover new friends with similar interests. It only takes a few friends to make a large school feel smaller. Joining clubs or organizations […]

All The Ways In And Around Getting Health Coverage. Health Insurance Florida Atlantic University does not require students to have Health Insurance (unless they are international students); however, it does help to keep costs down during visits to Student Health Services. Deciding on which health insurance plan your student should be on may require a degree in economics. There are so many variables to consider when choosing: • Is the monthly premium you pay for your child pre-tax or after-tax? • Is it marketplace insurance or subsidized and again, does it meet the university’s minimum requirements? • Does your current insurance cover your student at an out of state college? If your student is coming to FAU from out of state, you will need to check with your current health insurance coverage to see if it covers their costs while attending school and living out of state. At Florida Atlantic University, Student […]

You Remember, Those Things With 2 Covers And A Bunch Of Pages. A lot has changed since my daughter was a student at FAU but the one thing that has not is that textbooks are expensive. Sure the format is different, but the cost for books and supplies are soaring. From January 2006 to July 2016, the Consumer Price Index for college textbooks increased 88 percent. But students today have many different options than we did including rentals. Textbooks can cost as much as a few hundred dollars each. Some students may appreciate being able to mark up and highlight a textbook, while others may be satisfied with an online edition. Sometimes new books are required, because of an online code that comes with the book. And, believe it or not, for some classes, my daughters were able to either not purchase the book at all or just purchase the online version. When […]

What are your options? When I attended school back in 1979, my Dad had four of us in college at the same time. It was through student loans that my parents were able to manage the costs of all four of us attending school along with some parental financial support. Unfortunately, as far back as I can remember, many students including myself, have used their student loans for entertainment, shopping, vacations, etc. The Department of Education loans money for school and it is imperative for your student to understand that student loans should not be used for frivolous spending. Trust me, I learned the hard way. The loans and interest (depending on the type of loan you have) add up very quickly. Repayment of said loans can be a huge monthly cost; therefore, understanding all the terms of student loans is, in my opinion, essential. In all cases, you must begin with […]

Officially A Fun Adult At 21! My daughter turned 21 in March of her junior year at FAU, fun, fun, fun.  At FAU, many girls who turn 21 have what is called a Waltz or sign night when their friends make a pasteboard sign that sums up their personality.  Hers was a Shamrock that said “Kiss me I’m 21” since her birthday is the day after St. Patrick’s Day. That means, she can legally get into places around FAU that she could not get into before. Here are the favorite places that those 21 and over recommend when going out to have 21-fun. Boca Raton O’Brian’s Irish Pub: The Irish Pub that draws 21-year-olds near and far. Known for their Friday night block parties and fun drinks. Dubliner: Irish pub featuring live music, karaoke, and trivia nights. Blue Martini: Upscale bar in Boca Raton, very popular on Thursday nights (college students drink […]

OK, What’s Done Is Done.  Your student got in trouble. Or they are having trouble. Now what? It’s not uncommon.  Sometimes even “the best kids” end up getting in trouble in some fashion during college. It could be as simple as a parking ticket, or as big as a charge of plagiarism.  Problems with a roommate, an apartment lease, getting caught underage drinking, are just a few of the issues that can play havoc with a college student and their parents.  No matter how well we’ve warned them to be safe, and follow school rules, it is important to also know what to do if trouble arises. First, breathe.  Your student is probably freaking out and is terrified to talk to you.  Remain calm and get all of the facts. Remind your child to obtain and keep all paperwork and information.  At the Florida Atlantic University, there are several avenues in which […]

Like A Mic Drop, But Different. When my daughter was a sophomore, she decided to take a heavy course load in addition to a math course. You’ll have to understand that math was always a struggle for my daughter. We discussed whether she should take this class along with such a heavy course load; however, my daughter believed she could do it. Four weeks into the class, she called me asking if we would pay for a private tutor. It was heartbreaking, as I knew that she had been attending every study session and doing review work every chance she got. While I tried to reassure her that an A in the class wasn’t necessary, I knew that couldn’t bear to be in the class any longer that semester. The ultimate decision was hers; however, I believe she wanted my support and blessing in this decision. As her mom, her mental health […]

Teach Them This And The Rest Is Easy. I have to admit, one of the most challenging experiences I had when my youngest daughter went off to school was telling her to be more careful as I watched her come close to spending all of her weekly allowances. I wanted her to be able to go off and have sushi or late night pizza with all her new friends, but I also knew she would thank me later for teaching her how to budget. After a few weeks, she got the hang of it and I can confidently say she survived off ramen and peanut butter only a handful of times. The good news is that there are plenty of places around FAU’s campus that make sticking to a budget possible. There are also a few good tricks. For instance, if your students have a meal plan, encourage them to bring back […]

First Time Living With Someone You’re Not Related To!  For most students, freshman year of college is their first opportunity to live away from home. Dorm living often seems like a right of passage, and for most, it is a fulfilling experience. However, it can sometimes be a source of unwanted stress or awkwardness if the roommates aren’t a great match. While your student doesn’t have to find their perfect match, it is helpful if they agree on some ground rules that may be important to your student.   My daughter had planned to live with one of her friends from high school up until about a month before the deadline date. (May 1st, but we recommend applying as soon as possible) Her friend had decided to attend another school and I was left with a panicked daughter. In the end, it all worked out, she found another roommate in an FAU […]

Israel, however, is not just for Jews It’s true that Birthright is a fabulous (and free) program for Jewish individuals from 18 to 28 to visit Israel. Israel, however, is not just for Jews though. So, we did a little digging and found The David Project, a pro- Israel campus advocacy group. The program promotes building diverse pro-Israel support on campuses and is for students of all religions, having reached 10,000 Jewish and non-Jewish students this past academic year on 45 campuses, cultivating student leaders and organizations as allies for Hillel and the pro-Israel community. There are three main components to The David Project: Israel Uncovered – 10-day Israel mission for The David Project’s Core Schools. Each school sends one Israel advocate and two to three non-Jewish campus leaders. The campus leaders represent many mainstream campus groups, including student government, College Democrats and Republicans, fraternities and sororities, black, Indian, Latino and Asian […]

Inclusive Environments Abound. FAU is a large, growing campus, but Student Accessibility Services is there to create an inclusive educational environment for all students by way of academic accommodations, testing support, assistive technologies, and coaching. My daughter has several friends and Sorority Sisters that require special accessibility accommodations for their disability; some for ADHD, some for medical issues. Across the board, they have said from the moment they stepped into the office and met with their SAS counselors, their nerves were put at ease. Together they made a plan and decided what services would best aid their success at Florida Atlantic University. The first step for any student that will be requesting accommodations would be to visit the office of Student Accessibility Services located in the Student Union 133. Do not hesitate to reach out to them right away. SAS is open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm. They […]

The Paws Have It! Here is what you need to know about pets at FAU. When my daughter first started at FAU, she often called or texted daily asking for pictures of our family dog Lucy. I think she missed the dog more than me! Over the years we have outfitted Lucy with all the FAU gear available for dogs. And often I found the more times I sent pictures of our family dog, the fewer texts I would get saying “But mom I found the cutest dog who needs to be rescued” Don’t get me wrong, I love animals, especially dogs. But I am not a huge fan of students having a pet at college. I understand that the unconditional love of a sweet puppy or kitten can be wonderful around stressful times like midterms or finals. (FAU often brings therapy dogs to campus during these times for just this reason.) […]

Sent With Love As far back as I can remember we always celebrated Valentine’s Day; it was a tradition I grew up with and continued when I became a mom. My daughters have not been home for Valentine’s Day for years so I use the holiday as an opportunity to send them a little love from home. There are so many gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. Just sharing the love from HaveUHeard. We’ve added links to websites and products, (and yes, the ads and links that appear on our blogs are partners of HaveUHeard. All opinions about products mentioned in our blogs are 100% our own. We hope you will patronize these businesses. Partnerships like these make HaveUHeard possible)   SWEETS FOR THE SWEET!   What student doesn’t love candy? For that matter, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love candy. We ALL love candy! Create a care package filled with chocolate hearts, […]

Washing Laundry 101 Should be a Mandatory Class! I spent the summer before they left for college teaching all three of my girls’ things they would need to know to live on their own, laundry included. My soon to be Owl was a willing participant, but some of her clothes did not make it out unscathed. It was a little bit of a battle because what should take maybe an hour or so to run two loads, dry and fold became an all-day project. By the time she was ready to head off to college, I felt she knew enough to be able to handle her own laundry. And then I just hoped she would wash her sheets and towels weekly as well as doing her regular laundry. My new Owl would tell me that students were willing to pay others to do their laundry. Or, that if she was doing her […]

Read This Before You Shop! If you’re wondering what to bring and haven’t started shopping for your incoming freshman yet, whether for things for their dorm or clothes; well, then, we are here to tell you that you probably shouldn’t bother. You see, my daughters have cleaned out just about every store and depleted us of our savored stack of Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons only to find out that many of the things we purchased were just a waste of money. I have had three daughters go off to college over the past few years, what I want to share is that there are a few things you really do not need to purchase for freshman move in. Do not buy a printer. There are quite a few places across campus to print wirelessly and it’s by far cheaper to load money on their Owl Card than purchasing ink refills. Curtains. […]

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

Nice To Have Some Time Together. Whether you are coming down for a mother-daughter sorority weekend or just to spend time with your daughter, you will find plenty to do together. Shopping in Boca Raton is easy to find. There is a plethora of shopping right near FAU, including plenty of big box stores, but the kind of shopping that may come after the call that cries, “I have nothing to wear,” exists too.  These also may be the stores you may want to visit should you get lucky enough to partake in a Mother-Daughter weekend. Right across the street from FAU, you will find University Commons. University Commons is home to Nordstrom Rack and a new but becoming a favorite boutique, Etiquette Boutique. After shopping, have lunch at J. Alexander’s, P.F. Chang’s, Shake Shack or Mario’s Osteria. Further east from campus is Mizner Park, home to many small shops and restaurants. […]

While volunteering, you might have a life-changing experience. Volunteering in college gives students the opportunity to give back to the community while doing what they love. It is important to give back to your community for a variety of reasons. Not only will you be helping others, but also students can discover a passion for their future and increase their chance of standing out within a sea of grad school applications. Why should the graduate program pick you over another person? Graduate schools look for more than just the book smart student. They look for well-rounded students who want to make a difference. Being altruistic is such an important quality to have. Another great quality graduate schools look at is being able to balance your time. If you are able to take rigorous classes, be involved in extracurricular, have a job or internship AND volunteer, they know that you will be able […]

The Secrets You Need To Know About Living On Campus. You can certainly read about the dorms and places to live on campus on the FAU Housing and Residential Life pages, but we asked my daughter and our interns for the inside scoop about living on campus…which is probably what you really want to know before you choose where to live when you become an Owl. Here’s what they had to say: As an incoming freshman, I was beyond disappointed to find out that I would be spending the summer semester in Glades Park Tower simply due to the fact that I was assigned a double room. I had wanted to live in Parliament Hall, the newest dorm on campus. I had never shared a room before and definitely not with a stranger. However, soon after moving in, that stranger became one of my closest friends and we ended up living together […]

You’ll Still Want To Plan Early For The Best Experience. I had been accustomed to booking for Parent’s Weekend the second it was announced, based on my older children who went to other colleges. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that availability is not as big an issue at the hotels near FAU. Parent’s Weekend is scheduled for October 5th- 7th, 2018. The earlier you book your hotel, the better your choices will be. Some hotels close to campus offer discounts if you mention you are coming for FAU parent weekend. Most of the local hotels are pretty flexible on cancellations (48 hours being the norm), but be sure to check all this out when booking. Our blog on hotels may help. Parent’s weekend is a wonderful weekend to see your student in their new home. They will want to show you all their new favorite places around campus and town and […]

Continuing Traditions. For all students, being able to continue to worship, pray and adhere to their religious beliefs is extremely important for several reasons. The most important thing is for them to be able to follow their faith. But having a place to worship on or near campus allows them to meet other students and have a Rabbi, Minister, Bishop or Priest to turn to should they need spiritual guidance. FAU is a very diverse campus. At or around FAU, there are places to worship, regardless of your students’ faith.   During the spring semester of my daughter’s freshman year, the Easter season was rapidly approaching. Being that we are Catholic, this time of year is very important to our family. The first holiday of the season is celebrated on a Wednesday, so she was unable to come home. So, she did what many other students do; she sought out the help […]

Oh No…It Happened! It’s Lost. Have you ever lost anything really important before? My three daughters lost more Student ID’s, keys, driver’s licenses than any person I know (or at least I thought). Conduct a search on the student FAU page, and you will see daily posts for lost keys, wallets, cell phones, ID’s and so forth. And, while clearly my daughters are not the only ones who lost valuables, or had them stolen, it does happen. One of my girlfriends bought their daughter The Tile, an investment I quickly made for my youngest daughter. The Tile is a small lost and found device that you attach to the things you don’t want to lose, be it a computer, bike, keys, luggage, wallets- even pets (attach to their collar). The Tile is also a useful tool for students studying abroad. If your student becomes the subject of a pickpocket, the tile may […]

New Wings And A New Life Experience!  Now you have your college student moved in and they are ready to embark on a new independent life, as a parent, even if you are not a helicopter parent, it may be difficult to drive off. This is now a time for your child to really stretch their wings and fly on their own. The college experience allows for our children to not only attend classes, but they now have the ability to make so many decisions for themselves. For the first time for many students, they are making the choices on how late they stay out and what their diets consist of. FAU has rolled out some new programs to help students adjust to not only college courses but also campus life as a whole. The Larger Scale Program is Owls Care.  Owls Care is a program designed to offer help to students […]

Is Their Stuff Safe?  One more thing to worry about, am I right? Right up there with the call from my college daughter that she lost her phone, keys, student ID, (fill in the blank), is the call you get when they tell you someone took their cell phone, watch, or whatever valuable item your child has had taken. It has been through their tears and yelling about an item of theirs being taken, that I find myself, once again, asking if they had locked their door. You see, my daughters have lived in dorms, apartments, sorority houses and off-campus houses and consistently, I have personally witnessed them forgetting to lock their room doors (not the front door, although they have done that on occasion). Usually, when I make a mere mention of that fact, I get a sassy response along the lines of “I’m just running down the hall to the […]

Are Frats Really That Crazy?  Going back to 1978 with the release of “Animal House”, which became one of the most successful comedies of all time, to 2014 with the release of “Neighbors”, fraternities have been portrayed as groups of Neanderthals that do nothing but party, drink alcohol and abuse drugs. Fraternities have been called out on national television for purported participation in horrific activities. Certainly, if a fraternity is engaging in behavior that crosses the line, they should, and will, end up either on suspension or maybe even kicked off campus. But talk with many of the young men in fraternities at FAU, and they will speak of brotherhood, a lifetime of friendships and access to leadership positions on campus. Florida Atlantic University is home to 8 national or international fraternities. Just like the sororities, the fraternities do not have housing. Their meetings and events are typically held on campus. Rush […]

Keeping Fit Counts!  Yes, it helps mentally as well as physically. The phrase “Freshman 15” happens; it may not be 15, it may just be 5 or 10 extra pounds gained that first year of college, but there is a way to keep fit. College is a completely new experience for the majority of freshman; it’s their first time out in the world with nobody making decisions for them. Students can make a choice to eat ice cream for breakfast and have a soda at 6 am. Even with the amazing fitness centers available to today’s students, many students do gain weight. My daughters chalk it up to late night pizzas (after drinking) and the French fries from the dining hall. I am not here to pass judgment as not every student will gain weight and not every student drinks. My main purpose is to say that even for students on a […]

We completed the drop. We unloaded the car in the treacherous Florida heat and we set up their rooms. The bed was made, everything had been put away and it only took two trips to Target for things we didn’t realize we would need. We said our see-ya-laters and shed the appropriate amount of tears. It was when I got into the car without our new college freshman, all the advice we meant to give them about those first few weeks lay dormant somewhere between the big lump in my throat and my empty heart. Forgive me if I sound dramatic, but the truth is there is a great deal to be said at that time. Whether or not they take to heart is another story. Perhaps starting the conversation a few weeks before drop-off is a better idea. Getting Started Those first few weeks of college are a crucial time for […]

Sororities Have Advantages. For parents of incoming freshman, you probably are starting to hear whispers about sorority recruitment. What is rushing her way and your way through this whole process? Talk to any parent at any school, and you will not find too many who love the process.  But like the process or not, sororities do have their advantages, especially at a large college. Before my daughter mentioned she was interested in joining a sorority, I heard all of the common misconceptions. However, after seeing all three of my daughters recruitment and enjoy all that sororities have to offer, there is so much more to these organizations than I had previously thought. As a mother of three daughters who joined three different sororities, I’ve seen it all. I’ve attended more than my fair-share of mother/daughter weekends, mother’s brunch, and family weekends. All of my daughters had very different experiences when they rushed; […]

Find Your Perfect Major. Considering that Florida Atlantic University offers a multitude of degrees; how is one to choose? Most students begin college with some idea of what they want to study, but it is not uncommon for them to change majors. My own children changed their major or minor a few times before finding their perfect fit. Changing and choosing a major isn’t always easy. There are several ways you can support your student as they are trying to decide or consider changing a major. One of the main reasons students reconsider or hesitate to declare a major is because they do not understand the career options associated with it. Encourage your student to search the undergraduate catalog to see what courses are required in majors that are interesting to them. They should also meet with an academic advisor and visit the Career Center. The career center is a great resource […]

Check Out The Freebies First!  HaveUHeard that Microsoft Office 365 is free for all enrolled FAU Students?  Click here for information about downloading this helpful technology. Students also receive 1TB of storage through OneDrive. As an FAU student, you receive technical assistance with connectivity and other authentication issues. If you need help with your computer or Fau’s Canvas, submit a ticket or call (561-297-3999) the helpdesk. Before you head out to get a computer for your student, some of the colleges have specific requirements that differ from general recommendations. Click for the FAU Software recommendations, specific colleges may have other requirements. While the computer of choice for many students is trending toward Macbooks, before you head out to get a computer for your student, some of the colleges have specific requirements that differ from general recommendations. Check your individual college and degree program hardware and software requirements as you may find that […]

It’s More Than Parties. She joined a sorority. Congratulations! Your daughter has found her home away from home for the next four years. Being in a sorority opens the door to so many wonderful experiences. I found my lifelong best friends when I became a member of a sorority at FAU. They have been by my side for many of life’s ups and downs as I have been by theirs. To this day, we have remained close friends. Every sorority is a little different as it relates to social gatherings, academic requirements, and philanthropic requirements. Since FAU does not have Greek housing at this time, the sororities often plan several events throughout each month to ensure sisters can get together. Your daughter is expected to attend weekly chapter meetings and participate in sorority events. The sororities are often paired up with fraternities for social or philanthropy events or hold chapter-wide events with just […]

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles… Seems easy enough, book a flight, take a train, jump in the car, but we know some details that will make that trip smoother and easier for you and your student. Freshman who brings their cars will quickly learn that parking during the fall and spring is at a premium and will not want to move their cars should they nab a great spot. There are designated parking lots for on-campus residents, however the closer the spot, the harder to grab. Sure many will state the convenience of having their car if they want to go to a store off campus and do not want to carry heavy belongings if they are living in a dorm. If your student decides to bring their car on campus, they need to register their vehicle with FAU parking and transportation. FAU has a trolley system, called the TrOWLey, to get students around […]

Here Is One Way To Make The Move. Moving out can be almost as hectic as moving into the dorms and apartments. You are typically assigned a move out time to keep the flow smooth. It did not make sense for us to drag the entire dorm supplies home for the summer, only to send them back down in the fall. We opted to have my daughter rent an air-conditioned storage facility with friends. You may be lucky in that your student may have a friend that will let them store their belongings in their apartment but that is unusual. She was able to move her belongings into storage herself by getting boxes and packing up her dorm. Some students can recruit friends to help them move. You may want to go down yourself if they are moving out of a dorm and you feel they will need the additional help. Any […]

What is Birthright Israel? Birthright Israel is the gift of a free, 10-day trip to Israel designed for young adults of Jewish heritage, aged 18–32. Our mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. With more than 8,000 Jewish students on the campuses we serve, Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach offers a pluralistic and inclusive community that offers social and networking events, community service projects, travel experiences to Israel and beyond, Jewish learning opportunities, free Shabbat dinners, a place to celebrate and observe holidays, and mentoring programs that integrate our Hillel with the community. There is something for everyone at Hillel! This is the trip you go on with your friends from college or to meet new people from your campus. Ten extraordinary days experiencing the enriching, inspiring and exhilarating sights, sounds, and soul of Israel. Hang out with […]

Show Your Team Spirit! I love going to college football games- there is nothing like game days but, TBH, I am not going to wear some of the outfits that I see my daughter wearing – been there, done that when I was a student. I’m all about the Red and Blue on game days and I am somewhat about the fashion. But I also want to be comfortable especially on those Florida humid days when you are packed in a stadium and it is more than 90° out and the humidity is stifling. You can wear officially licensed Owl wear or just dress in Their colors. Here are some great suggestions for us Moms and Dads from cotton tops and t-shirts to comfortable dresses for the moms and collared shirts, polos or jerseys for dads or just a super comfortable, breathable tee. Throw in some accessories including a regulation stadium bag and […]

You Can Change Your Mind.  Some students leave for college unsure of what to find and realize when they get there it is not the place for them. Perhaps too they never actually went away but had been living at home for college and are now ready to go away.  If transferring to FAU and becoming an Owl is something your student is considering, they can start by checking out the requirements here. Please note that applicants with less than 30 credit hours must meet both the transfer student and freshman applicant requirements. If students are transferring with more than 60 credits or with an Associate degree, they must have earned the degree at a Public Florida Institution and have completed the State of Florida’s foreign language requirement. There may be additional requirements based on the majors or programs to which they are applying. The application fee for FAU transfer students is […]

Here Are The Facts. It’s understandable that they want to be an owl; FAU is ranked as one of the top schools in the state of Florida. FAU is a great university that has over 170-degree programs, builds traditions, and their graduates make waves across the country. The question is, how does your son or daughter get in? When my daughter applied to FAU in 2011, I remember the university being selective with the incoming freshman class. Hearing from the advisors at the college fair held at her school made the process seemed daunting with all of the requirements for admission. Today, they are extremely selective looking not only at grades and test scores but student involvement, leadership roles and an essay that stands out. Applications This past year, 50% of freshmen who applied for the fall semester were admitted into FAU. FAU is looking for prospective students who have GPAs that […]

It Happens To All Of Us!  Stress.  It happens to our kids too. As though balancing a full schedule, the welcome distraction of football season, sorority and fraternity rush, trying to maintain a social life is not enough, many students are adjusting to being on their own for the first time.   FAU offers various programs, most of which are free to Owls, to help students combat the effects of stress. Students can make appointments with the FAU Owls Care to have individual consultations to learn techniques to help them manage. Students can also discuss a variety of wellness topics that help reduce the symptoms, such as sleep habits, alcohol use, and nutrition. Students can make appointments for individual consultations by calling (561) 297-1048 Students call also visit the Stress Oasis, a station in the Owls Care Office that is stocked with stress balls, aromatherapy, and information on management. Owls Care also publishes […]

The Reality Of Living With Hurricanes.  Having spent most of my adult life in South Florida, I have gone through more than 25 Hurricane seasons. I prepared for my first potential hit with Hurricane Andrew in 1992. While Andrew was everything the meteorologists said he would be, my family and I were lucky to have made it out with little more than jittery nerves and a few downed trees. Now as a new mom and a novice, I remember constantly contemplating if I would actually have to “hunker down” as I waited in seemingly endless food and gas lines.  Today, with many hurricane preparations under my belt and many, many decades living in a Hurricane prone area, I can say that preparation, not panic, is crucial. Some of my personal preparations were being the host of many a Hurricane Party where family and friends, who lived in evacuation zones, brought food and […]

Make it a Friendsgiving Although FAU is officially closed from November 22nd-25th, 2018, not all students will be going home for the holiday. Flights can be incredibly expensive around this time. Some students may have to work and others may go home with a local friend for a little turkey dinner. Perhaps, instead, you’ve decided to switch things around a bit and this year go to Boca Raton for Thanksgiving. Whichever way it works out; there is plenty to do if you are going to be at FAU for Thanksgiving this year. Let Someone Else Do the Cooking! Restaurants Many restaurants put together a great traditional meal for Thanksgiving. Some are less traditional but sound delicious. Check out some of these: Boston Market: 799 N. Federal Highway. Sliced roasted turkey breast or chicken, two sides, cornbread, apple or pumpkin pie, available in a single serving and family sized meals. Seasons 52: 2300 […]

Here they come! Thanksgiving break is the first official long break when students come home I do not know about you but after two months of texts, phone calls, and facetime there is nothing like being able to hug your student for the first time…. And then the tug a war begins (sometimes hours after they arrive). At school, they come and go as they please. They keep their rooms (dorms, apartments, houses) the way they want, do laundry when they run out of clothes, have their personal belongings thrown everywhere. I feel strongly that “my house, my rules.”  Just like when they lived at home, I have curfews, rules for housework and helping with chores around the house (I am a full-time working single mom), family dinners and keeping the common areas clutter free. I know we want them to love being home again however, there have to be some ground […]

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Have Some Halloween Fun! When my daughter left for college, I sent her a Halloween care package.  It was nothing fancy; just some dollar store decorations, candy for her to share with her suitemates and some fun things that could be used for a makeshift costume. Remember that UPS shipping within the state of Florida is typically overnight at no additional cost; a perk I have often enjoyed. If you are creative,  Pinterest has some great Halloween themed care package suggestions.  Some sayings you can put inside include: I Miss you Boo (with a ghost next to it) No tricks just treats! Hey Pumpkin, you deserve this Going batty without you Well… you get the point. We’ve taken the guesswork out of what to send and went right to the source… our interns. They may be adults but they are still not too old for a good, old-fashioned Halloween gift. Here are the […]

Celebrate with a New Community Generally, our kids get to come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but for those who celebrate the upcoming Jewish High Holidays, it may be your first one without your students at your holiday table. While it may feel strange having that empty seat, it can feel better to know that they are celebrating the holidays with a new community of their peers. There are options for Jewish students at FAU. You may want to let them know they exist and then hope that they will choose to participate. Time Off Not all colleges give days off for every holiday and it doesn’t look like FAU is any different. Students can certainly inform their professors, in advance, of their absence for the holiday, but chances are class will go on and they will be responsible for any work. Even if they do get a day or two off, […]

Media and More. There are lots of media options, but if you still need it, here are the radio and TV details for FAU, the major stations are as follows: Radio WAYFM – 88.1 – Christian Contemporary WKISS – 99.9 – Country WIRK – 103.1 – Country WMIB – 103.5 – Hip-Hop WRMF – 97.9 – Adult Contemporary WHLI – 100.7 – Top 40 WLDI – 95.5 – Top 40 WFLC – 97.3 – Adult Contemporary WLYF – 101.5 – Adult Contemporary WEDR – 99.1 – Hip Hop There are many other stations as Boca Raton is located near some major cities. For many students, they listen to streaming music and with free wifi on campus; it is a great alternative to listening to the radio. Students are typically way too busy to watch TV, but they do have their favorites. From reality shows such as Keeping Up with The Kardashians to Big […]