Welcome to FAU
August 17, 2017
Dear incoming freshmen and transfer students,
When you hear people talk about FAU, it’s not exactly painted as a great university. If we’re looking at public Florida schools alone, it’s usually ranked lower on the list behind bigger, older schools with better funding like UF or FSU.
And while you’ll hear students complain about it plenty during your next couple years, don’t let someone else’s perspective of a university shape your own.
> Read the rest of Features Editor Thomas’ Letter to you here
Jump to one of our New Student Edition 2017 articles by clicking the drop-down menu at the top right of the navigation bar above.
Parking lots you should use and ones you should avoid
FAU may be swarming with commuters on a daily basis but there is still parking to be found.
The Boca campus is notorious for its lack of parking and statistically it makes a whole lot of sense. There are over 38,000 registered parking passes on campus with just 11,403 total parking spots.
The good news is that students leave throughout the day to either go home, get lunch or find parking elsewhere. And while the lots are busiest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week, if you avoid certain ones but stick to others during these hours, you won’t be stuck looking for parking for long.
> Continue reading: Get final advice and a guide to parking at the Boca Raton campus
Thomas Chiles is the features editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @thomas_iv.
Free and discounted services for college students
It’s no secret college is expensive, lucky for you we know where you can find free and cheap stuff just for being an FAU student.
On Campus Free Stuff
Condoms
Owls Care Health Promotion
Student Services Building (SS-8)
Room 222
(561) 297-1048
Dental dams, lubricant and male/female condoms are available in the Owls Care Health Promotion office.
Owls Care is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and closed on Weekends.
Student Health Services Clinic
Student Services Building (SS-8)
Room 240
(561) 297-3512
Both latex and non-latex condoms are offered in a bowl in the waiting room of the clinic, found above the Breezeway Starbucks.
The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. On Saturdays, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Scantrons
Dean of Students Office
Student Services Building (SS-8)
Room 226
(561) 297-3542
Blue books and green and blue scantrons are offered in this office located on the second floor above the Breezeway food court, across from the Student Health Services clinic. Students can only receive two scantrons a week.
The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. It’s closed on weekends.
Student Government
Student Union (UN-31)
Room 215
(561) 297-3740
Found on the second floor of the Student Union, the Student Government office has green and blue scantrons, as well as blue books. Students can only receive two scantrons a week.
The Student Government office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on weekends.
Kerri-Marie Covington is the managing editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected]or tweet her @kerri_marie23.
A rundown of the beaches near the Boca campus
The campus’ proximity to the ocean allows for outdoor recreation unmatched by nearby universities.
Located only 3.8 miles from the beach, FAU’s Boca campus offers an unparalleled experience into all that South Florida’s natural beauty has to offer. In only a 15-minute drive, students can be on the sand of some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. Make the most of your freshman year by visiting these four hotspots to get your fill of sun and surf.
Spanish River Beach
This is the closest in proximity to our school, located less than 12 minutes away. With a small amount of roadside parking, this beach has an exclusive feel to it, as it’s rarely crowded at certain times of the day. But that comes at the price of taking care when trying to find a spot.
Thus I recommend that busy afternoon hours are avoided and that you try to come slightly earlier in the day. Oftentimes students will park at the CVS on Federal Highway (located right before crossing the bridge over to A1A) and walk over to the beach side.
This beach is quick and easy to go to, and while beautiful, lacks restaurants and sufficient parking. But, it does have outdoor showers so you can rinse your feet off before heading back to class.
> Continue reading: Get info on the Delray, Deerfield, and Palmetto Beaches here
Ross Mellman is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected].
Transit and parking map of Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Campus. Map illustration by Ivan Benavides | Senior Designer
A guide to getting around FAU’s campuses
The UP’s guide to the multiple modes of transportation around and between campuses.
FAU’s South Florida campuses are, for the most part, known as commuter colleges. As such, driving to school is the most popular form of transport. However, just because you may not have a car, doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Here’s our rundown of the different methods for getting around the Boca campus as well as transportation between the Boca, Davie and Jupiter campuses.
One of the worst feelings when you first get to college is not having a clue where you are on campus. A simple solution is downloading the FAU Mobile App, which is available for iOS and Android users. The app includes a useful map with GPS, so you can see exactly where you are on campus and what direction you’re facing.
Another mobile app, FAU Owl Guides, features an event calendar as well as a New Student Orientation program designed to help introduce new students to the campus. The New Student Orientation section of the app includes orientation schedules, maps, and services for transfer students. It is available for iOS and Android users as well.
> Continue reading: Check out on and off campus transportation available to you here
Thomas Chiles is the features editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @thomas_iv.
Kerri-Marie Covington is the managing editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet her @kerri_marie23.
A where-to guide for the best beer, coffee and food
The UP gives our rundown of where to find the best food off campus.
If you’re new to FAU and don’t yet know where to eat or drink yet — check out this guide that includes our favorite coffee shops, bars and breakfast, lunch and dinner spots off campus.
Coffee
R1 Coffee Company
3200 North Federal Highway, Ste. 106
Boca Raton FL, 33431
(561) 303-5595
R1coffee.com
This simple, yet sophisticated coffee shop integrates minimalist decor that includes white marble and stainless steel, giving a “European-style” vibe according to Southflorida.com.
Founded in 2016, owners Anna and Slava Golik, a Russian couple who moved to the states in 2013, really did their research before opening up their doors. The couple spent nearly two decades traveling to five continents in search of ideas for coffee and food, and it paid off.
From their extensive selection of pour overs and lattes to their homemade pastries, this place is perfect to get some studying done or just take a break with a cup of joe.
> Continue reading: See more places to eat and drink here
Joe Pye is the editor in chief of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @jpeg3189.
Kerri-Marie Covington is the managing editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet her @kerri_marie23.
Nicole Pujazon is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet her @nicolepujazon.
Upperclassmen advice for incoming freshmen
The University Press’ senior staff members offer some insight into the college experience for new students.
Freshman year is a weird time.
You’re flooded with a new schedule, living arrangements, food, people and an entirely different education.
Fortunately, we’ve been there. As college journalists, we’ve seen it all: From famed comedian Hannibal Buress doing stand-up at the Boca campus to cockroaches in mini-fridges and piss in the stairwells, there’s a reason why people say college is the best of times and the worst of times.
Without getting too cliche, you only get one college experience and one freshman year, so make the most of it. While a lot of it will be jarring and stressful as hell, trust us — it’ll be worth it in the long run.
If you take one thing away from this issue, let it be the University Press’ advice on the importance of making mistakes, learning a new skill and finding your niche.
IVAN BENAVIDES • SENIOR DESIGNERI honestly wouldn’t recommend anyone to come to FAU unless they already know what they want to do in their life since FAU works like a business and is mostly interested in your money.My advice in that would be to ASK your professors to guide you, if you don’t have parents who can do this for you. Some of our professors actually give us job opportunities if you show them that you’re worth spending time on.
If all else fails, come to the University Press. It’s free and we’re the only chance you have to attempt to create a REAL newspaper. You’ll probably fail at it at first, but from your failure you’ll know what you want to do with your life.
HANS BELOT JR. • SPORTS EDITORHave fun: Between killing yourself over that one homework assignment you forgot to do, or the test you have tomorrow, stress will be a common theme during your time here. So in between those days, have some fun. Make some friends, get together on the weekend for a drink or two (or a smoke, whatever) and have fun.Don’t be afraid: Get that number, date that guy/girl and/or send that hateful email to your professor. College is a wonderful experience so don’t be afraid to take risks and take them far.
Get involved: To make the best out of your college experience, you should get involved. There are a lot of different organizations on campus, and one of those are bound to be in your interest. It’s also a great way to meet new people, as well as build connections that will last a lifetime.
KERRI-MARIE COVINGTON • MANAGING EDITOROK yeah so maybe FAU wasn’t my first option. But instead of kicking myself for not attending somewhere like UF, I embraced it. College is what you make of it. Just because you may attend a crappy university doesn’t mean your degree is worth any less or the lessons you learn here aren’t applicable in the real world.You’ll hear this a dozen times throughout your four years, but join a student organization. The experience you gain and the friends you make are the only things that make three-hour lectures bearable.
Right now, focus on getting as much sleep as possible, eating healthy and exercising. Trust me, your body and mind longterm will thank you for it. There are only so many days you can get three hours of sleep before you get tired (heh) of being exhausted all day.
ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ • PHOTO EDITORMy advice for you newcomers is to not freak out. It may be a big college but bring a skateboard or a bike and make your life easier. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to people on campus, almost everyone is friendly and it’s a good way to start making connections.And if you’re commuting to campus instead of living on campus, always try to arrive 30-40 minutes before your class starts because parking can be a hassle.
THOMAS CHILES • FEATURES EDITORA huge key to having a positive college experience is pursuing an extracurricular activity. When getting to campus you should look for some kind of club or organization that peaks your interest and try to get involved. Most organizations are constantly looking for new members and it is an easy way to begin making new friends.Another reason to join an organization is that it looks great on your resume. In today’s job market, having just a bachelor’s degree unfortunately isn’t enough to obtain your dream job. Showing employers your initiative and drive outside of the classroom is another leg up you have on other job applicants once you finally graduate.
JOE PYE • EDITOR IN CHIEFThere are three major things I would recommend to an incoming freshman. The first — and I feel the most important is — for the love of God, apply for as many scholarships as possible. It’s free money. Take advantage of it, you’ll kick yourself when you leave here over $30,000 in the hole before you’ve started your first job.The next thing: Get involved with student organizations as soon as possible. Classes are important, and will give you basic skills in the field of work you want to pursue, but they won’t give you the practical experience.
Finally, take advantage of career help on campus. Colleges all over the country — including yours — provide resume support, jobs fairs and career advisers, but the majority of college seniors admit to never using these resources.
You have a short amount of time here, make the most out of it, and don’t spend any money you don’t have to.