Florida International University (FIU) was founded in 1965 by a man named Chuck Perry. It is now 50 years later, and FIU has grown to be one of the largest universities and has also become the number-one university that awards bachelor's and master's degrees to Hispanic students. FIU is ranked number 8 in business programs in the nation and welcomes students from all over the globe. It's no wonder our motto is "Worlds ahead.” That being said, FIU still has its issues ...
1. There Is No Parking
Seriously. There is no parking. Unless you're some sort of wizard who has the willpower to get to school before 8 a.m., you will NEVER find a spot to park. You'd think that with the grand opening of PG6 all of our problems would've been solved ... but they haven't been. If you're lucky, you'll catch some unsuspecting stranger as they walk to their car, and there's no doubt the first thing you'll say to them is: "Are you leaving?" Who can forget the line that forms in the Gold and Blue garages as each car awaits an exiting victim?
2. The Financial Aid Office
FIU is notorious for its financial aid issues, and speaking from personal experience, the issues are real. Twice, FIU has messed up my award amount and I've spent countless times in the office trying to fix the mistakes. This semester I was almost dropped out of my classes and charged a late fee when it was the Financial Aid department’s mistake that caused all this. The unbearable line around the beginning of each semester is self-explanatory.
3. The Starbucks Line Hurts Your Soul
There is no escaping the Starbucks line no matter where you go! The Starbucks line is packed whether you're in GL or Mango. I just want my double shot of espresso without the added infestation of people, please.
4. You Avoid GC Like the Plague
Unless you want to be harassed and bombarded, I suggest you stay away from GC. It is the most populated place on campus, and sometimes, even walking through GC is dreadful. "I want Pollo Tropical, but I don't want to deal with GC people," is something that you'll find yourself saying at least once in your years at FIU.
5. There Are No Tables at the Library
Midterm and finals weeks at FIU make it impossible to find a single spot to study at the Library. We have the largest library in the Southeast United States, yet THERE ARE NO TABLES.
6. Traffic
I live about 30 minutes from campus, but due to traffic, it takes me about an hour to get to school every single day. The parking around FIU is unbearable, and it's even worse when you're stuck trying to get into/leave campus. You know there's a problem when leaving campus takes over 20 minutes.
7. The incompetent WiFi
It never wants to work, and when it does, it's überslow. Have to take a quiz on Blackboard? Have to write your professor a quick email? Want to catch up on your Netflix? Yeah, it's not going to happen.