Orientation

Housing

On-Campus Housing: The Department of Housing and Residential Life allows graduate students to take advantage of the on-campus housing experience at FIU. Please see Housing & Residential Life for complete information.

Off-Campus Housing: For information about off-campus housing, please check Off-Campus Housing. Although many websites are available to search for rentals in the local community, FIU is not responsible in any way for the accuracy or availability of information on these sites. Please use caution when giving out personal information or payment to avoid internet scams, identity theft, and fraud. Senior graduate students will probably be your best source of information on convenient apartments.

Banking

FIU has partnerships with the following banks (although you may join any bank):

University Credit Union: University Credit Union is in business to provide the best possible financial services to its members at low cost with favorable rates and overall financial assistance while in constant pursuit of World Class Member Service. For more information, visit the University Credit Union website.

Wells Fargo: FIU and Wells Fargo have teamed up to bring you the FIU One Card. It's your student ID and an ATM card all in one. When your card is linked to a Wells Fargo College Checking® account, you can use it:

• As your official student ID
• To access campus privileges
• For access to cash at Wells Fargo ATMs
• For purchases using your Personal Identification Number (PIN)

To learn more, please visit the Wells Fargo FIU One Card website.

Fees

You are responsible to pay all your fees by the appropriate deadline (usually within the first week of classes) to avoid late fees and cancellations. For graduate student fee information, visit OneStop.

Class Registration

Registration for classes takes place online via MyFIU. In the fall term, you will register for the following courses: GMS 6220: Molecular Genetics and Cellular Biology; and GMS 6605: Basic Structure of the Human Body. Before registering, please contact Odalys De La Rosa, senior program coordinator, at odelaros@fiu.edu.

A list of the most important facts to review before registering for any class can be found at FIU OneStop. The Academic Calendar will be your main reference for deadlines regarding registration, add/drop dates, etc. Please visit FIU OneStop to view the calendar.

Registration Holds

Log on to MyFIU to determine if you currently have any holds that will prevent you from registering. Contact information will be provided to clear any holds you may have.

International Students

All F-1/J-1 students admitted to FIU must report to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office at Graham Center (GC) 355 upon arrival on campus, and before registering for classes. All international students are required to -

• check-in upon arrival - view the instructions for the online process
• attend the mandatory International Student Orientation
• register as a full-time student (9 credits) for fall and spring semesters, and for 6 credits for the summer semester
• obtain medical insurance (students without proof of medical insurance will not be able to register)
• present to the ISSS office an FIU I-20 or DS-2019, an I-94 card, and a valid passport

The ISSS office will give you details on how to apply for a Social Security Number. You need a Social Security Number in order to be paid and may also need one, or proof that you've applied for one, to open a bank account.

Orientation

Graduate Student Orientation: The Florida International University Graduate Student Orientation is offered before the start of the fall and spring semesters and is designed to prepare you for your FIU experience.

At the Orientation, you will:

• Meet representatives from various departments
• Learn about University services available to you
• Learn how to navigate the student webpage - MyFIU
• Find out about the many ways you can get involved on campus
• Take a tour of the Modesto A. Maidique Campus

A mandatory International Student Orientation will also be offered on a separate day. Please visit the FIU graduate school website for more information. 

International Student Orientation: All newly admitted F-1/J-1 international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation. The following topics are covered: maintaining valid visa status, SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System), enrollment requirements, employment, social security numbers, as well as on-campus and off-campus resources for international students. For more information and deadlines, please visit the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website.

PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences Orientation: This orientation session will emphasize the core curriculum, research rotations, fellowship opportunities, laboratory safety requirements, library resources, and educational and information technology services available to you. Topics such as how to access course information at CanvasMed or review class recordings using Tegrity will be discussed. Please note that you will be sitting alongside the medical students for a majority of the didactic courses. Make sure that you are well-oriented before the classes begin.

You will also be receiving information from the Office of Educational Technology via email. Once your student email account is active, look for a registration email from CanvasMed for the PhD Student CanvasMed orientation. This orientation will show you how to navigate CanvasMed and its educational resources. 

Health Insurance

Florida International University provides subsidized health insurance to all graduate assistants holding a full-term appointment for 20 hours per week. All Graduate Assistants are required to participate in this health insurance plan unless their insurance company will certify equivalent coverage. Gallagher Koster will administer the health insurance provided to Graduate Assistants. For more details on Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan and opting out options, visit the Gallagher Student FIU page. If you need additional assistance or have any questions, please contact Odalys De La Rosa at 305-348-4372 or odelaros@fiu.edu.

Immunization

As a pre-requisite to registration, FIU requires all students to comply with the following immunization policy regulations from the Florida Board of Governors regarding immunity of:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Hepatitis B and Meningitis

Please fill out the Immunization Documentation Form and submit it to University Health Services. If you fail to provide this information, a hold will be placed on your record preventing you from registering for classes. For more details, you may contact the Student Health Services via phone: (305) 348-2401 or email: immune@fiu.edu (please include “immunization” in the subject line).

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available to students. CAPS provides mental health services to students that will facilitate and enhance their personal learning, emotional well-being and academic skills development. For additional information and to make an appointment you can visit their Counseling and Psychological Services website. 

Transportation

The Department of Parking & Transportation offers many commuting alternatives to campus, as well as within campus. Bus passes for Miami-Dade buses may be purchased (cash only) at the Department of Parking and Transportation located at PG 5 Market Station. For more information, visit Miami-Dade County Transit.

Parking Decal

Once you are registered for class, you can register your vehicle with FIU Parking. There is no decal that will be issued as all information is online. Students may only park in spaces marked “Student.” Make sure you have no holds on your registration or you will not be able to register for parking.