What a better way to introduce our FIU collegiettes to Her Campus than with a dictionary that will inevitably become necessary throughout your college career?
A- Academic Advising Center
If you want to survive your first two years at FIU, this is a MUST. We all think that we can plan out our college courses by ourselves, right? Wrong. FIU’s core curriculum can be quite the puzzle to figure out, and it sure can’t be solved without the support of your advisor. Stop by PC249 if you’re stuck in an enrollment rut!
B- Bustelo
What better way to get your day started at FIU than with a Café Cubanito and a croquetica? They are fast, speedy and run by some older sweeties! We certainly can’t imagine FIU without our favorite pan tostada from Bustelo!
C – Coffee
Really, what is college without coffee? FIU provides many locations on campus that serve up every type of coffee imaginable. For the vegan, soy chai lattes can be found at the Starbucks in GL. For the sugar addict, there’s always the delicious iced coffee provided by Dunkin Donuts in PG5. And for those on a cheap budget and tight schedule (aka every college student), there are coffee vending machines in almost every building, the perfect option for those on the go.
D – Dale. (DAH-LAY)
You hear it in every Pitbull song and in every corner you turn on campus. At FIU it’s not a name, it’s a Spanish euphemism for “GO, DO IT, GO FOR IT!”
E- Engineering, along with architecture.
They’re the most dreadful yet most elusive majors on campus; they have the coolest buildings and host the famed competition “Walk On Water” every semester in order to pass their course. However, the 5-year degrees and endless hours you spend studying on campus is perhaps what drives away students from ever setting foot into those majors. Nevertheless, we applaud the dedication that every architecture and engineering student faces. Going back and forth between two campuses daily is no joke!
F- FIJI.
The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity is the only Greek organization with a house on campus. Their purple lights, tall palm trees, beach chairs and volleyball nets really give quite the Miami vibe to out-of-state visitors.
G – GC
It’s the first two letters that fresh meat instantly grasp. Here is where you can witness the “FIU” community come to life. If you haven’t spent time here signing up for all the free food, shirts and other goodies, then you’re pretty much missing out on a big part of your college experience. When else in your life will you get free pizza, and shirts, all at the same time, twice or three times a week?!
H- Heat.
Both types of heat. Guaranteed 1 out of every 10 people is wearing Miami Heat paraphernalia. It is also guaranteed that 1 out of every 10 people will be suffering from heat exhaustion after walking in the brutal sun all the way from Panther Garage to their class in GC.
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I- Irregardless
Contrary to popular belief, irregardless is actually two phrases combined in English and Spanish. Y, in Spanish as in “and” and “regardless” in English. Combined they both mean “and regardless.” The phonetics of this particular phrase is a staple in our FIU community.
J – Junior Year
The time is now. Just kidding, but in all seriousness this is the year when you should have your major declared. If not, make sure to check with the advisor of your particular school to help steer you into your dream major!
K- Kendall
It’s where 70% of FIU panthers reside. Here lies the hub of Miami’s Latino culture. Regal theatres, Dadeland Mall, Lime, Chipotle, 100 Montaditos, Off the Grille, and of course World of Beer. We can’t possible imagine what our FIU community would be like without Kendall.
L- Library
A.K.A. Club Lib. Synonymous with the infamous club LIV. Of course, without all the flashy dancers, dim lighting and drinking! Instead, at club LIB, avid panther-goers will be drowning themselves in coffee, flashcards, hoodies and textbooks.
M- Moe’s Mondays.
Every college kid’s dream. 5 dollar meals with free chips? Yeah, we’ll take ten of those meals and make sure to refrigerate the remaining 9 for the rest of our week!
N- No puedo.
I can’t. Enough said.
O- 3 (Oh) 5
It is one of the most enviable area codes in the world, but something very close to the hearts of Miami locals. Besides 786, expect 305 to be a part of your daily life at FIU.
P – Pollo Tropical
It’s the core of Sorority and Fraternity Life. Here, Greeks are always hanging around the tables of Pollo Tropical and preying on new potential members. Don’t feel intimidated by the crowds, just order your yuca bites and try to find a table outside of the jam-packed area.
Q- Quba
The official English pronunciation of Cuba. Don’t worry, the more time you spend on campus the more you’ll be scolded at the fact that it’s pronounced KOO-BAH not Quba.
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R- Roary
The official name of our Panther. Many graduates leave FIU without knowing the name of their mascot; please don’t be one of those.
S- Spanglish
Admit it, we all know that this is the official language that the majority of students speak. If you aren’t a Miami native you’ll eventually learn to eat, breathe and sleep Spanglish. Consider it a 4-year course, free of charge!
T- Two Hours
It’s the amount of time you must be on campus before class starts in order to find a parking spot.
U- Urban Life
Urban life is something that every FIU panther takes pride in. The lively events and organizations are some of the amazing additions that adds on to FIU’s melting pot.
V- Viertes Haus
Perhaps the most alien building on campus. You will probably have or had one class in this building. Whatever else goes on in there is a mystery to most.
W- Week of Welcome
It is one of the most exciting events hosted by Campus Life. Throughout the first week of the semester, there are tons of fun events being hosted around campus. Many of these include pool parties, club fairs, free lunches, a carnival, movie nights and the celebrated panther palooza. Make sure not to miss out on next semester’s events!
X- The real name of Molly
It is something that we recommend you to stay away from, especially since it’s really popular in the party scene here in Miami. A side effect is death, literally!
Y- You Mad Bro?
Yeah we’re all mad at the fact that parking is pretty much non-existent at FIU.
Z- Zedd
FIU is known for having the most popular homecoming concerts in South Florida. Zedd’s 2013 FIU Homecoming Performance might as well have been advertised as “Mini-Ultra.” In 2012, Kaskade showcased his skills for FIU Panthers alongside B.o.B. and Cobra Starship. Seriously, what artists can ever resist visiting our beautiful campus and city?