Sorry to interrupt summer vacation, but dorm move in will be here before we know it. If you live near a Bed Bath & Beyond, you can sign up for a student event where supposedly they will be giving out advice and special offers.  I wandered into a special event there for something else near the holidays and they were giving out tote bags with free goodies inside so it may be worth your while to sign up and head over there. I will go to my local event next month and report back but in the meantime, you can head to http://www.studentlifeevents.com/ and see if there is an event happening near you.

The Container Store a/k/a "my personal danger zone" is also holding college events in June, July and August. I will likely head over there also despite my own personal ban on going there because I always spend money on things that are supposed to get me organized but never do. I will also report back on that.   Here is the link to sign up for an event near you. http://www.containerstore.com/collegeinvite/index.htm

College Mom Insider's Guide To Florida State University Orientation...

I attended the first Fall orientation session for the incoming Fall 2016 Freshman during the first week of May. Here are the basics for you, so you know what to expect.

WHAT MOMS SHOULD BRING/WEAR:

This was not a glamorous trip. It was about 92 degrees (it was only May 31st!) and humid. It also rained on and off.  There is quite a bit of walking involved.  Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Don't waste the money on a blowout (my hair frizzed immediately). Not to sound like a mother but seriously, bring a sweater and an umbrella. As Floridians know, even though it is a sauna outside, once you get inside, you freeze quickly!

WHAT YOUR STUDENTS SHOULD BRING/WEAR:

They need a government-issued ID plus their FSU login ID number. They need XL twin sheets for dorm as well as towels, toiletries, etc. Parents are not allowed into the dorm at any time during the entire orientation. My son's orientation leader let them order pizza at night so money and snacks are a good idea.  A refillable water bottle is also a great idea. Many of the kids were wearing their Seminole garb. If your kid does not have any yet, don't worry because the bookstore is open and ready to sell you anything you can imagine in garnet and gold. 

 They should not bring alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, etc. I was told that at the summer orientation a few students got caught smoking pot and were expelled from FSU before they even started. I bet their parents were really happy about that! 

SHOULD MOMS BRING MY SPOUSE or OTHER CHILDREN?

After orientation ended, I felt like I had a great idea of what life at FSU is like and was excited for my son to attend. While I highly suggest that at least one parent attend orientation, having two parents attend is not necessary. I don't mind sitting by myself and most of the parents at orientation were friendly,  so I was fine. If you are shy or want your spouse to be involved in the college experience, you may want to have them attend. As for younger siblings, I think that they would be bored to death. It may actually turn them off from wanting to go to college. Wait and bring them to a Football game in the fall! 

WHAT THE INSIDER MOMS SUGGEST YOU GET ACCOMPLISHED DURING ORIENTATION:

There is A LOT of information thrown at the parents during orientation but remember, we are not the ones going to college.  What we suggest you get accomplished during your time on campus is:

1. Make sure that your child gets his FSUCard: This is their student ID and they need it. 

2. Make sure that your child attends all of the orientation sessions. Supposedly if they don't, they could get in trouble. By the way, there is no requirement that parents attend any of the sessions and attendance for you will not be taken. 

3. Check  financial aid status and get any questions answered before the big fall rush. 

4. Sign up for Seminole Dining if you are going to do so.  There were stations all over orientation and the sign up was quick and easy. You don't need to pay for the plan until school starts but there are bonuses for signing up during orientation

5. Check on housing application if you did not do that prior to orientation. 

6. Make sure that your child's immunization forms have been attached to their FSU ID 

7. Verify whether or not your health insurance complies with their insurance rules. If not, you'll have to buy their plan. Don't assume that your plan will work with FSU. Many major insurance plans won't cover your child there. You don't want to get stuck with an unexpected bill in August. 

8. Have your student open a SunTrust Bank Account before the August craziness ensues. You need at least $100 minimum deposit to open one but it is linked to their FSUCard. The account is fee-free and there is no minimum balance requirement. The ATM's on campus are fee-free for SunTrust account holders.

Other than the above, here is the breakdown of all events. Be advised that you have a different schedule than your student and you are not allowed to sit with him when he registers for classes. 

Here is the schedule of events for Orientation 2016:

Day One: Check In 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m
We were told to report to DeGraff Residence Hall by 7 p.m. I did not really know my way around, so we pulled into the parking lot at 6:30 and a line was already forming. The parking at DeGraff was limited so getting there early was actually not a bad thing. Once 7 p.m. rolled around, the line moved quickly but beware, no parents are allowed in. All of the parents walked their students up to the gate and were not allowed into the dorm during the entire orientation.

If your child wants to bunk with a friend during orientation, they need to check in together, otherwise, they are randomly assigned roommates as they walk in.

The parents were then told to hustle on down the road to the Alumni Center.  Most parents drove over there but seriously, it was a short walk.  Once there, parents were assigned to an orientation leader by last names and handed a schedule called "Holopaw". There was a dessert reception for the parents.

Day Two: The really, long day

Parking: Parents were given a parking pass to park for free in a parking garage near the student union. This was a big garage, but if you show up late, it might be difficult to find  a space.

8:00-8:45 a.m.: Parents were told to show up at the union area at this time and the students were released from the dorm and walked over. I hung out in the student union area and got breakfast at the on campus Einsteins using a coupon that they gave us at check in.  My student met me there but then ran over to the bookstore (right next door) to get the coveted FSUCard.

8:50-9:20 a.m.  Welcome session: All the students and parents went to a ballroom at the union and there was a welcome to FSU presentation to get everyone fired up.

The students then left to do student-stuff.

9:30-10:30 a.m. Housing discussion: This was not as practical as I wanted it to be. They went over the general rules ( no candles, no hoverboard, no nonsense, no destroying the place) and they basically told us to tell our kids to try to work out any roommate disagreements because they are overcrowded and switching roommates or dorms is virtually impossible. They advised that once you move in, you are on the hook for paying even if your student moves out. They did not talk about what the kids really need in terms of gear/stuff but did say that the local stores are ready for us to invade in August. Note: There is no touring of dorms during orientation. 

10:30-11:00 a.m.  Seminole Dining: They went over the various dining plans and costs. It is not very complicated.  My FSU Mom Insiders suggest going for the unlimited/V.I.P. plan during the freshman year because it seems that on the limited plans, the kids often run out of funds and, during finals, when they need food the most, they are strarving.  You don't have to pay for the plan until school starts and sign up during orientation was simple and quick.

11:05-11:55 a.m. Money Matters: This was probably the most important lecture for parents to attend. They went over financial aid, Bright Futures, when payment is due and also what happens if your student drops a class after the first week of school. (You lose the money and if Bright Futures paid, you have to pay it back!)

12:00-12:45 p.m. Lunch: The parents are still separated from the students and headed off for a 10-minute walk to one of the dining halls. It was buffet style and there were a variety of options including lots of healthy ones. Meals were free for orientation registrants.

1:00-1:30 p.m. Orientation Leaders discuss FSU: After a walk back to the Union, we broke out into small groups with our orientation leader who discussed "FSU and you".

1:40 -2:20 Ask the Experts: Orientation leaders share FSU traditions and answer questions

2:20-3:00 p.m. Get to Know Your College: We finally met back up with the students and broke out into rooms depending on the college that you were accepted to. A presentation was given about majors and it was very informative

3:10-3:40 p.m. Campus Networking: There are various break-out sessions covering everything from "changing your major" to "going greek". You can go with your student or separate.

4:25-5:00 p.m. Advisor Training for Families We then broke away from our students. This is where they went over how your student picks classes

5:15-7:30 Campus Tour, presentation and dinner The orientation separates into two groups depending on your child's badge color. You once again walk about ten minutes to a different  dining hall where you meet up with your student and have dinner. There was then supposed to be a campus tour but it was storming so ours was canceled.

Afterwards, your student leaves you to continue with group activities for the evening and you can go back to your hotel for much-needed cocktails and a shower!

Day Three: a/k/a The day that they keep the parents busy while the students register for classes

The kids pack up their stuff and store their luggage. My son was told that luggage was not going to be available for pick up until after 1:00 p.m., so if you need to hit the road early, arrange to pick it up before he or she heads over for the orientation events.

7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. Breakfast: Parents and students are sent to different dining rooms, so if you're not a breakfast eater or if it is included in your hotel package, you may want to just head on over to the Askew Student life Center (There is a coffee bar inside!). All of the parent events are held in the movie theater inside the building except the very last one where you meet up with your students.

While you are listening to presentations from various representatives from different departments of the university, your student is receiving academic advisement and registering for classes.

Here is the line up of Parent Presentations:

8:05-8:20: Family Connection
8:25-8:55 Dean of Students Department
9:00-9:25 University Health Services
10:05-10:50  Campus Safety
10:55-11:35 Career Center
11:45-12:10 Your new 'Nole

At 12:25 the parents walk over to the Union and meet up with the kids for the Seminole Send Off.


The students then walk back to the dorm and get their luggage.

FSU (Florida State University) Freshman Orientation Dates...

If your child is a freshman heading to FSU in the fall, you have until May 1st to sign up for and pay for orientation. Orientation is required.

For some reason, these dates are unavailable to view unless you pay your deposit and go to the orientation page, so here is a gift... hthe 2016 orientation dates available for incoming  FSU freshman.

You must register not only the student, but anyone else who will be attending. I have been told by other FSU insider moms that the earlier you go to orientation, the better shot you have of getting the classes that you want, so despite all of the end of the year senior fun going on, you may want to hightail it up to Tally sooner rather than later.  The cost is $112 per student and $66 per guest.

Students get to stay in a dorm for two nights during the orientation, but anyone else has to find another place to crash.   College Mom Insiders say that the aloft and hotel duval are great choices.


Here are the dates for orientation for Fall 2016 first time in college and transfer student with less than 60 credit hours. As I am writing this, all sessions, except the first one are still open for registration.

Monday, May 30, 7:00 PM - Wednesday, June 1, 1:00 PM

Tuesday, May 31, 7:00 PM - Thursday, June 2, 1:00 PM

Wednesday, June 1, 7:00 PM - Friday, June 3, 1:00 PM

Sunday, June 5, 7:00 PM - Tuesday, June 7, 1:00 PM

Monday, June 6, 7:00 PM - Wednesday, June 8, 1:00 PM

Tuesday, June 7, 7:00 PM - Thursday, June 9, 1:00 PM

Wednesday, June 8, 7:00 PM - Friday, June 10, 1:00 PM

Sunday, June 12, 7:00 PM - Tuesday, June 14, 1:00 PM

Monday, June 13, 7:00 PM - Wednesday, June 15, 1:00 PM

Tuesday, June 14, 7:00 PM - Thursday, June 16, 1:00 PM

Wednesday, June 15, 7:00 PM - Friday, June 17, 1:00 PM

Monday, June 20, 7:00 PM - Wednesday, June 22, 1:00 PM

Tuesday, June 21, 7:00 PM - Thursday, June 23, 1:00 PM

Time to find a roommate...

    

FSU Clock on Amazon

 Dorm and roommate choices are due by May 1st, 2016 for the fall term.  If your child chooses a specific roommate, the higher (worse) priority number of the two is what the housing department uses.

     There is a facebook group  of FSU students in the class of 2020 where kids are trying to meet potential roommates and there is also a website called "roomsurf.com" that other college moms have told me has worked out well for them.

      There is always the "take your chances" method which probably has the same probability of working out as any of the other methods and is likely the one we are going with. We all know of people who met their best friends when they moved into the dorms and those who roomed with friends who ended up becoming enemies, so it is sort of a crap shoot anyway. 

       I'm staying out of this as much as possible. How about you?

   

Financial Aid (including Bright Futures) scholarships at FSU...

   

Cute Piggy Bank from Amazon.com.

  I spoke to a nice woman at the Financial Aid office today. I was wondering why no financial aid information, including Bright Futures data,  was noted on my son's FSU portal.   She explained that they have not released any financial aid packages for Fall 2016 freshmen yet, but expect to release them sometime during the week of April 4th, 2016.  

 An e-mail should go out to students when the packages are posted, so keep an eye out.   They must accept or reject any offers, so it is a good idea to stay on top of this next month.

If you have not filled out your Federal (FASA) or your Florida Financial Aid Form, you probably should get going on that also. If your child is eligible for Bright Futures, I have been told that both of these forms need to be filled out. They involve entering household financial information, so your child may need assistance with this important paperwork.

Another insider tip is to make sure that your Florida Pre-paid account is actually linked up to your child's social security number. For some reason, my son's was not and I had to mail (not email) forms to the Florida Pre-paid people to have them link it up. I guess that I did not know his social security number when I bought the policy. It should show on the FSU portal if you are classified as "pre-paid", if not, you may want to contact the pre-paid people at 1-800-552-4723.

Anything else that I am missing here? Please let me know. Either leave a comment or e-mail at CollegeMomInsider@gmail.com 

If your child is heading to FSU in the fall, what you should be doing this Spring...

   If your child is heading to FSU in the fall, Congratulations!  We should be new BFF's because we are in the same boat.  I've been interviewing friends who have walked this path ahead of us and have done some research. According to many sources, these are the things that should be on your "to do list" right now:

1. Housing: 

If you have not given a deposit, do so a.s.a.p.  The deadline for sending in your dorm and roommate choices is May 1st. Unlike giving your housing deposit, FSU has told me that the dorm choosing is not a first come, first served thing. Everyone just must have their choices in no later than May 1st, 2016. Placement is solely based on priority numbers which are based on when you signed up for housing.

If your student opts to request a specific roommate, that roommate must also request your child. Space will then be assigned based on the higher/worst contract number of the roommate pair. 

2.  Health Forms: 

Your child will need a physical form filled out that shows all immunizations. This needs to be done before orientation.

3. Insurance: 

One of my friends has advised that her health insurance was not enough for FSU. They required her to buy their insurance which was $1800 for the 2015-2016 school year. You may want to look into this so that you do not have an unplanned expense in August.

4.  Orientation:

Go to the FSU website and pick a date.  During this 2 day/2 night event, your child will sleep in the dorms.  It is mandatory for incoming freshmen, but according to my FSU mom-friends,  at least one parent should absolutely go. This program is packed with information for both parents and students and will answer most, if not all, of your questions. One of my FSU mom friend's described orientation as "fun" and she went twice! 

We were told on our tour of FSU that the earlier you go to orientation, the better because this is when you register for classes. 

You will need a hotel for you. (No dorms for parents!) Good choices in the area are Hotel Duval, Aloft Hotel and Sheraton Four Points.

5. Move in Date:

Dorm move-in date is August 24th, 2016. This corresponds with many school starting weeks for younger siblings so you may need to plan to farm them out.  This also would be a good time to book a room for yourself. Unless you live close by, you will probably need to sleep in Tallahassee for one to two nights while you assist in the  move.

If I am missing anything from this list, please let me know. We are all in this boat together. Ahoy!

About this blog

   My son is a senior in high school and is heading off to FSU in the fall.  I looked for blogs written by FSU moms and, maybe my googling has gone to the dogs, but I couldn't find any.

   I figured that it might help other moms sending their babies off to Tallahassee to give information about the types of things parents want to know.  If you have any input or questions, feel free to comment or drop me a line.

   I'll be blogging about college tours, applying, admittance, orientation, etc now and once he is there...well let's just cross that bird leaving the nest at a later time.

   A little about me... I am a Florida Gator and consider my years as a student in Gainesville some of the very best in my life.  That being said, I'm really excited for my son and I think that FSU really is the best place for him . It may be a little hard for me to sport 'nole paraphernalia or do the tomahawk chop but if he loves FSU, I'm going to love on it too.

    I am married and the Seminole son is my eldest. His little brother is two years behind him.  We live in South Florida and I really pushed for my son to stay in state for college because we have Florida Pre-paid tuition and I did not want him going too far away. Tallahassee is far enough!   

      This blog will be written for parents, and is not going to be about my son's college experience, that will be his story to tell.  If there are any topics that you want for me to investigate, please let me know.