For some people, Miami is known for its high fashion and carefree lifestyle. Movies often portray this kind of image, and as a result many tourists are interested in visiting Miami. Some people might even become permanent residents. In contrast, some people might be intimidated by how Miami is portrayed. For this reason, they could be missing out on some of the best educational opportunities available.
If you’re considering attending a college in Miami, but seem to be a bit hesitant about moving to the area, all you have to do is conduct a little research to discover that Miami is much more than what is seen on television or the movies. Put your fears to rest and go and see for yourself!
Take a Vacation in Miami
It’s not uncommon to visit a university that you’re interested in attending. So why not turn it into a vacation with a purpose? This is something you can do while you’re still in high school during the summer. If you’re already in school and thinking about transferring to a university in Florida, then take advantage of some of the free time in between semesters—especially during the spring and winter breaks!
Find Out What the City of Miami Has to Offer
There’s no doubt about it, Miami is a fun and active environment. Located near the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, those tropical dream vacations are only hours away from Miami. Plus, there’s so much culture to drink in. You can immerse yourself in the Wynwood Arts District for days. This doesn’t include all of the eclectic culture that Miami Beach has to offer.
So while you’re vacationing in Florida, be sure not to relax too much. Remember, you’re on vacation with a purpose! Make a list of all the Florida colleges you’re interested in attending and schedule an appointment with the admissions office so that you can get a thorough tour of the campuses.
Visit Colleges that Interest You
You may find that some campuses might be too big for your liking and that you prefer a smaller university where you can get more one on one time with your professor. On the other hand, you might prefer attending a larger campus—it’s all about what you want! At any rate, you definitely want to find out what the colleges in that area have to offer. For instance:
- Accreditation – Finding out whether or not the college you’re interested in attending is accredited is important. Unfortunately, it’s also overlooked. Many prospective students tend to get caught up in the campus culture and school spirit, then making their decision based on that alone. If you’re investing in a college education, it’s crucial that you make sure that it’s an accredited university that has earned the approval of other respected educational institutions in the region. It’s the only way you can be sure that you’re getting a quality education.
- Determine if the tuition is affordable – This is an important one! While financial assistance is readily available to almost any student, it’s wise to look at the cost of the academic program you’re interested in. Financial assistance can come in many different forms: loans, grants, and scholarships. If you’re taking out federal loans, be mindful of exactly how much your requesting because you will be expected to pay these loans back after you graduate.
- Do the classes offer flexibility? – This is a great question to ask because these days, even the traditional student can become a non-traditional student with just one lifestyle change. Non-traditional students are typically over the age of 22 and work a full-time job. These students may even be returning to college to further their existing career. So, enrolling in a university with a flexible class schedule like evening courses and online programs can be a great benefit.
- Are the college credits transferrable? – There’s not much research required here. Either the university accepts transferred credits, or it doesn’t. Although, if the university has been accredited, it’s highly likely that the credits are transferable. However, an accredited institution will not accept credits from educational institutions that are not accredited.
- What types of resources are available? – What else besides an academic program does the college have to offer? Make sure that the college you choose has plenty of resources readily available that will help you through your academic career. A library, language and writing lab, bookstore, and training center are just a few of the things to look for in a college. You also might even find interest in some sports-related activities.
- Read the Success Stories – Another great way to determine if the college you’re interested in is a good fit for you is to read about any student success stories they might have. You can usually find them on the university’s website. If they don’t have any success stories, then that might be a big clue as to whether or not you should even apply.
- Reassess Your Overall Goal – Starting college life can be an exciting time. It’s quite easy to get wrapped up in all of this research and forget what your main goal was to begin with. Remember why you were considering colleges in the Miami area to begin with. Reassess what type of career you want to have and where you’d like to work once you finish your education.
Find a College That Helps You Stay Focused
The city of Miami is a wonderful place to live while earning your college degree. Florida National University (FNU) is located in the South Florida area with two campuses in Miami and Hialeah along with a training and online center. If you’re looking for real world experience in an area that is rich in culture and diversity, consider living the student life in Miami. Don’t let your hesitancy cause you to miss out on what might be the best educational opportunity for you. Contact any one of our campuses today for questions about how you can apply to FNU. You can also contact us online.
