Editorial: There’s more to campus life than students realize

FIUSM Staff

opinion@fiusm.com

As students attending a commuter school, it’s easy for us to overlook the various opportunities Florida International University has to offer. With only eight percent of FIU’s student body living in on-campus housing, most students commute with the purpose of arriving to school, taking their classes then leaving as soon as possible – most students work, have internships, have their own families or simply have other responsibilities outside of school.

Though it’s understandable that students can’t always be on campus, it’s always good to keep in mind the opportunities FIU provides. Many of these services can be utilized by both campus residents and commuters.

Programs like Career Services are available to assist students in resume building, developing interview skills and preparing students for careers post-graduation. A student can prepare a resume, send it to a Career Service representative and the representative will give the student necessary corrections for a proper resume.

FIU also offers various tutoring services for a variety of subjects. FIU’s online tutoring program is great for students who simply can’t make the time to stay on campus for longer than what their classes entail. The online tutoring program is provided by the University Learning Center’s website and consists of a list of tutors, subjects and online sessions that students can join in at any time.

Of course, students should always prioritize their health when pursuing their degrees. Whether it’s physical or mental health, Student Health Services provides many forms of assistance to students who might feel a bit overwhelmed with the responsibilities of college life. With a diverse list of specialties, the Student Health Center has programs equipped to educate students on health, help those suffering from eating disorders and to empower victims of domestic violence.

Aside from offering standard health services, SHS has an emphasis on LGBTQ Health in which they offer a “safe zone” for LGBTQ students to provide “primary care as well as reproductive and sexual health care.” The providers thus tailor the care and treatment to the individual taking into consideration every particular quality. Having safe and reliable access to sexual education and health care is essential, especially in college.

For students who have difficulty getting to and from campus, FIU offers sustainable transportation options. Available programs and plans can be found on get2fiu.com, including a carpooling matchmaker, shuttle schedules and information about the Emergency Ride Home program. If you are a student who gets to campus by biking, skating or even walking, you can receive six free taxi rides through the Emergency Ride Home system. This program is offered to Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and Saint Lucie county residents.

The important thing to note is that universities are a conglomeration of opportunities and initiatives designed specifically for furthering education. FIU is more than its classes, and its students need to leave behind the mindset that a degree is the ultimate benefit of attending college. Panthers should see FIU as a springboard into the future rather than something to check off of a “to-do” list.