Summer is changing into fall, which means that Seminoles are preparing to start the new semester soon. For students, this can be an overwhelming experience, and we want to help alleviate some of that anxiety. If you’re attending Florida State University fall 2018, read this article to learn more about important dates, parking plans, football scheduling, and tutoring options for new and returning students. Let us be your guide to tackling college in Tallahassee!
Fall 2018-19 at FSU: Important Dates and Holidays
Whether you’re graduating this semester, attending on VA benefits, or seeking financial aid, we have all the dates to know for this fall semester at FSU. Refer to this list to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Dates You Need to Know for the Beginning of the Semester
August 1, 2018: Last day for students to submit fall 2018 transient applications
August 22, 2018: Residence halls open at 9:00 a.m.
August 25, 2018: Drop/add for fall begins.
August 27, 2018: Classes begin for all students.
Late registration for all students is offered with a $100.00 fee
August 30, 2018: Final day to drop or add for classes with fee adjustments
Final day to cancel enrollment and have their fees executed
Final day to add any courses without approval of the dean
Dates You Need to Know if You’re a Student with VA Benefit
August 31, 2018: Final day for VA deferment and submitted waivers and/or bills
September 7, 2018: Last day to pay all deferment costs for both VAs and non-VAs
Dates You Need to Know if You’re on Semester or Annual Student Health Insurance
March 2, 2018: Enrollment for Fall 2018 or Annual Student Health Insurance begins
August 15, 2018: Fall 2018 or Annual Student Health Insurance begins
September 14, 2018: Last day to cancel Fall or Annual Student Health Insurance
October 1, 2018: Spring 2019 Student Health Insurance begins
Dates You Need to Know Regarding Financial Aid
August 21, 2018: Early Financial Aid begins via EFT
September 5, 2018: Financial Aid and Loan Deferment Period begins
September 14, 2018: Financial Aid and Loan Deferment Period ends (students must have ALL their fees paid off by the 7th)
October 12, 2018: Final day to petition/reinstate classes that couldn't be paid by tuition
Fall 2018 deferment expires
Dates You Need to Know for the End of the Semester
October 12, 2018: Final day to request an S/U grade or change S/U to regular grade
Final day to drop courses without permission of the Dean
Final day to drop course/ class without receiving a grade
November 16, 2018: Deadline for dean-approved late drop
December 7, 2018: Last day of class
December 10-14,2018: Final exam week
December 14, 2018: Semester ends
Dates You Need to Know if You’re Graduating This Semester
September 3-14, 2018: Graduation application period for fall 2018 (students can apply here: https://my.fsu.edu)
October 22, 2018: Final day to submit doctoral dissertation or treatise for pro-defense format review
November 5, 2018: Final day to submit master thesis for pro-defense format review
November 19, 2018: Final day for master thesis, treatise, or dissertation form submission
December 14, 2018: Final day for master thesis, treatise, or dissertation final submission
Diploma date
Dates You Need to Know for Spring 2019
October 1, 2018: Spring 2019 registration guide opens
October 15, 2018: Spring 2018 Registration begins
December 1, 2018: Last day for students to submit spring 2019 transient applications.
Holidays and Events During the Semester
September 3, 2018: Labor Day (no class)
September 21-22, 2018: Parents’ Weekend (more information here: https://pw.union.fsu.edu/)
November 12, 2018: Veterans’ Day (no class)
November 16, 2018: Homecoming (no class after 1:10 p.m.)
November 22-25, 2018: Thanksgiving break (no class)
December 14, 2018 - January 6, 2019: Winter break (no class)
FSU Football Schedule for Fall 2018
September 3, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.: Virginia Tech Hokies (Doak Campbell Stadium)
September 8, 2018 at 7:20 p.m.: Samford Bulldogs (Doak Campbell Stadium)
September 15, 2018 at 12:00 pm: Syracuse Orange (Carrier Dome)
September 22, 2018 at TBA: Northern Illinois Huskies (Doak Campbell Stadium)
September 29, 2018 at TBA: Louisville Cardinals (Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium)
October 6, 2018 at TBA: Miami Hurricanes (Hard Rock Stadium)
October 20, 2018 at TBA: Wake Forest Demon Deacons (Doak Campbell Stadium)
October 27, 2018 at TBA: Clemson Tigers (Doak Campbell Stadium)
November 3, 2018 at TBA: NC State Wolfpack (Carter-Finley Stadium)
November 10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Notre Dame Stadium)
November 17, 2018 at TBA: Boston College Eagles (Doak Campbell Stadium)
November 24, 2018 at TBA: Florida Gators (Doak Campbell Stadium)
Related content: Restaurants Near Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee Perfect for Game Day
Parking and Transportation at FSU
No matter what college campus you attend, navigating your way to classes can cause headaches, but having this information on parking and transportation at FSU will save you half the pain.
Parking Permits at FSU
There are different types of permits FSU offers, but these are some that students should definitely consider. Keep in mind that the permits are necessary for parking while the tags are just add-ons to the permit.
VW Student Virtual Permit
This permit is for students paying the transportation access fee while attending classes in fall 2018. Students can use it to park in student spaces, faculty/staff spaces after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends, and loading zones for 20 Minutes.
VMC Motorcycle Permit
This permit allows any affiliate of the school to park their motorcycle or scooter on campus. Unfortunately, you’re only allowed to park in designated VMC spots at any given time.
Permanent Disabled Parking Permits
These are available to any school affiliate that has a permanent disability. There are spaces in the front designated for these individuals.
V Visitor Hang Tag
If you plan to visit the campus more than once but aren’t enrolled, this is the pass for you! With a “V” pass, anyone can park at any non-gated faculty/staff spaces, student spaces, and loading zones for 20 minutes.
B Back-In Hang Tag
This tag is good for any school affiliate to back-in to spaces on campus.
Temporary Disabled Parking Hang Tag
School affiliates with a temporary disability due to injury may qualify for a temporary disabled tag. To receive one, the individual must present a note from a doctor requesting the tag.
The Best Places to Park on Campus at FSU
According to Transportation Services as FSU, it can be difficult to find a parking spot on a bustling campus such as theirs. But if you’re rushing to get to classes or meet up with friends, the best parking spots to aim for are the parking garages and parking lots around the parameter of the campus, not the center. Students can also download the FSU Tranz mobile app to help them locate parking spots and receive updates about parking locations near them. Here are some of the best (and biggest) parking areas for FSU students:
Spirit Way Garage (Spirit Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304)
Located right next to Joanne Graf Field, this garage has a total of 1,534 spots. This includes 24 disabled spots, 28 motorcycle spots, and 1178 student spots. Additionally, it’s a short walk away from the FSU College of Medicine and Psychology department.
St. Augustine Garage (430 S Macomb St, Tallahassee, FL 32301)
Located right next to the Augustus B Turnbull Conference Center, this garage has a total of 991 spots. This includes 30 disabled spots, 18 motorcycle spots, and 852 student spots. Plus, it’s a slight jog away from the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, FSU College of Law, and Museum of Florida History.
Call Street Garage (525 W Call St, Tallahassee, FL 32304)
Located right next to FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts, this garage has 965 spots. This includes 23 disabled spots, 5 motorcycle spots, and 793 student spots. From here, students can walk to the FSU College of Music, College of Fine Arts, and Old City Cemetery from this location.
Traditions Way Garage (810 Traditions Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304)
Located right next to Legacy Fountain, this garage has 838 spots. This includes 16 disabled spots, 3 motorcycle spots, and 696 student spots. Additionally, this garage is right next to the FSU School of Dance, Information and Shores Building, and Doman Hall.
Stone North/ McCollum/ Rogers Hall/ Hull Drive - West
Albeit being smaller alone, these four parking lots are conjoined near the Rogers and Stone buildings. Together, they make up over 500 student spots alone. This would be the best place to park if you’re stopping in for a quick bite to eat at the Seminole Cafe or any of the halls like Rogers, Stone, or Sally.
Transportation at FSU
Need to get around but don’t have a car? Believe it or not, FSU has a flexible transportation system for all their students. Check out some of the top ways to get around when attending Florida State:
Seminole Express Bus Service
Not enough time to walk to class? Want to take a ride to a nearby shopping center? No problem! FSU provides their own transportation service for students that take then to, from, and around campus. Take the Garnet Bus to the Towne South Shopping Center or take the Nite Nole from Appleyard Dr. all the way to Call St., practically a lap around the entire campus! Students can track any SEBS bus through myFSU mobile, but keep in mind that this transportation system only runs when classes are in session.
Star Metro City Bus System
When the SEBS system is down or full, students can also ride the Star Metro System to, from, and around campus. They offer travel on weekdays and weekends from Azalea St. all the way to the Kroger Center. The best part about the SMCBS is that they’re all free to ride with a valid FSU card. How sweet is that?
Noles Cab
If you need to get somewhere in Tallahassee specifically, taking a cab might be a good option. The Noles Cab is the Tallahassee Yellow Cab service offering a discount for students with a valid FSU ID. That means up to 4 students can load up in a Tallahassee Yellow Cab and stop twice for only $5 per vehicle load. Plus, the flat rate with fees to get to the airport is only $15. This is especially good for getting somewhere in fast time, too. Call (850)999-9999 to connect with this service.
S.A.F.E Connections
It’s plausible that some Seminoles will have a drink or two occasionally, which means that getting home safely is a priority. Luckily, S.A.F.E is a free service offered to FSU students every day from 7:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. during normal campus hours. Call (850) 644-SAFE (7233) to connect with this service.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Sick of riding the bus all the time? Want to take the wheel? Enterprise has partnered up with FSU to help students rent vehicles across the Tallahassee area. Enterprise offers complimentary pick-up service and 24-hour roadside assistance for any question you might have. Students can even get in contact with the campus Transportation Services to rent an Enterprise car, which makes it that much more convenient.
FSU students can find more information on these transportation options on the FSU Transportation and Parking Services page.
Tutoring and Other Resources at FSU
Having a tough time in class? Can’t quite grasp a concept? First, take a deep breath, then read about these completely-accessible tutoring options that FSU offers for every student:
Peer Tutoring Appointments (Via Learning Studio)
Students can get help from peers in a multitude of semester subjects including math, biology, foreign languages, graduate studies, and other academics. Peers are flexible and offer various times throughout the week for study time depending on their schedule. Plus, the learning lab holds a quiet and studious environment, so students can focus well. To make an appointment, students must go online to Campus Connect or call the Learning Lab directly.
Math Drop-In Tutoring (Via ACE Math Studio)
Math can also be a tricky thing to grasp, but the staff at the ACE Math Studio is making it easier for struggling students to pass. Located across from the Learning Studio, they offer tutoring in a series of subjects like Precalculus, College Algebra, Business Algebra, and Trigonometry. The ACE Studio does also offer walk-ins during normal business hours, but students can also make appointments online via Campus Connect or through a quick phone call.
Group Tutoring (Via ACE Studio Tutors)
Learn better in a class? FSU also offers group tutoring sessions led by ACE tutors. The best part about these sessions is that students who want to participate don’t need to sign up prior to the lecture. However, tutors do recommend that these students prepare a list of questions and concerns prior to the lecture, just to make things run smoother. To find a group session best suited for you, check the calendar on the ACE Tutoring website.
University Library
If you don’t have the time to make an appointment or coordinate with an ACE tutor, students can also visit the library and get drop-in tutoring directly from the Learning District. Students can visit either the Strozier or Dirac Libraries for easy help in subjects like biology, math, and chemistry during normal business hours Sunday to Wednesday, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Reading Writing Center
Every student struggling with grammar and literature can also take a visit to the Reading and Writing Center at FSU. Tutors will work one-on-one with students to help them develop their skills through process, rhetorical awareness, reflective practice, and transfer. Students can make an appointment directly on the center’s website.
Research Consultations
Need a second opinion on your paper? FSU students have access to a variety of resources that can help them get the reassurance they need on any academic or personal projects. This webpage offers a series of self-guided resources like tutorial and research guides, but students also can make an appointment with a librarian if they need personal validity.
Students who are enrolled can take advantage of any of these tutoring options. But if they need more specific help in terms of their major, they can check out specialized tutoring on the FSU Division of Undergraduate Studies website.
Whether you’re looking to organize your schedule, find a good parking spot, or get help from a tutor, we hope your time at FSU is a good one! Study well, stay safe, and go Seminoles!
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