FSU Families

New Nole Orientation is mandatory for all first-time in college students and transfer undergraduate students. We highly encourage families to attend orientation with their student to learn all the important information necessary for your student's transition to college. Families can learn more about New Nole Orientation and Family Orientation at orientation.fsu.edu.

Contracts with University Housing will open in early Spring for students admitted for Fall or Spring and will be open until filled. For students admitted for Summer B, these contracts will open later in the Spring.

To explore more information about Housing, including contracts, move-in, and finances, visit https://housing.fsu.edu/explore-housing.

Ensure that your student applies for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Bright Futures Award Recipients (offered to Florida Residents only) should designate FSU as their school in their profile.

To view more tips and next steps for New Noles, visit https://financialaid.fsu.edu/apply-aid/new-students.

Immunization Requirement

In order to register for classes at FSU, all students are required to submit a one-time Immunization form , showing proof of two combined MMR vaccines and to either show proof of or complete a waiver for Hepatitis B and Meningococcal Meningitis. For complete details, select the Immunization Requirements icon at the bottom of this page to access the form and Instructions for completion.

• Are you a Florida Resident or did you receive vaccines in Florida?: Please allow 24-48 hours for any Florida SHOTS records be confirmed to clear you for registration. If your shot record from Florida Shots meets the immunization requirements, no further action will be required.
• If your student's immunization record is incomplete , a To-Do item or Hold will be placed on their student portal. If this occurs, please obtain the necessary documentation and follow the submission instructions located on the immunization requirements page. 

Student Health Insurance Requirement

On an annual basis FSU requires all domestic full time, main campus students and all International students with F or J visa types to show proof of health insurance coverage. For complete details, instructions for showing proof, or, if you do not have sufficient coverage already, and wish to see details for the FSU sponsored plan through United Healthcare Student Resources, select one of the options below or the Insurance Requirement page to get started.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you're uncertain about whether your insurance will cover services at UHS, contact your insurance provider. Let them know that your student is residing in Tallahassee, FL and ask about your coverage status.

We want you to stay updated on everything NSFP is doing throughout the year! Follow us on Instagram (@fsunsfp) and Facebook (FSU New Student & Family Programs). 

Start receiving posts, emails, and newsletters about important events, deadlines, and more going on at FSU! By joining FSU Family Connection, you will stay up to date on the FSU community before even coming to campus.

We know that students often rely on the support and counsel of the people they trust to help navigate campus. While offices on campus want to be able to talk with whoever is chosen to represent your student, they are also committed to honoring privacy rules which leads to what might be a surprising requirement. Offices on campus will need student written permission to talk with anyone other than them about their FSU account. FSU makes it easy for students to grant and maintain this permission through delegated access.

Students can add a delegate, or make changes, through myFSU. 

1. Log into my.fsu.edu.
2. Select "SC" icon under "myFSU Links"
3. Click "My Info"
4. Click "Share My Information" and then follow the prompts. 

SeminoleSAFE is the official safety app of Florida State University. It is the only app that integrates with FSU's safety and security systems. Emergency Management has worked to develop a unique app that provides students, faculty and staff with added safety on the FSU campus. The app will send you important safety alerts and provide instant access to campus safety resources.

Download the app at https://emergency.fsu.edu/services/seminolesafe-mobile-app.

The Academic Calendar is published once each semester. It contains important dates for registration, fees, graduation, and other academic deadlines. You can view the Academic Calendar and Extended Calendars at https://registrar.fsu.edu/bulletins/calendar.

Financial Aid 

• Do you fully understand the types of financial aid you’ve been awarded (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.)? 
• Have you checked if your financial aid covers your full tuition, fees, and living expenses? 
• Did you meet all the deadlines for financial aid applications this year? 

Scholarships and Awards 

• Are there any scholarships or grants you can apply for this semester or next year? 
• What do you need to do to keep your scholarships, like maintaining a certain GPA or completing specific requirements? 

Managing Student Loans and Debt 

• Do you know the difference between federal loans and private loans, and how much you’re borrowing from each? 
• How do you feel about your student loans and the process of paying them off after graduation? 
• Are you aware of any loan forgiveness programs or repayment plans available for graduates? 

Saving and Budgeting 

• What will be your approach to managing money between school, work, and social activities? 
• How do you plan to track your expenses each semester? 
• Have you thought about building an emergency fund or saving for bigger expenses in the future? 

Employment 

• Do you feel that you would benefit from a part-time job or an internship to help with additional spending and financial goals? 
• How many hours per week can you realistically work without impacting your grades? 

Credit Cards 

• What are your thoughts on using credit cards? Do you have a strategy for paying them off? 
• How comfortable are you with taking on credit, and do you understand how interest works? 

Additional Questions 

• Do you have any questions about managing your finances that you haven’t had the chance to ask yet?

Finding and Choosing Roommates

• What qualities would make someone a good roommate for you?
• Do you prefer living with someone you already know, or meeting someone new?
• How would you handle it if your roommate had very different habits (sleep, studying, socializing)?
• What are your non-negotiables when sharing a space with someone?
• Have you thought about how you’d split responsibilities like cleaning or shared supplies?

Roommate Communication & Conflict

• What’s your approach if something about your roommate situation starts bothering you?
• Would you feel comfortable setting expectations early, like quiet hours or guests?
• How do you usually handle conflict—do you address it right away or need time to think first?
• What would a respectful and supportive roommate relationship look like to you?

Safety in the Residence Hall

• How safe do you feel in your current or potential residence hall?
• What safety features do you feel informed about?
• Do you feel comfortable speaking up if you notice something unsafe or unusual?
• What would you do if a situation in the hall made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe?
• How important is it for you to know your neighbors or Resident Assistant (RA)?

Guests, Boundaries, and Shared Space

• What are your expectations around having guests over—yours or your roommate’s?
• How would you feel about overnight guests in a shared room?
• What boundaries would help you feel comfortable in your living space?

Daily Living & Routines

• What kind of environment helps you relax and recharge after a long day?
• Do you prefer a quieter space or something more social and active?
• How do you think living in a residence hall will affect your routines—sleep, meals, study time?
• What would make your living space feel like ‘home’ while you’re on campus?

Support and Resources

• Do you know who you’d go to if you had an issue with your roommate or living situation?
• How do you feel about having an RA or residence staff involved if needed?
• What kind of support would make you feel more comfortable living on campus?

Mental Health and Emotional Wellness 

• How have you been feeling emotionally? 
• What do you do to relax or recharge when things get overwhelming? 
• Is there anything you’ve been struggling with but haven’t had the chance to talk about? 
• What can I do to support you better from here? 

Academic Pressure and Balance 

• How do you feel like you're managing your class work okay? 
• Do you know who to reach out to or contact if you're falling behind or need academic help? 

Social Life and Support Systems 

• How have you been connecting with people on campus? 
• Do you feel like you have a good balance between alone time and time with friends? 
• Have you found any groups or clubs where you feel like you belong? 

Resources and Strategies 

• Do you know where to go if you ever feel overwhelmed or anxious? 
• What helps you calm down or feel better when you’re really stressed? 
• Have you discovered activities or hobbies that helps your mental health? 

Campus Safety 

• Do you know where FSUPD is located on campus or how to reach them? 
• Are you aware of how FSU will alert or inform you of any incidents on campus? 
• Is there someone—like an advisor, Resident Assistant, or counselor—you’d feel comfortable going to if something happened? 
• Do you know how to report something if you or a friend felt unsafe? 

Personal Safety Habits 

• Do you usually walk alone at night, or do you try to stick with friends?
• Have you heard of the Night Nole or FSU Safe Ride when thinking about traveling at night? Have you ever used it? 
• Do you keep your residence hall or apartment door locked, even when you are home? 

Technology and Communication 

• Have you downloaded the myFSU and SeminoleSAFE apps? 
• If something ever felt off or unsafe, who would you reach out to first? 
• Do you have campus emergency contacts saved in your phone? 

Living on Campus 

• Have you met the Adopt-A-COPP, the FSUPD liaison, assigned to your residence hall? 
• Do you make sure to always have your residence hall key on you? 
• Have you registered your personal property with FSUPD in case it is event lost or stolen? 

Social Situations 

• How do you and your friends look out for each other when you go out? 
• Do you feel comfortable setting boundaries in social situations? 
• What’s your go-to plan if a party or gathering ever feels uncomfortable? 

Empowerment and Preparation 

• Have you thought about taking a self-defense class or something similar? 
• What’s something you do that helps you feel more confident or in control when navigating campus life? 

Starting broad 

• What’s something on campus that’s caught your attention lately?
• Have you discovered any clubs, events, or groups that seem interesting?
• What do people on your floor or in your classes usually do for fun or to get involved?

Exploring interests and opportunities

• Are there any organizations or activities that connect with things you already enjoy?
• Have you attended the Involvement Fair or Market Wednesday to learn more about campus organizations?

GEntly Motivating 

• What’s one thing you might try this month just to see if you like it?
• Would it help to go to something with a friend the first time?
• What’s the easiest way to take a first step—following on social media, meeting, or just showing up?

Reflecting and supporting

• What’s been the most fun or meaningful thing you’ve done outside of class so far?
• Is there anything holding you back from getting more involved?
• How can I support you as you figure out what fits best?

Setting expectations early

• How do you think we should stay in touch once you’re on campus?
• What feels like a good balance between staying connected and having your own space?
• Are you more of a text, call, or FaceTime person when you’re busy?

Talking about frequency and timing

• What kind of check-in schedule would feel supportive but not overwhelming?
• Are there certain times of day or days of the week that work best for you?
• How should we handle it if we don’t hear from each other for a while?

Respecting independence and boundaries 

• What does “too much communication” look like to you?
• How can we respect your independence while still being part of your life?
• Are there times when you’d prefer we wait for you to reach out first?

Navigating support and tough moments

• When something stressful comes up, how do you usually like to be supported?
• How will we know if you need help versus just someone to listen?
• What’s the best way for us to check in if we’re concerned about you?

Adjusting as things change

• How should we revisit this if your schedule or needs change?

Coursework & Classes

• What class has been the most interesting to you lately?
• Are there any classes you’re enjoying more (or less) than you expected?
• What’s something new you’ve learned recently that surprised you?
• What’s been the most challenging part of your coursework so far?

Studying & Academic Habits

• Do you feel like your study routine is working, or are you still figuring it out?
• What did a typical study day look like for you this week?
• Where’s your favorite place to study on campus?
• Who do you usually study or work on assignments with?

Faculty & Academic Support

• Have any professors stood out this semester?
• Have you found any helpful resources on campus—like tutoring or study groups?
• Is there anything you wish you had more support with academically?

Goals, Planning & Decision-Making

• What goals are you setting for yourself this semester?
• How are you deciding what classes to take next?
• Do you feel like your major is still a good fit, or are you exploring other interests?

Future Connections

• Do any of your classes connect to what you might want to do after college?
• Have you had a chance to talk with advisors or career services yet?
• Are you thinking about internships, research, or other opportunities?