Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions & Helpful Relocation
Information for Admitted Students
The following Q&A’s and tips were taken from the Housing Chat transcripts held on April 16, 2009. The Student Recruiting Office is hosting another Housing and Roommate chat on June 16, 2009 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, EST.
Transportation Questions
Do you need a car to commute in Miami? Public transportation is limited therefore a car is helpful but not required. If you do not own a car, we have Zip Cars available on campus for instances where you might need one.
Zip Car – Click here for more information: http://www.zipcar.com/umiami/
Public transportation – Limited but available. There are buses, a Metrorail, and campus shuttle. Check the link for Miami-Dade transit information:
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/
How long is the Metrorail ride to campus? From downtown and Brickell it is about a 15 minute ride. The campus stop is called University and you can take a shuttle from that stop to the law school which takes about 10 minutes.
Biking – Some law students ride their bikes and there are designated areas to park bicycles on campus.
Is it safe to travel by bike in the area surrounding campus? Yes, however caution and common sense should be taken into consideration at certain times of the night.
Are there designated biking paths/lanes on street?
Most areas do not have bike lanes; therefore, you must use caution especially at night to avoid cars.
University Shuttle – There is on-campus shuttle service that runs frequently throughout campus. For detailed stop information please visit http://www6.miami.edu/parking/shuttle/
Parking – To park on campus, you must buy a parking pass. You can buy a discounted pass for $226 which limits areas where you can park, or you can buy a pass of $444 which allows you to park in most areas of campus. For more information, please visit http://www6.miami.edu/umbulletin/info/pay/park.htm
Can motorcycles be parked on campus? There are designated parking spots for motorcycles on campus. You must purchase a motorcycle parking pass. Annual passes are $88 and summer passes are $22. Always wear a helmet and use precaution when riding a motorcycle.
Near Campus Q&A’s
South Miami
Coconut Grove
Coral Gables
Miracle Mile
KENDALL
Brickell
Downtown
Miami Beach
*Check the apartment & Relocation guide for a listing of apartments, prices and proximity to campus: http://www.law.miami.edu/admitted/pdf/2009%20Relocation%20and%20Apartment%20Guide.pdf
How far is campus from the beach?
Approximately 14 miles – 30 minute drive
Grocery Shopping
El Presidente
Publix
Sedanos
Whole Foods
Winn Dixie
Furniture
Craigslist.org
Goodwill Superstore
Ikea
Rent a Center
Same Day Delivery – El Dorado, Rooms To Go
Parks in the vicinity
Coconut Grove Park
Key Biscayne
Mattheson Hammock Park
Tropical Park
GENERAL HOUSING Q&A’s
On-Campus Housing
On –campus housing is no longer available for law students.
Moving - How & Where to find housing
Online searches
Realtors – A number of realtors are listed in the Housing Guide
Roommate Referral – To be added to the roommate referral list you must complete the following form: http://www.law.miami.edu/admitted/rrform.php
The list is sent out to participants every 3-4 weeks beginning the first week of May until end of July. This list is restricted to enrolling or current law students.
Message Board – http://messageboard.chatuniversity.com/law_miami/
When to start looking for housing and roommate?
Realtors recommend you begin your search 30-45 days prior to your desired move-in date. Mid-June – July is a good time to start your search.
Type of housing available near campus
Apartments - Yes
Houses – Yes, but most students live in apartments.
Cottage/Room/Guest House/Studio – Yes, these are most often found driving around, on Craigslit.org, listings on the Law School’s bulletin boards or on the Admitted Student Message Board.
Is July too late to look for a place or roommate? No
Is it typical for a law student to move more than once during 3yrs? Some law students move after their first year while others stay put throughout the 3 years.
If arriving in June, how many days should I need to stay to find a place?
It could take a week or more or only a day or two. It really depends on your specifications and budget. If your time to find a place is limited, it is suggested that you use a realtor, who will not charge you a fee. Some realtors are listed in the Housing Guide.
Do 3L’s post their apartments to sublease on message board?
Yes - http://messageboard.chatuniversity.com/law_miami/
Is parking included in most rentals? Yes but not all.
Do landlords charge for parking? Not very common unless you need an extra spot.
Washer/Dryer in units? Yes, most places will have w/d in units or on each floor of an apartment complex
Are most places pet-friendly?
Yes, especially pets under 25lbs
Some apartments may require an additional deposit for pets.
Required for move-in
Not all of these are required but some places may ask for one or all of the following:
Approval based on credit
Bank Statement
Financial Aid Award letter
First month, last month, and a Security Deposit
REALTORS
Do licensed realtors charge for finding you a place? No.
What I’m interested in purchasing a home? We recommend that you contact a realtor from our housing guide directly for this information.
Can a realtor negotiate rental price? In some cases, realtors may be able to negotiate the price from private owners but you would have to contact a realtor and discuss with them directly.
Do you have any realtors that you recommend?
Yes, please see Page 3 on the Apartment & Relocation Guide: http://www.law.miami.edu/admitted/pdf/2009%20Relocation%20and%20Apartment%20Guide.pdf
Budgeting
Utilities
$200-$300 average
When to expect financial aid refund disbursements?
First day of classes
Can my apartment deposit be paid with financial aid? Not unless you plan to move after classes begin as your funds will not be disbursed to you prior to this. We strongly advise you to budget moving expenses before you receive your financial aid refund.
Reasonable budget for housing for the year - $10,000
Realistic cost of books? $600-$700/semester – Used books are strongly recommended
Cost of gym membership?
Outside gym memberships average costs about $30-$50/ month
Wellness Center is included in Law School fees - http://www.miami.edu/portal/site/wellness-department-site/
OTHER HELPFUL Q&A’s:
When to register -
Your first year classes are registered for you by the registrar’s office. You will get your class schedule during Orientation beginning August 11th.
When is the 1st day of classes?
August 10 (Monday) HOPE Day of Service STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
August 11-13 (Tuesday-Thursday) Mandatory Orientation
August 14 (Friday) Legal Research & Writing Begins
August 17 (Monday) Classes Begin
What is the 1st tuition payment due date?
First tuition bill is sent in June and first payment is due July 31st if you will not be using federal duns to cover tuition and will be using the payment plan.
Library hours:
Check here for library hours: http://www.law.miami.edu/library/hours.php
TIPS FROM CURRENT LAW STUDENTS
Housing Tips:
You will be spending most of your time on campus studying; therefore, don’t make too big of an investment on securing a spectacular place.
Try to keep a 5 mile rule when it comes to traffic.
Popular apartments that 1L’s recommend:
The Cloisters - Within walking distance
Red Road Commons – Brand New! Within walking distance
University Inn– Within walking distance
Online Search Tips:
Use precaution; see Page 4 – Tips on Avoiding Rental Scams in the Apartment and Relocation Guide - http://www.law.miami.edu/admitted/pdf/2009%20Relocation%20and%20Apartment%20Guide.pdf)
Law students recommend these sites:
Craigslist.org
Condos.com
Apartments.com
Budget Tips:
Live like a law student, not like a lawyer.
You should budget $8-$9k/semester for living expenses
Use the Book Exchange:
http://www.law.miami.edu/studentorg/sba_bookexchange.php?op=7
Transportation Tips:
Metrorail’s last run is at 11pm – Check the site for more information:
Fare: $1.25 per person; station parking: $2 (Mon-Fri); Free (Sat-Sun)
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/
Useful Links & Resources:
Academic Calendar 2009 – 2010:
http://www.law.miami.edu/calendar/academic/2009-2010/index.html
Admitted Student’s Website:
http://www.law.miami.edu/admitted/
Apartment & Relocation Guide: http://www.law.miami.edu/admitted/pdf/2009%20Relocation%20and%20Apartment%20Guide.pdf
Housing Page On FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30313145&id=83100076#/group.php?gid=72371499880
Law Library:
http://www.law.miami.edu/library/
Message Board:
http://messageboard.chatuniversity.com/law_miami/
On Campus Parking:
http://www6.miami.edu/umbulletin/info/pay/park.htm
Orientation Calendar:
http://www.law.miami.edu/admitted/pdf/2009%20Orientation%20Tentative%20Calendar.pdf
Public Transportation:
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/home.asp
Post Office – On Campus: http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/0,1770,2392-1;24584-2;1576-3,00.html
Roommate Referral Form:
http://www.law.miami.edu/admitted/rrform.php
University Shuttle:
http://www6.miami.edu/parking/shuttle/
Zip Car:
http://www.zipcar.com/umiami/
