Parents and Families FAQ

Internships are often shared through faculty, so we encourage students interested in an on-campus job or internship to talk with their professors. Our Office of Career Services can also help connect students with internships and jobs.

Our commencement webpage includes the commencement handbook and party-planning resources for the big day.

You can find information about our Student Health Center on their office webpage.

Florida Southern is residential because we believe living on campus helps students make the transition from home to independence. First-year students live closest to classes, and as they move into upper-level housing, they gain options like kitchens and locations a little farther from the academic core, more independence, with the continued support of resident advisors and community life.

Finals and other important dates are listed on the Academic Calendar.

Final grades are due the Tuesday after finals.

Yes. FSC offers free peer tutoring, writing coaching, and supplemental instruction through Center of Student Success (Buckner Building). Students can also take part in success coaching, academic workshops, and more.

Fall semester bills are available through the FSC Portal in June and charges are due on July 15. Visit the Office of Student Accounts for a full list of payment options.

Yes. A MIDFLORIDA Credit Union ATM is located near the Florida Southern mailroom.

No. Students keep the same mailbox number throughout their time at Florida Southern.

Packages are delivered to the mailroom, and students are notified when a package is ready for pickup. Use the following address to send mail to students:

[Student Name]
[Mailbox #]
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Lakeland, FL 33801

Student and families may use CollegeBoxes to ship items to campus.

Housing information is on the College Housing webpage.

First-year students can move in the Saturday before classes begin. Returning students can move in the Sunday or Monday before classes begin on Tuesday.

Students may begin moving out on the Friday of finals week. Students who are not graduating may remain on campus until the following Thursday at 1 p.m., and graduating students may stay until Sunday at 1 p.m. For details, see Residence Life's move-out procedures.

Students who deposit before April 1 find out their housing assignment on Match Day, June 1. Students who deposit after April 1 find out in July.

Residence Life staff communicate move-out procedures before the end of each semester. Resident advisors provide information and host floor meetings for first-year communities.

Residence Life works with Junior Journey students on a move-out schedule based on their trip.

The following items are not permitted: refrigerators and microwaves (these are provided), toasters, air fryers, hot plates, candles, incense, halogen lamps, string lights, extension cords, weapons of any kind (knives, firearms, explosives), sleeper sofas, glow-in-the-dark stars, peel-and-stick wallpaper, duct tape, and contact paper.

Pillows, linens, personal items, shower shoes, first-aid supplies, a hair dryer, laundry detergent and basket, clothes hangers, a study lamp, desk supplies, a calendar, writing paper, envelopes, stamps, room decor, 3M strips or poster putty for hanging decor, a computer, UL-listed surge protectors with an on/off switch, a crate or shelf for books, a carpet sweeper or broom, cleaning supplies, a small tool kit, a flashlight, an umbrella, snacks, a can opener, flatware, cups, plates, bowls, and business attire for classroom presentations.

Use high-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent. No quarters needed, the machines are free.

No. All Florida Southern students go through the same housing selection process.

Bed heights are adjustable, and students can fit a dresser or even a desk underneath if the bed is raised enough. Bunking pins are available from the Office of Residence Life.

We have both. Residence halls are either split by gender or co-ed with gender-specific floors.

Residence halls are closed during breaks when the College is closed. See our Break Housing Schedules page for details.

Each student's room includes a bed, desk, chair, dresser, and closet or wardrobe. On-campus rooms have a MicroFridge for students to share, and window blinds are provided.

First-year students submit a housing preference form when they deposit. Returning students choose on a specified date in the spring based on their housing number.

Living in a shared space has its challenges, and being fair, honest, and considerate goes a long way. If a concern comes up, students should talk with their roommate first and, if needed, bring it to their resident advisor (RA).

Yes. Videos of the first-year residence halls are on the College Housing webpage.

No. First-year students are required to have the 20-meal plan. Visit Dining Services for details about meal plans and dining options.

Students can view their remaining meal plan balance by logging in to the FSC Portal.

Dining options for students staying on campus over break are communicated before each break.

Lakeland is a safe, welcoming community. Florida Southern's Office of Campus Safety and Security also serves the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Department of Safety and Security is a full-service law enforcement agency serving the campus community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Safety escorts are available at all times, and students have access to the no-cost Omnilert safety app.

Parents and students can enroll in a text notification service that shares emergency situations and weather cancellations.

Yes. You can apply for a parking permit on the FSC Portal, under the New Students tab.

Yes. Learn more about Airport Shuttle Services. Students can register for a shuttle ride through the FSC Portal

Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Shuttle to Shop leaves Circle Drive (outside the Undercaf) at the top of every hour. It can take students to places like Target, Publix, Walmart, and Lakeside Village (home to retail, restaurants, and a movie theater).