<p>We will be flying to Orlando later today, 2 full suitcases and 2 carry-ons in tow! Hopefully, that's enough clothes, personal pictures, personal items, etc. for her. We have items on hold waiting for pick-up at Bed Bath & Beyond. I just realized I don't know which Bed Bath & Beyond store in Orlando, so we'll have to call when we get down there! </p>
<p>We located the nearest Best Buy because D's contribution to the dorm is a TV, her roomate will supply a fridge and microwave.</p>
<p>Thinking back a few months ago, D was not thrilled with the idea of starting Summer term, but as the months, days, and now hours away, she CANNOT wait to leave life as she knew it for the last 18 years here and start anew. She met so many wonderful people UCF Facebook and has already agreed to meet up with others for Orientation later this week.</p>
<p>Good luck to everyone who is moving in this weekend! I have an appointment with financial aid tomorrow and Thursday and Friday is orientation. If anyone has any questions, let me know and I will find out!</p>
<p>I apologize in advance for our exceptionally lousy weather right now. LOL Normally, yes it is hot … but we’ve been having a heat index here of 108 the past several days. Please, if you are not used to being out in the heat, and, frankly, even if you are … drink lots and lots of water! And know … even though we’re having end of july and aug weather in June, that Oct-May more than make up for it. Have fun and safe travel! Hopefully your bed bath and beyond is in Waterford, which is also near the closest Best Buy to UCF. There’s another one at the Oviedo Marketplace mall (down Alafaya going north, hit Mitchell Hammock (take a left/west) go to the second light, past the Chili’s and turn right. The mall … not much in terms of stores, but a mall. If you want another great area to shop – not as crazy with students during busy times – get on the 417 going north. Go to Sanford, get off at Rhinehart Road. There’s a Best Buy, supertarget, super wal-mart, and the Seminole Towne Mall with all the outlying stores. Very satisfying when you want or need everything in one area.</p>
<p>JSM - Is your D expecting the Pell Grant for the summer? If so, is it on her financial aid summary yet? Mine has yet to show up. I emailed the financial aid office weeks ago and they said it would be up in a couple of weeks.</p>
<p>Yes, as zebes pointed out, right down the road from UCF is Waterford Lakes Town Center.</p>
<p>OH MY… I just realized yesterday that it is this weekend that my S is moving on campus. I think I am having empty nest syndrome already and he has not even moved out. I know my S is getting anxious as his room and entertainment room is getting a good cleaning by HIM. This is very unusual. In addition he is anxious to get his new clothes back from getting the alterations.</p>
<p>Don’t forget your renter insurance, and if you have a car going as well all the maintenance completed.</p>
<p>fyi: Sunday is the first free meal for them. Lunch BBQ is being put on. And yes the weather is extremely humid and HOT. So take water everywhere you go.</p>
<p>We arrived last night. Before checking into our hotel, we drove the campus. D can’t wait to go back today!</p>
<p>I set up an appointment with financial aid a while ago. We show NOTHING for financial aid for summer. When I spoke to them a few months ago, they said something would show up in May. Then when I called in May they said nothing will show up until she registers for classes. So I figured since I’m here I want to sit down with them and get an answer in person. </p>
<p>Today we will go back to the campus for a meeting with a financial aid advisor. D signed up for early move-in so she will be able to move in today, too. Once we scope out her room, we’ll drive down to Waterford Lakes Mall and hit Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Bath & Body Works and peek in at the new UCF clothes at Victoria’s Secret. I’m sure there will be more stores to hit today, too, like water, snacks, etc., for her dorm.</p>
<p>Tomorrow and Friday are the last days of Summer orientation. D’s roommate moves in Saturday (as most of the summer B students will as well) so we are going to try to move in before the crush on Saturday.</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, are there any outlet malls around? Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m sure there are some outlets over by UCF, but most are on the other side of town by the attractions and International Drive. I-Drive has a HUGE new one called the Prime Outlets, with a massive Victoria’s Secret store as well. If you are planning on getting over to the west side of Orlando and visiting any of the parks, these would be the ones to hit.</p>
<p>No parks on this trip. We left little D at home with hubby. Thanks though, we may have time on Saturday morning to hit the outlets.</p>
<p>If anyone else is arriving tonight, there is a Welcome Bash from 8-9:30pm at the leisure pool where you can meet new students prior to Orientation.</p>
<p>Yeah, as far as outlets, the only ones I know of are off of I-4, heading west, going towards the attractions. Down by wet and wild. And there are a CRAZY lot of them. D’s just discovered the J Crew outlet (never worn anything of theirs before), and she got some great shorts on clearance. </p>
<p>The Prime Outlet (International Drive) is the biggest and has everything the other outlet has that is further south. It is an outdoor mall so be prepared to walk and take water. Victoria Secrets has incredible prices! All up and down Internation Drive just east of Kirkland there are outlet stores. So if you get bored with Prime Outlet just travel up International Drive and everything is on the right side of the road. Once you pass the Kirkland intersection the area becomes the tourist trap. Traffic is horrible on International Drive so just have patiences.</p>
<p>The Prime Outlet is not to far from the FLorida and Millenuim Malls.</p>
<p>Of course all the clothes my S wears are not offerred at the outlet stores. lol.</p>
<p>JSM - If possible could you let me know what financial aid says about summer aid? I emailed them a few days ago and they said that it would be up soon. Soon can really mean anything.</p>
<p>I spoke to them this morning and they said that the federal loans won’t show up until she registers for classes. I wonder if those that have already registered have had their financial aid applied?</p>
<p>I am waiting on the Pell Grant… I won’t be having any loans over the summer. I registered for summer classes June 2 and my financial aid is still not up. All I have is a few scholarships that I received from private donors for summer.</p>
<p>Things I learned today during the financial aid presentation during family orientation:</p>
<p>Any grants, loans, etc. will be applied soon after the add/drop deadline, which is July 2nd. Payment is due by July 10th.</p>
<p>If you need financial aid (loan) for Summer, you need to submit a 2008-2009 FAFSA by June 30. Just a reminder, for Fall, a 2009-2010 FAFSA must be completed.</p>
Have fun and safe travel! Hopefully your bed bath and beyond is in Waterford, which is also near the closest Best Buy to UCF. There’s another one at the Oviedo Marketplace mall (down Alafaya going north, hit Mitchell Hammock (take a left/west) go to the second light, past the Chili’s and turn right. The mall … not much in terms of stores, but a mall. If you want another great area to shop – not as crazy with students during busy times – get on the 417 going north. Go to Sanford, get off at Rhinehart Road. There’s a Best Buy, supertarget, super wal-mart, and the Seminole Towne Mall with all the outlying stores. Very satisfying when you want or need everything in one area.</p>