Moving to Miami from somewhere else can be a bit of a shock as Miami really isn’t like any other city. There are, however, things that you can do to ease the transition. Many students visit Miami before moving. This helps them decide where to live, and gives them more of a feel for their future city. If you are not able to visit beforehand, below are some helpful reading materials to help you get acquainted with your new home.
Guide Books
- Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys (Regional Travel Guide) by Adam Karlin, 2012
- Frommer’s South Florida: With the Best of Miami and the Keys by Lesley Abravanel, 2012
- Time Out Miami and the Florida Keys (Time Out Guides), 2013
- Miami Architecture: An AIA Guide Featuring Downtown, the Beaches, and Coconut Grove by Allan T. Shulman, Randall C. Robinson Jr., and James F. Donnelly, 2010
- Michelin Miami and the Keys (Like a Local) by Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
- AAA Tourbook South Florida by American Automobile Association (free for AAA members)
MOVING AND SHIPPING
As you start to plan your move to Miami, you will likely have many personal items to bring with you. Here are some moving and storage options:
Moving Containers
Great options if you have a moderate amount of belongings. Anything and everything that fits in the box, ships for one price. Generally they deliver the box, you pack and load it, and they pick it up and ship it you.
Door-to-Door, (888) 366-7222
Mayflower Portable Storage & Moving Containers, (877) 670-6061
U-Box, (800) 468-4285
Self-Storage & Moving Trucks
U-Haul, (800) 468-4285
Local Movers
Good place to start is Yelp, but here’s a company that a student used and liked:
Pierre Byers Moving Company, (954) 494-2664
Car Transport
Direct Express Auto Transport, (800) 600-3750
Shipping Companies
This is just a small selection of shipping companies that operate in Miami. You’ll want to research your options and make sure the company provides the service you need.
Amtrak Express Shipping, (800) 368-TRAK – A freight shipping service
DHL, FedEx, and UPS
United States Postal Service (Media Mail) – Good for shipping books
Major Van Lines
Allied, (855) 556-3451
Mayflower, (877) 720-4066
North American, (855) 556-3450
WHERE TO STAY UPON ARRIVAL
If you have no one to stay with or have not been able to make housing arrangements before you arrive, here is a link to a list of hotels that the University of Miami has negotiated a discount rate with.
Local Hotels
Airbnb is a community marketplace for people to list and book local accommodations. You’ll find options to rent a full house or apartment, or maybe just a guest room.
